Bighorn sheep do not follow a “leader,” as many other animal species do, but instead travel in herds, as seen here.  These Rocky Mountain bighorns are a distinct subspecies that are characterized by their domain, which includes the cooler regions of the Rocky Mountains, the northwestern region of the US, and Canada.  They inhabit grassy alpine slopes, meadows, and rocky mountain cliffs, where they are most well known for their graceful navigation of what most other animals might consider insurmountable terrain.

I love the way these male stared, half intrigued and half stoic, at the camera.  To me, this expression embodies the apparent attitude of the bighorn – they are tough, confident, and courageous in a way others can only dream of being…and they are not easily roused.

Wildfire in the west, and particularly in Montana, is a permanent landscape characteristic, and it is clearly not one to be reckoned with.  Every year, Montanans struggle to deal appropriately with this natural phenomenon – sometimes making every effort to forestall its progression, and sometimes simply letting it go.

This shot, taken from the ground, captured a wildfire that came extremely close to many local homes in the eastern part of Missoula.  The Bonner Fire of 2011 was one that created a great deal of angst for residents, as it took the cooperative effort – among several fire fighting branches and local volunteers – several days to contain the flames. Meanwhile, residents were forced to evacuate their homes in hope that they would remain intact amid the flames.

During every season, people flock to this natural playground for trail running, hiking, horseback riding, backpacking, skiing, fishing, and hunting. Breathtaking sites abound, so it’s no wonder that it’s a recreation destination for so many nature lovers.  It is, of course, also host to a plethora of deer, black bears, big horn sheep, elk, coyotes, mountain lions, and moose, alongside countless varieties of birds.

The U-shaped Rattlesnake basin is fed by over 50 small creeks running throughout the area, which is also home to Lodgepole Pine, Fir, Ponderosa Pine, and Spruce trees, as well as the more than 30 small glacial lakes.

Several of the images included in my “Landscape Gallery” capture the rolling Rattlesnake Creek, with moss, stones, and crisp mountain water rushing past.  I have taken some liberty in experimenting with color and texture in the digital format, which I think only highlights the magical nature of these photographs.  I hope you all enjoy them as much as I do.

I’m very excited to share my new photography website with my friends and the public.  The site was carefully planned, with an emphasis on communication and easy access. To that end, I incorporated a new blog and various social media links, including Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube, all of which I will be updating regularly (so please check back with me!).

I’ve created a new Facebook fan page, and would really appreciate your support by becoming a “fan.”  Of course, we all know that it’s important for small businesses to reach as many people as possible, but becoming a fan of my Facebook page will also allow you to stay up-to-date on my new images and photography work – in Montana, Wisconsin, and abroad!

I also started a Twitter profile and feed, and look forward to real-time communicating, with the public and with others in the photography and art industries.  Please follow me @tylerpfiffner. Tell me your story! I’d love to connect with  you!

I have reorganized my photography collection into galleries dedicated to wildlife, landscapes, people, and even one with structural/architectural images.  These galleries include some of my most favorite images from the past, as well as many new photos.  I’m consistently in the field with my photography, focusing on new wildlife, landscape, and natural images, and therefore look forward to showcasing my latest work via the various channels I’ve established on tylerpfiffner.com.  Please, check back with me and have a look.

The month of December will be dedicated to promoting my photography as a holiday gift idea.  Particularly those interested in western art and images from the natural world, my work is a perfect gift idea. Available as digital prints or as gallery wrapped canvas prints, these images will come to life when on display.  For those who are cost conscious, please know that my work spans a broad range of pricing, so there really is something for everyone and every budget.

Please visit tylerpfiffner.com to peruse my photography. There is still time to receive your prints by Christmas, so start thinking of family and friends who would appreciate western art!

Thanks for your visit.

Now winter is upon us and my lens again shifts.  I see freezing streams and rivers, white capped mountain peaks, and frost covered grassy fields.  When I explore the mountains of Western Montana, I spot wildlife – elk bugling, owls spying, and wild horses huddled together in mountain meadows.  I try to capture as many of these images as I can – for they truly epitomize the natural winter world of the west.   I also know that as soon as I get used to them, the season will change and they’ll be gone – traded in by mother nature until next year.

My landscape and wildlife photography attempts to capture as many naturally occurring events as possible in a pure and candid way.  Please visit my Photography Page and Video Page for updated images and video footage.