Scott Reynolds fine art photography

Plaza Showing - Interactive

  • Plaza Art Fair 2020Storefront Showing - Interactive Webpage Optimized for smart phonesPlease scroll down to read the story behind the photographs on display, price tags, some behind the scenes imagery and information about the printing method.
  • plaza-showing---bison-in-snow
  • plaza-showing---bison-in-snow---two
  • I captured both of these photographs at the Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve in the Flint Hills of Kansas on separate visits. The preserve is a window into what the great plains were once like, and hosts a herd of over 100 bison. I deliberately photograph the bison during snow storms as it helps me appreciate the way they handle environmental extremes with stoicism, and winter allows me to showcase their full coats before any shedding occurs in warmer weather. Hiking into the preserve and finding the herd roaming freely is always a bit surreal, as they are an intimidating presence to encounter. Time seems to slow down on shoot days as I follow their grazing patterns through the Windmill Pasture during snowfall.The presence of bison on the preserve increases biodiversity due to their grazing and activity. Wallowing is the act of laying on its back and rolling to each side which helps defend against biting insects and can at times be seen as social behavior. This creates depressions that become mini-wetlands that nurture plants and small animals. Different bird species also find food at the bottom of wallows and shelter in the varied grass lengths left behind by trampling and grazing. Foraging naturally aerates the soil and disperses seeds due to their hooves and weight, allowing for native grasses and plants to thrive. The ripple effect of the bison’s impact is immense.Many native American tribes revered this animal as a spiritual being as it was a key part of their culture and spirit. The history is painful, but the bison is currently a modern conservation success story whose environmental benefits and impact are vital. The bison has carved out an important role in the discussion of land use in the American West and I hope to bring to you photographs that relay the inherent beauty and inspiring nature of these animals.
  • These photograph prints are on brushed aluminum; they’re printed directly to the surface with archival quality pigment inks that are cured with UV light. In skipping the use of bright white inks, it allows the raw material to show through which gives the reflective shine in highlight(bright white) areas. I attach wood block float mounts and a wire hanger allow for a distraction-free, modern look without needing a frame.
  • Here's how I get the prints to exhibit as a true float mount, thanks for watching.
  • January 2020 - Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve, Kansas(after the snowfall subsided)
  • A glimpse into what a shoot day is like.
  • The trek into the Preserve builds anticipation for seeing the herd.
  • Noted.. bring a long lens and stay back.
  • Frozen Tallgrass; If you're from the midwest, you know how an ice storm feels. It's hard to believe the bison can weather it all.
  • The freezing rain melted on my goggles.
  • It's always a thrill to find them.
  • I often have to follow them for long periods of time to get to a more photogenic space. It's all part of the process.
  • The cold makes it challenging, but I can't complain, there's no shelter come nightfall for them.Per the National Park Service: {quote}How do bison stay warm in winter? Bison have excellent winter insulation: thick skin and underfur, long guard hairs, and layers of fat. A bison's hump also helps with winter excursions. Composed of muscle, supported by long vertebrae, the hump allows the bison to use its head as a snowplow, swinging side to side to sweep aside the snow.{quote}
  • They are built for it.
  • I am humbled - they take it in stride..
  • .. while my fingers lose function off and on from cold temps. When it's snowing hard, everything becomes more challening.
  • Snow often blows sideways, then up.. into my rain covers.
  • Here are some images to show the challenges of shooting in the snow.
  • Heavy downfall can make it challenging because I have to keep a safe distance, and if it's snowing hard, it can be impossible to get any shots. As the
  • It's not ideal to have their attention, but I think they're mildly amused by my presence.
  • This was taken seconds before one of the images on display - the Tallgrass Prairie is aptly named; the grass is so tall that it gets in the way of key focal points so often that I know a large percentage of my shots will be throw-aways.
  • Sometimes they take breaks, so I do too.
  • .. it also gets icy, but that's no problem. A small backpacking camp stove helps warm up water to make things easier.
  • It's always a humbling and invigorating experience spending the day with these animals..
  • .. and it's always a wonderful feeling to finish up and return to my family in our warm home.
  • Learning about American Bison in regards the history of what native cultures endured when it was almost eradicated are painful, yet the critical efforts of a few important players who saved this animal and are providing spaces for them to roam give grounds for hope. How we move forward is an open ended discussion by all who care to participate, as conservation, preservation and commerce enter the discussion of land use in the American West. Thank you for visiting, please feel free to browse the rest of my website for more imagery of various subject matters. It is an honor to share these photographs with you. Scott
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