May 21, 2018 | Wildlife Photography
Yellowstone Griz
captured by D5 / 800mm
Probably one of the biggest reasons I love being a wildlife photographer is because no matter how well I plan, how well equipped I might be, critters always surprise me. In that moment of surprise there is delight, learning, bewilderment and sometimes, a photograph to record the memory. Of course the pitfalls are monsterous but equally the rewards are staggering. So it was this afternoon in Yellowstone when we came around the corner and there were two 2-3year Griz siblings enjoying the afternoon sun. There was a small bear jam and since I’ve enjoyed griz many times, I took a vantage point where I could only see them through a small hole in the pines. Not even a good shot, just a fun shot to preserve the joy and fun of watching life unfold. It is essential in our photographic pursuits as we strive to do our best, to have fun and be open to all of life’s surprises!
I want to tip my hat to the Rangers and Techs at the bear jam. There were not only very professional but friendly and courteous to a crowd who at times was downright stupid. They are too often thought of as an obstacle so I wanted to commend and thank them for helping all those today enjoy our wild heritage!
May 16, 2018 | Wildlife Photography
Many think of Bison when they think of the great American West, my mind often goes to the Pronghorn. The fastest mammals in North America, this speedster is elegance on four hooves. But often you only see photos of the distinctive male with its “heart-shaped” horns. The female or doe lacking these often get little or no love. So when the opportunity to put them in the limelight to give them a little love.
In these examples of love, I used light and background to bring drama and story to the females. The first light of the day is gorgeous in The Black Hills so being up early and finding a doe was the only challange. We could easily roll up on this browsing doe and with the rim light on her and the dew, easy click for the D5 and the 300PF. Then later, beddin down to chew her cud, the far-off burnt hillside made a dramatic out of focus background that the D5 / 800mm easily brought together in the viewfinder. The only other thing I look at is the ears, I always want the ears forward, not back. And now you have ideas how to so love to the “other” Pronghorn.
May 11, 2018 | Wildlife Photography
It’s calving time on the plains. These orange bundles of cuteness look nothing like what they are going to grow up to be. But they don’t know that. And calves typically hang with their moms, never even knowing their dads. So when this curious calf wondered far from its mom to check out the bulls, well, my imagination took over my biological knowledge to simply ask, “Are you my daddy?!”
May 8, 2018 | Wildlife Photography
Angry?
Can just ONE word change the entire meaning of a sentence? We all know it can. What do you think ONE word can do to change the meaning of your photograph?
Bad?
When are often distracted from the visual communication, storytelling in our photography with little things and miss that ONE word that makes or breaks the story we’re trying to tell.
Love?
However you want to think of it, gesture, lens, f/stop, background, DoF, whatever that ONE thing is, you have to THINK of it, see it, feel it, incorporate it into your photograph. Because we all know the power of just, one word.
Note: DO NOT attempt this with a wild griz. This is a scientific griz used to understand more about griz biology and has limited, very limited association with humans. Jake still lives, his website is here.
Apr 23, 2018 | Wildlife Photography
Once again, my time with the “Chickens & Grouse” of Nebraska was not only good for the soul but good for the pixel. Click on the photo to enjoy my memories!
Apr 16, 2018 | Wildlife Photography
Gtr Prairie Chickens
captured by D5 / 800mm
There are many celebrations in nature announcing the coming of spring. One of my favorites is that of the Greater Prairie Chickens. Looking at the image above, it would appear they are jumping for joy with the passing of snow and the coming of green grass and warmer days. And while they are celebrating spring, their jumping has nothing to do with joy!
Gtr Prairie Chickens
captured by D5 / 800mm
The Chickens come together for a short period, about a month, on a lek, to get lucky. Arriving on the Lek in the dark, they establish small territories then perform their hearts out to attract a female to the territory. And if another male should come close to that territory, the fights begin. It’s true chicken fights with biting, scratching, kicking and tackles all part of the fight trying to make the opponent look unworthy of a mate. Now I call it getting lucky because to our eyes, it never seems to ever work as copulation is never seen on the lek. But a celebration it is for 90 minutes each morning during that month as they are jumping for spring!
Note: Shooting, the only challenge is keeping up with the birds (and working in the blind)! Shooting with the D5 / 800mm, the Auto Area AF takes care of focus and with it being dark, raising the ISO takes care of the rest.
