Pathfinder

There’s something about early autumn that feels like a quiet turning point… when the land begins to shift, ever so gently, from summer into something deeper.

This image was captured during one of our journeys to Elk Island National Park, located in east central Alberta. It’s a place where the prairies meet the forest, and where some of Canada’s most iconic wildlife still roam. On this particular day, the season was just beginning to change. Hints of yellow and gold were starting to touch the trees, while the grasses still held onto the warmth of summer.

And then we saw him.

A massive plains bison moving slowly along the edge of the forest - strong, steady, and completely at home in his surroundings. There was a quiet confidence in the way he carried himself, as if he knew this land was part of his story… and always had been.

We named him Pathfinder.

Because standing there watching him, it felt like we were witnessing something far greater than a single moment.

Before the 19th century, more than 30 million plains bison roamed freely across Canada. They shaped the land, sustained ecosystems, and were deeply connected to Indigenous cultures. Today, that number has been reduced to roughly 2,200 living in the wild - a sobering reminder of how much has been lost, and how important it is to protect what remains.

As we stood there in silence, watching Pathfinder move through the tall grass, the early autumn light catching the texture of his coat, we couldn’t help but feel both awe… and responsibility.

He wasn’t just walking through the landscape.

He was carrying history with him.

And in that moment, we were reminded why these encounters matter so much… not just to capture them, but to share their stories - so that these incredible animals, and the wild places they call home, are never forgotten.

To download the Story Behind the Image of Pathfinder CLICK HERE