Smokin' Elk

Photographer

Melissa N. Robertson

Category

Nature Photography - Wildlife

Company

Melissa N. Robertson Photography

Submission Group

Professional

Year

2026

Country / Region

United States

We went to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park to see a 'smoky' sunrise and the majestic animals that grace the park. We did not get a smoky sunrise this day, but upon entering the park, I noted a stand-alone elk just down a quiet side road. As we approached her, she emerged from a cloud of smoky steam, created by her own breath. I may not have seen the Great Smoky Mountains at their best, but I sure did get to see a smokin' elk walking around, enjoying the cool fall morning. She was a beautiful sight to behold, and it was amazing how much steam she produced simply by breathing.

Amateur
2026
2026 MUSE Photography Winner - Majestic Solitude by Fury

Photographer / Company

Fury

Category

Minimalist Photography - Aquatic Worlds

Country / Region

Hong Kong SAR

Professional
2026
2026 MUSE Photography Winner - Lupus valley by Lia Paugsch

Photographer / Company

Lia Paugsch

Category

People Photography - Drone

Country / Region

Slovakia

Professional
2026
2026 MUSE Photography Winner - Target Locked  by Tracey McIntosh

Photographer / Company

Tracey McIntosh

Category

Fine Art Photography - Pets

Country / Region

United States

Professional
2026
2026 MUSE Photography Winner - Cat by Luís Viegas Mendonça

Photographer / Company

Luís Viegas Mendonça

Category

Fine Art Photography - Nudes

Country / Region

Portugal