Mama Kisses

In April 2026, we spent some time in Yellowstone National Park photographing wildlife. I like to get into the park as close to spring opening day as I can. The park is starting to wake up, and there is always the possibility of seeing some of the newest members of the herds.

After bounding around and showing off for the camera, this little red bison calf walked close to its mama when she leaned down toward its cheek. It looked like she was giving her baby a kiss.

What really made the moment for me was the calf’s expression. While mama was giving it some attention, the little one looked toward me out of the corner of its eye as if to say, “See my mama?” It was one of those expressions that gave the photograph a personality of its own.

I named the image Mama Kisses because that’s exactly what the moment felt like—a little affection between mama and baby, with the baby making sure someone was watching.

After some debate, I printed Mama Kisses for the Twin Falls County Fair and entered it in the professional photography division, where it received a second-place ribbon.