American Bison Crossing the Yellowstone River, Hayden Valley

This photo shows a small group of American bison moving steadily across a shallow channel in Hayden Valley in Yellowstone National Park. The bison are spread out in a loose line, suggesting they are moving between grazing areas in a calm, routine manner. Their heads are low and forward, a common posture when crossing water and watching their footing. Hayden Valley’s wide floodplain, with open grassland, slow water, and scattered lodgepole pines, is a great place for large grazers like bison. On calm days, the water offers clear reflections that add depth to the image without diverting attention from the animals. Shooting from a slightly raised, yet still eye-level, angle helps separate each bison while keeping the group feeling cohesive. If you are photographing at midday, try exposing for the bison’s darker fur to retain detail.

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