Portrait of a Mountain Goat Kid

As I was watching a nanny mountain goat climb up and down the steep cliffs on the edge of Montana's Glacier National Park, this kid snuck up on me. He was taking a different route up the cliff side than his mom, and I was in the way. We both saw each other at the same time and a short staring competition before I slowly drew my camera on him and starting snapping.

Out of the series, this one is by far my favorite. The lighting was favorable and everything just turned out right. And let's be serious, who doesn't love babies!

comments (3)

Ferdy Christant

Lion

It is gorgeous, Travis! As you say, the light is perfect showing every possible highlight and shadow in a single image. At the same time it is highly detailed yet also very soft. Posted 10 years ago
1. travismorhardt
  
  Lion
  
  Thanks for the kind words, Ferdy! :) I have to admit, I did play with the light to further bring out the shadow against the white hair and the to show the nappy hair better. And such an honor to have it added to the ultimate list! Posted 10 years ago
2. 1. Ferdy Christant
    
    Lion
    
    There's no need to admit to such light tweaks, really. Cameras have a much more limited dynamic range than a human eye has, therefore you are only making it more natural and true to nature. Posted 10 years ago

The Mountain Goat

The mountain goat, also known as the Rocky Mountain goat, is a large-hoofed mammal found only in North America. Despite its vernacular name, it is not a member of "Capra", the genus that includes the wild goat, "Capra aegagrus", from which the domestic goat is derived. A subalpine to alpine species, it is a sure-footed climber commonly seen on cliffs and ice.

Info 16 0

Similar species: Even-toed Ungulates

Species identified by travismorhardt