Behind the Shot

“Patience is an incredibly important part of photography—especially when it comes to wildlife,” shares photographer Meagan Puett of the vista she captured on a grassy hill at Antelope Island, Utah, in 2022. “Waiting for just the right moment and allowing these bison to move along at their own leisurely pace allowed me to witness them lining up in a pleasing composition along the hill.” 

While Meagan saw more bison on this day than she has seen on any return trip to Antelope Island, it was these four that grabbed her attention. Using a longer lens enabled her to capture this scene from afar, thereby not disturbing the bison in their natural setting. When the group stood perfectly in line, she commemorated that moment. 

Antelope Island is a photographer’s paradise, with stunning views and a plethora of wildlife. While it is home to mule deer, bighorn sheep, pronghorn, coyote and a wide variety of birds, bison are its most famous residents. The largest mammal in North America, bison can stand up to 6 feet tall and weigh upwards of a ton. The juxtaposition of their magnitude with the peacefulness of this scenery is what sets this photograph apart.

“There's something incredibly powerful about the way these majestic animals navigate their environment. It fascinates me to witness the instinctual bonds that exist in nature between creatures,” Meagan says. “The slope of the hill and the vastness of the landscape beyond create a sense of journey, evoking feelings of perseverance and the beauty of the wild.”