Gary Kochel Photography

Labyrinth

It's been a while! I took a creative break from editing and posting photos in the second half of last year, which was refreshing. It was also a bit hard to get back started again, but I've got lots to share, and hope to have a great year of photography ahead. Here's a beautiful scene from the forests of Oregon. I hope you all have been well! Say hello in the comments if you'd like! 🌲💫💜

20mm / 1/160 @ f8 / iso 200

Portrait of a Young Moose

This stunning young moose was kind enough to look directly in the camera for some portrait shots while snacking on some willow branches for breakfast. Always a treat to spend time with such beautiful and majestic wildlife!

400mm / 1/640 @ f6.3 / iso 640

Rising up to Paradise!

The morning sun creating a beautiful effect in a fog filled Oregon forest.

20mm / 1/13 @ f13 / iso 400

Affection

A mother moose nuzzles close to her child on a beautiful sunny morning in the Rocky Mountains. At a couple months old, the young moose frolicked and explored the forest, while never straying too far from its mother. They ate a breakfast of willow branches and allowed me to photograph them before they headed up the mountainside. I am always grateful for these beautiful encounters in nature.

200mm / 1/160 @ f6.3 / iso 640

Baby Moose Smiles

An adorable newborn moose smiles for the camera while exploring the forest close to its mother. A beautiful moment in nature!

500mm / 1/160 @ f5.6 / iso 800

Titans of the Forest

Looking up to some stunning old growth redwoods in Northern California. These trees literally take your breath away with their majestic size and beauty. There is a calm and relaxing atmosphere beneath the canopy that eases the mind and body into tranquility.

20mm / 1/40 @ f9 / iso 250

Kicking Up Dirt

Two young mountain goats kick up some dirt as they practice sparring. Autofocus locked onto the debris instead of the goats, and I love how this turned out!

450mm / 1/1250 @ f8 / iso 250

Miraculous Morning on the Pacific Coast

20mm / 1/5 @ f14 / iso 100

King of the Forest

200mm / 1/100 @ f5.6 / iso 1600

Mystical Giants

20mm / 1/6 @ f11 / iso 160

Can't you Smell that Smell?

Bull moose exhibiting the Flehmen Response during the annual rut. What a regal pose!

360mm / 1/160 @ f6.3 / iso 1250

Rising up to Paradise

Magical morning exploring the forests of Oregon!

200mm / 1/160 @ f10 / iso 200

Mountain Bluebirds Brave the Storm

500mm / 1/200 @ f8 / iso 125

Mountains of the Moon

82mm / 1/5 sec / iso 640

Can I tell you a secret?

500mm / 1/2000 @ f8 / iso 250

Tranquility

20mm / 1/3 sec @ f14 / iso 100

Illumination

260mm / 1/1000 @ f5.6 / iso 200

Funny How Time Slips Away

My first photo of the year! On New Year's Eve, I tossed my 2021 calendar into the fireplace. As I watched the flames consume the pages, I snapped off a few photos, and love how they came out. Here's to a beautiful 2022.

58mm / 1/25 @ f4 / iso 2000

Bison Breath

390mm / 1/2500 @ f8 / iso 640

The Approaching Dawn

20mm / 13 seconds @ f3.2 / iso 4000

Testing the Waters

A newborn moose testing out the shallow waters along a riverbank. At only a day old this moose is up on its feet, ready to explore its new surroundings. Welcome little one!

500mm / 1/640 @ f7.1 / iso 800

Radiant Elixir

Afternoon light shines through moss covered treetops to create highlights on the lower section of a magnificent waterfall in the Mt. Hood Wilderness of Oregon. What a sight to behold!

70mm / 0.8 seconds @ f8 / iso 125

Breakfast Fit for a King

The impressive bull moose affectionately known as Captain Hook munches on fresh willow bushes shortly after sunrise.

500mm / 1/400 @ f6.3 / iso 1250

Gazing Upwards

The first of many photos to come following my amazing trip to Oregon. These magical trees had me gazing upwards, awestruck by the diversity and natural beauty of the forest. Thank you, Mother Nature, for creating such magnificent wonders!

20mm / 1/6 sec @ f11 / iso 100

Baby Moose Enjoys an Afternoon Snack

450mm / 1/160 @ f8 / iso 1000

Natural Wonders

82mm / 1/1000 @ f7.1 / iso 500

Alpine Mountain Climbers

A pair of baby mountain goats test out their new legs on the alpine tundra. It was adorable watching these two climb small boulders and jump around full of the sheer exhilaration of life. Mom was nearby with a watchful gaze, but let these two have their fun on a beautiful sunny afternoon.

500mm / 1/500 @ f8 / iso 250

Longs Peak in all its Glory

70mm / 1/1000 @ f6.3 / iso 160

New Life in the Wild

A newborn moose looks up to its mother at dawn in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado. The pair will remain together through the year as mother imparts the skills, nourishment, and protection necessary for survival in the wild. A beautiful morning scene. May they live many years, wild and free.

370mm / 1/250 @ f7.1 / iso 1600