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A panoramic fine art wildlife photograph of a massive American bison trekking through a deep winter snowpack. The high-detail composition captures the thick, dark fur and powerful profile of the bison in mid-stride, set against a minimalist, high-key white background that emphasizes the animal's strength and isolation in the elements.
A trendy living room has a photograph of Bison Trek on the wall

Bison Trek

Bison Trek showcases the power and magnificence of a solitary bison facing Yellowstone National Park’s brutal winters head on. And in so doing, inspires us in our challenges.

Photographer’s note: This piece is truly remarkable, and makes a statement. I’ve found that it shows best in one of two sizes. The first is a stunning 20″x40″ finished aluminum with dark pewter sides. At this size and presentation, it absolutely commands attention, and the size works exceptionally well. The second is a 10″x20″ float mount aluminum. Although considerably smaller, it still carries an impact, especially in smaller spaces.

I have also produced this piece by special order in a white-washed barn wood which is truly a statement.

Story

Winter in Yellowstone National Park is not for the faint of heart. Those who can, migrate or hibernate to avoid the grueling days. Bison, however, have all the preparations they need for winter and face it head-on with fierce determination. Bison Trek showcases one such bison as she moves across the frozen landscape searching for more grasses buried under the snow.

Winter is a stark contrast to the idyllic days of summer in Yellowstone. Instead of lush, verdant fields of easy forage, the animals discover and uncover each meal from the deep snow. The bison sweep the snow using their thick necks, patch by patch, hoping to uncover more grasses. They forage for a while in one place, then move on, repeating the cycle throughout the winter.

Despite this, though, there is something serene and majestic about photographs showing the mighty bison in the snow. Perhaps, their strength and determination inspires us. Or, perhaps the bison’s fortitude resonates deep within us.

In any event, Bison Trek showcases Yellowstone’s incomparable bison conquering the unrelenting winter.

Behind the photograph

This piece moves me deeply, and I count it among my all-time favorites. It is challenging to be out in the bitter cold for most of the day, all the while staying alert for opportunity. Even the mundane, such as keeping my lens clear and frost-free takes on a new dimension.

The effort to create it makes it special, but the subject matters even more. For me, it exemplifies the essence of Yellowstone. It is a deeply individual struggle for survival, balanced with the constant need to move forward. The moving bison upped the difficulty of the photograph, for now I had to adjust to an ever-changing background while moving myself.

As my adventure shows, danger and difficulty marked the journey at times, but the result was worth it.

I think, too, it resonates with me because the bison is absolutely determined to go forward. Just as I was equally determined to create the piece.

More winter in Yellowstone

Read the full story behind the journey and see more winter adventures in Yellowstone.

Additional information

Dimensions N/A
Finish

Matted Photograph, Finished Aluminum
Size

10×20, 20×40, 5×10, 15×30

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