Behind the Shot
In 1893, a dozen bison were introduced to Antelope Island, Utah—the largest of several islands located within the Great Salt Lake. These 12 were the predecessors of the island’s 700 bison currently in residence. The fact that bison are not extinct is one of the greatest conservation success stories of all time.
On an adventure to Antelope Island in 2022, photographer Meagan Puett watched this herd move through the golden grasses and observed how their presence truly brought the landscape to life. She used a zoom lens to record the bison so she could remain at a safe distance—allowing them to carry on with their natural activities without being disturbed.
“I wanted to capture this moment, hoping that people would feel peace and inspiration when they look at this photograph and that it would encourage a deeper appreciation for the beauty and harmony between wildlife and the earth,” she shares.
Later on, as she was preparing to leave, the herd began crossing the road. It took quite a while for them all to traverse the path at their unhurried pace, and Meagan had the incredible privilege of getting to see them up close.
“I felt a deep sense of awe,” she says. “This image captures not just the physical presence of these magnificent animals but also the beauty of the landscape they inhabit.”
The timeless scene evoked in Meagan’s photograph conveys both exploration and serenity—inviting viewers to imagine themselves in a vast open space, where the air is filled with the earthy scent of grass and the distant sounds of nature.
