High Ground

Location: The Ruby Mountains, NV

Spending a week in Northern Nevada, deep in the rugged terrain of the Ruby Mountains, was no walk in the park. Every day brought a new set of challenges—snow-covered trails, biting wind, and morning temperatures that dipped to a brutal -10°F. Even the simplest tasks felt like a test of willpower.

But moments like this? They make every frozen breath worth it.

After days of patient tracking and navigating terrain that seemed designed to break you, I found myself face to face with this tom mountain lion. Perched high in a gnarled tree, he was calm but alert—completely in his element. There was a sense of power in his stillness, like he didn’t need to prove anything to me. He just was.

Photographing apex predators in the wild is never predictable. You’re not guaranteed a sighting. There are no second takes. But when everything aligns—the tracking, the light, the timing—you have to be ready to press the shutter and hold your breath.

This image, High Ground, captures more than just a mountain lion. It’s a reminder of what it takes to be out there: the discomfort, the patience, the deep respect for the wild and those who thrive in it. For me, this shot is about more than photography—it’s about connection, endurance, and the thrill of earning a moment with an animal that few people ever get to see in the wild.

Every piece from Riley Clark Fine Art ships free and fully insured within the United States. Each order is made to order, inspected by hand, and packaged with care to ensure it arrives in perfect condition.

• Fine Art Paper prints are carefully rolled with acid-free protective sheets, then secured inside heavy-duty, crush-resistant tubes to prevent creasing or bending during transit.

• Framed and Canvas prints are wrapped in multiple layers of protective foam and corner guards before being boxed in double-walled cartons for maximum safety.

• Metal prints are packaged using padded spacers and custom-fit materials to keep them secure. For larger metal pieces, custom-built wood crates are used to provide additional protection and ensure stability throughout shipment.
  

Every shipment is fully insured from the moment it leaves the studio until it arrives safely at your door. In the rare event that your artwork is damaged during shipping, I will replace it at no cost to you. No returns required, no hassle — just a genuine guarantee that your art will arrive exactly as intended.

Your artwork should reach you the same way it left the studio: protected, beautiful, and ready to display for years to come.

Each piece is made to order, handcrafted with care, and created using archival materials. Estimated arrival dates shown at checkout already include these production timelines.

• Production Time: 2–3 business days
• Printed on museum-grade materials and inspected for color and quality before shipping.

Every piece is made to order, inspected by hand, and packaged for safe delivery.

If your artwork arrives damaged or with a production flaw, I’ll replace or remake it at no cost.

Because each print is custom-made, returns aren’t accepted — however, exchanges for preference or sizing can often be arranged within 14 days.

Please reach out and I’ll do my best to accommodate.