Wet Elk – Don’t be Afraid of the Rain!

I traveled to the beautiful mountains of Elk County after making sure that Hurricane Sandy didn’t do any damage around our home. My departure was only delayed a day and a half due to the hurricane. The forecast didn’t look promising, but I ventured out anyway. I was blessed with one of the best elk photography trips and I didn’t mind getting a little wet. Elk were everywhere, I’m assuming since the worst of the storm already passed. The conditions were excellent for wet elk photography!

You can see some of the rain drops in most of these photographs when you click on and enlarge the photographs. I think it makes a cool effect. I also like the detail of the wet fur that comes out in these photographs. Many photographers prefer fair or sunny weather. Snow and rain can potentially damage our electronic camera gear, too, so many wildlife photographers simply don’t venture out into the wild on rainy or snowy days. I think this is a big mistake. The Nikon gear that I own is weather sealed. The manufacturer says so, but I’ve also tested this out in some severe conditions on my own. Recently, I had to walk about a mile in a heavy rain with my tripod, camera, and lens riding over my shoulder. Everything was soaked when I got back to camp! I dabbed the excess water off my gear with a towel and then allowed it to all dry out slowly. The result was some interesting and different photographs and gear that was ready and workable without any damage.

This photo (above) is a case in point of what I’m talking about with the wet weather wildlife. Just look at the detail in the forehead of this cow? You can also see the raindrops come down alongside her. And the fact that she has a mouthful of nature-food adds some action to this photograph. Rainy weather does require wide open apertures and oftentimes higher ISOs. Some photos will be unusable, but the effort is definitely worth it to me!

Don’t let a little rain hinder your spirit. Grab your camera gear and get out there anyway! Wear good, warm rain gear and you’ll be able to stay out longer. After all, the wildlife do not seem to mind the wet weather and they present perfect subjects if you take the time and energy to be out there with them!

Be Weather Resilient

Tonight it is raining here where I live and I was hoping to get out with my camera tomorrow. After all, the mild temperatures earlier today certainly enticed me to think about engaging in wildlife photography. But what about the rain?

Well, these three photographs in this blog entry were all taken in foul weather, or should that be fowl weather? You know what I mean, weather suited more for a duck than a human! Fog, rain, and cold drive many photographers back inside where they can avoid the elements. Warning: Don’t do this! Inclement weather can produce some amazing and beautiful photographs!

Yes, the weather can be a pain sometimes, but if you stick it out, chances are quite good that you can capture a unique photograph. The next time the weather threatens your photo outing, stick it out. Brave the elements and let the creative juices flow. You can protect your camera and lens in a number of ways. The least expensive way, and one that I’ve used on numerous occasions, is to simply use a plastic grocery bag over your gear.

Don’t let the weather dictate your photography. By being willing to brave the elements you will capture more photographs and quite possibly create an incredible and even outstanding photo while others are relaxing in the warmth of their home or cabin. Be brave. Be courageous. Be weather resilient!

 

Stay Out in the Rain

The last week of September in elk country was rainy. In fact, it rained every day I was there!

A photographer has to decide what to do when it rains. Should we wait it out, keeping our equipment dry, and wait for the weather to break? Or, should we tough it out and go out in the rain anyway? Will our equipment get ruined in the rain? Can we withstand the discomfort of the rain long enough to capture any usable photographs? What do you do when it rains?

I love the outdoors and have a lot of experience weathering the storms. I spent a lot of time hiking, backpacking, and rock climbing over the years. I’ve even dabbled in mountaineering on two 17,000+ feet mountains. Changing weather is part of the experience in nature and I’ve learned that we can endure even some extreme weather if we are well-prepared, have the right equipment, and allow our minds to catch up with our spirits! I had a football coach tell us that our bodies will do far more than our minds will allow. I believe this is true. Some of the problems in society today are due to us listening too much to our minds and all the negative thoughts instead of just following our more daring spirits and toughing it out!

So two weeks ago I was faced with a dilemma: photograph in the rain or stay inside to hope and  wait for better conditions. I actually did a little of both over the week, but I am so glad I also ventured out into the rainstorms. I even got caught in a downpour on a hike when I was two miles from my cabin. I didn’t mind though because I had packed my rain jacket and a plastic bag to protect my camera. A little rain wasn’t going to melt me, so why sit inside all day? Besides, I would never have captured some of the photographs had I stayed inside hoping for better conditions!

This photograph of a 6×6 bull was taken in less than ideal weather conditions. The sun was not shining, the fog was moving in an out, and the rain was lightly falling. But I like this photograph. Somehow the big bull appears to stand out from the background and the viewer can see the wet fur, which seems to add to the aura of this photo.

Lesson learned! The next time it rains, instead of complaining, I will take my camera out anyway. Besides, my camera and my body are much tougher than my mind sometimes thinks!

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

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.

What a Week!

There is no place like the mountains, especially when the rut is in! I love Elk County, Pennsylvania and just spent the last week there. It was nothing short of awesome!

Unfortunately, we had quite a bit of rain which tried to put a damper on things, but it didn’t work. Being with friends and fellow photographers and photographing the elk even in the rain made the week an exciting experience. I  had a blast and cannot wait to be back on the elk range again.

My friend and photographer, Dick McCreight, and I led our fifth Pennsylvania Elk Photography Experience and we sure saw a lot of elk throughout the week. Even when it did rain we still saw elk. In fact, they seemed much less bothered by the precipitation than we did. I find it amazing how well these beautiful creatures weather the storms literally! God made them special to be sure!

Here is one photograph of a bull elk standing the rain. It is a close-up shot of his face and antlers. You can see how wet he is from the rain but he was not bothered by it in the least. It all reminds me that many of us complain and complain to no avail. Life is what we make it. These elk live each day in both sunshine and rain, and so should we! Let it rain because it sure doesn’t seem to bother the elk!