Category Archives: Elk County

Bull Elk Portrait

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I just love photographing the elk here in Pennsylvania. No matter how many times I get out in a given year, I still cannot wait to head to the mountains of Elk County to do it all over again. One would think that after so many years of photographing the elk there wouldn’t be any more shots to get. Nothing could be further from the truth! First of all, there are always new elk making their impressions on the scene. Secondly, elk are as unpredictable as any other wildlife species, so I sometimes see things I’ve never photographed before and these are now on my list. The possibilities are just endless!

My favorite photographs are typically the action shots. Photographs of two bulls locking antlers, elk crossing the creek, or two cows boxing  are just a few of these types of action shots. My second favorite photograph of the elk are what I call portraits. They depict the elk in their natural habitat and show a pose of the elk. I try to get a highlight or catch-light in the eye closest to the camera and try my best to portray the elk as best as possible.

Here is one such elk portrait in today’s post. Do you think I captured a decent portrait of this bull elk?

Dangerous Crossing?

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Back in September I watched excitedly as a small herd of elk crossed the creek. The water wasn’t all that high, but it wasn’t shallow either. The cows went across first and carefully made their way to the other side. In the midst of their crossing, I saw this little calf making its way across the creek, too. Then I wondered, how dangerous is this crossing for the elk, especially for the calves?

We humans take many things for granted–bridges, for example. There aren’t too many times when we have to ford a stream or creek these days. Perhaps the elk’s four legs help them manage the slippery rocks better than our two legs, but I am sure it is still somewhat precarious for them. I could tell that the elk were methodical as they gently stepped into the water and then slowly made their way across the stream. None of them fell or even stumbled. Then the bull followed and made his way across, bringing up the rear.

But my interest was with the smallest of the elk–the calf. It made its way across successfully but this photograph shows just how high the water was for this little calf.

Exposure Might Depend on Main Subject

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Getting exposure right in the camera is important to me. I aim to get the best exposed photograph on site rather than just grabbing a shot willy nilly and then correcting it in software. I suppose this goes back to my film days when capturing the correct exposure was absolutely necessary with the camera. Sometimes I miss those days, but that’s another story for another time.

Capturing the correct exposure not only makes our work easier in post-processing, but it shows that we know how to use our camera, too. Some photographers are so good at seeing the light that they can predict with incredible accuracy which f-stop and shutter speed to use! I am not that good most of the time, but I do know how to use my cameras exposure meter to get it right. Still, there are times when proper exposure is not so cut and dry or as easy as we’d like to make it.

Take for example this photo of a bull elk I captured on a recent trip to Elk County. It was a rainy morning and my main focus was photographing the elk of Pennsylvania. I didn’t notice it until I got home, but this shot showed the drops of rain on the trees in an incredible way. The droplets of rain which formed on the end of the branches produced  a spectacle of light behind the bull elk. It was neat!

However, the elk was took dark. When I slightly corrected the exposure the bull looked better but it appeared to me that the droplets of rain were not as clear or pronounced. I guess it may be because the main subject now properly exposed caused the whole photograph to be somewhat lighter. This appeared to shift the focus of the photograph off the droplets of rain and onto the bull elk. This is normally exactly what I want since I am a wildlife photographer, but I was torn on this image because of the change in look it created. Perhaps the proper exposure does depend on what we want the main subject to be in an image. Here the two different exposures of this photo. Which one do you like best?

The Bull Known as 8A

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I guess I am a purist of sorts. Perhaps it was the education I received at Temple University when I earned my communications degree back in 1987. I like my photography to depict real-life situations and tell the story exactly as it was seen by me. For example, I never use Photoshop to remove a collar from an elk. I know some photographers who do this extremely well and they are definitely better in Photoshop than I. And I don’t knock them for what they do, I just prefer a different route in my own photography I guess. To me there is no right or wrong here–just a preference, and I prefer to keep my photos as they were captured. I do some crop some of my photos once in a while, but to me this is a little different from removing part of an image that is seen as the main subject. Go ahead and call me a purist and I promise not to knock you for removing a collar in Photoshop.

Those of us who photograph the Pennsylvania Elk see these collars often. They are radio transmitters used by the Pennsylvania Game Commission to assist in tracking the elk herd. This research tool is quite helpful I am sure, but as a photographer, I prefer to see elk without the big yellow or brown collars attached to their necks. Again, I am a purist. However, the collars some elk wear are part of the elk story and culture on Winslow Hill. So documenting and even photographing them makes sense to me even though I usually prefer to show only those elk without collars.

So yesterday, when I saw a blog entry by my photo friend, Brad Myers, and a comment by Coy Hill; I did a little digging. Brad and Coy were discussing the 8A bull, which is a beautiful bull this year! He garnered a lot of attention during the rut. I went back through my photographs and found these photos of the bull known as 8A, since that is the description on his yellow collar. I am kind of embarrassed that I did not post any photos of this bull earlier. And I most likely would not have posted any photos of  him without the prompting of Brad’s and Coy’s blog conversation. I hope these photos help tell a little more of the Pennsylvania Elk story and help to show just what a magnificent bull is 8A!

