A Misty Morning with the Elk of Rocky Mountain National Park
Some mornings stay with you long after you put the camera away.
In mid-September 2022, after filming a wedding in Winter Park, I took the route home through Rocky Mountain National Park over Trail Ridge Road. The first fall colors were starting to show, and the sound of elk bugling through the valleys gave me a reason to stop and spend some time filming. I began just before sunrise, capturing wide views of the landscape as low clouds and mist drifted through the valley. The cooler weather, changing colors, and calls echoing across the open space made it a morning worth slowing down for.
As the morning unfolded, my attention shifted to one big bull elk. I watched him move back and forth, gathering his harem of cows and keeping them together. Between his bugles, his movements, and the mist surrounding him, I was completely absorbed in what was happening in front of me.
I’ve photographed many elk before and since, but this day still stands out. The weather, atmosphere, and elk activity came together in one of the most memorable mornings I’ve had the chance to capture—so far! It opened my eyes to the beauty of these majestic creatures and deepened my love for wildlife filmmaking and photography.
The film above brings together some of my favorite moments from that morning and I have a limited edition fine art print of this beautiful bull available below.
