?Getting out into the field is probably my favorite part of being an artist. One of the best places to see elk, in my opinion, is Moraine Park in Rocky Mountain National Park during October. This time of the year the elk are in rut, 'the dating season,' and there is tons of activity.

To capture references, you have to wake up early and get into the park before the sun is over the tops of the mountains. This is when the elk start to move around, coming out of the tree line moving toward the water in the valley. On this particular morning, I situated myself by a large boulder, hoping the elk would wander close by. It was snowing lightly, which tapered off just as the sun started to peak over the tops of the mountains, when I spotted a herd of elk emerging from the tree line. Jackpot! What I didn't bank on was the slow process of them moving down the side of the hill where I was patiently perched. At the end of the hour-plus photo shoot, I walked to my car and had the hardest time opening the door because my hands were so cold. Next time, I will bring hand warmers!