Custer State Park, South Dakota @ February 2017 Photo: Huseyin Karadeniz

Tatanka…

I am sure most people including me always have had confusions about bison and buffalo. Apparently early American settlers, due to the similar appearance between the two animals, called bison “bufello”, and the name “buffalo” inaccurately  is started being used for the American variety. However the American bison is still commonly known as the American buffalo or simply buffalo.

The sun was shining brightly and igniting my bones on a surprisingly warm February day in South Dakota as my friend and I were driving in Custer State Park. While I was occupied with thoughts, my friend diverted my attention to these magnificent creatures, bison, and I suddenly thought what a great opportunity to give my 75-300 mm telephoto zoom lens a shot. For starters it might be kind of scary to get closer since bison can be dangerous and get vicious. However as you move forward and notice the quality of the images, you certainly feel like a National Geographic photographer. Moreover this feeling encourages you go beyond and take better pictures.

Tatanka means American bison in Lakota which is a Siouan language spoken by the Lakota people of the Sioux tribes. As many of us know, among native Americans, the bison is considered a sacred animal and as well as religious symbol. I indeed felt very lucky to take my first wildlife photography with this elegant animal. For me the photograph contains many elements. When I look at its eyes, I witness; enduring the cold Dakotas weather during the winter, fighting to survive, resisting the obstacles, endeavoring to stand up…