Understanding Progressive Jackpot Slots: How They Work and Strategies to Win Big in 2024

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Progressive jackpot slots are among the most thrilling games in the online casino world, offering players the chance to win life-changing sums of money. These slots work differently from regular games, with jackpots that continue to grow until someone wins. In this article, we’ll break down how progressive jackpot slots work, explore trends in massive jackpot pools in 2024, and offer tips on how to maximize your chances of hitting that big win.
How Progressive Jackpot Slots Work in situs slot online 77

Discover a wide range of gaming options, generous bonuses, and the convenience of flexible access only at slot online. Unlike standard slots that offer fixed payouts, progressive jackpot slots feature a jackpot that increases every time a player makes a bet. A small percentage of each wager contributes to the jackpot pool, allowing it to grow over time. Here’s a closer look at how they operate:

Networked Jackpots: Progressive slots can be linked across multiple casinos, creating a network that feeds into a single jackpot. This is why these jackpots can reach astronomical amounts. Games like Mega Moolah and Hall of Gods are famous for their multi-million-dollar payouts, made possible by contributions from players worldwide.

Standalone Jackpots: Not all progressive jackpots are networked. Some are tied to individual machines or specific casinos, meaning the jackpot grows only from bets placed on that particular slot. While these jackpots are usually smaller, they can still reach impressive sums and may be easier to win than the massive networked jackpots.

Triggering the Jackpot: In most progressive slots, the jackpot is triggered randomly, but certain games require players to land specific symbol combinations or enter a bonus round. The method for triggering the jackpot varies depending on the slot, so it’s crucial to understand the mechanics of the game you’re playing.

Trends in Progressive Jackpot Pools in 2024

The popularity of progressive jackpot slots on 카지노사이트 has surged in 2024, and with more players participating, the pool sizes are reaching unprecedented levels. Here are some trends shaping the progressive jackpot landscape this year:

Record-Breaking Jackpots: With an increasing number of online casinos and players, progressive jackpots are climbing to new heights. In 2024, we’ve seen multiple record-breaking wins, with games like Mega Fortune and Divine Fortune awarding players with life-changing amounts exceeding $20 million.

More Frequent Mega Payouts: As the player base grows, progressive jackpots are being hit more frequently. Despite the occasional massive win, pools are filling up quickly again, thanks to the sheer volume of bets contributing to the prize. This means that players have more opportunities to win substantial amounts even after a jackpot has been won.

Diverse Progressive Games: While traditional progressive slots remain popular, 2024 has also seen the rise of innovative jackpot games that feature new mechanics, such as must-drop jackpots that are guaranteed to pay out before reaching a certain limit. These variations offer players new ways to engage with progressive slots while still chasing those big payouts.

Tips for Maximizing Your Chances of Winning

Winning a progressive jackpot is largely a matter of luck, but there are strategic approaches you can take to increase your chances. Here’s how to maximize your opportunity to win big:

Choose the Right Progressive Slot
Not all progressive slots are created equal. Some have higher jackpot potential, while others may offer more frequent payouts. Here’s how to choose the right one for you:
Look at the Jackpot Size: If you’re aiming for a massive win, opt for a game with a large jackpot. However, keep in mind that larger jackpots are often more challenging to win, so balance your desire for a big payout with the odds of winning.
Check the RTP (Return to Player): The RTP of a slot gives you an idea of how much the game pays out over time. While progressive slots generally have lower RTPs due to the jackpot contribution, choosing a game with a decent RTP can help you stretch your bankroll while chasing the jackpot.
Consider the Game’s Popularity: More popular games often have faster-growing jackpots, but they also come with more competition. Weigh whether you want to compete for a massive pool or target a less popular game with potentially better odds of winning.

Bet Max When Necessary
In many progressive slots, you must bet the maximum amount to qualify for the jackpot. This is especially true for networked progressives where the jackpot only triggers when playing the maximum bet.
Read the Game Rules: Before playing, always check the rules to see if betting max is required to trigger the jackpot. In some cases, you may still win big with smaller bets, but the progressive jackpot will only be available to max bet players.
Set a Budget for Max Bets: If you’re playing a slot that requires max bets for the jackpot, plan your budget accordingly. Consider starting with smaller bets to build up your bankroll and then gradually increase to max bets when you feel ready to chase the jackpot.

Play When Jackpots Are High
While progressive jackpots can be won at any time, playing when the jackpot is high can be a strategic move. Here’s why:
Higher Return on Investment: When a jackpot has reached a significant size, the potential return on your investment increases. Playing during these periods can give you a better chance of landing a massive payout for your bet. You may also want to Invest in Bitcoin, as it offers potential for growth and could complement your financial strategy.
More Excitement and Engagement: Chasing a large jackpot adds an extra layer of excitement to the gameplay. Many players find that the thrill of potentially winning a life-changing amount makes the experience even more enjoyable.

Be Patient and Persistent
Winning a progressive jackpot is no easy feat, and it requires patience and persistence. The key is to manage your bankroll wisely and stay committed to your strategy without letting emotions take over.
Set Limits: Determine how much you’re willing to spend on chasing the jackpot, and stick to that limit. Don’t let the lure of a massive win tempt you into overspending or chasing losses.
Keep Playing Regularly: Progressive jackpots are often won by players who stay consistent with their gameplay. By regularly playing the games you’re targeting, you increase your chances of being in the right place at the right time when the jackpot drops.

Conclusion

Progressive jackpot slots offer some of the most exciting opportunities in the online casino world, with the potential for life-changing wins. In 2024, the jackpot pools are bigger than ever, and more players are chasing these massive payouts. By choosing the right progressive slot, betting max when necessary, and staying patient, you can maximize your chances of hitting it big. While luck ultimately plays a major role in winning, a strategic approach can make all the difference in your progressive slot experience.