Wildlife photography often times requires knowledge of animal habitat and habits, a quick shutter finger as an action can be sudden and fleeting, as well as a large dose of patience. Great pictures are hard to come by and the best ones are often the result of tons patience and lots of waiting. However, there is no denying that luck enters the picture more often than not. That bear has to come just close enough, but not too close, and that salmon has to jump out of the water at just the right time, as the bear grabs it in her mouth. Plus you have to capture that precise moment, not a second earlier or later. As Louis Pasteur once said “In the fields of observation chance favours only the prepared mind” or in this case, the prepared photographer.
Sometimes, however, you just fall into a photographic opportunity. Such was the case with this picture. I was at work and just heading out to throw some boxes into the trash dumpster when I heard some rustling around. Amazingly, there were two juvenile raccoons exploring the dumpster. Fortunately, I had my camera with me, so I ran back to my office, grabbed it and headed back. The raccoons were very animated and curious and posed nicely for me. Luck favored me but I had to be prepared to recognize the opportunity and to have the necessary equipment with me.
Sure, most people have a camera with them called a phone, but it just can’t compare in quality to that of a good camera and lens. Be prepared as you never know when a once in a lifetime photo may present itself for a brief moment.
Recent Comments