When one complies to a certain ethic, photographing wildlife is the most restrictive. Not only are we not always able to choose the lookout but wildlife is unpredictable. Indeed the slightest sound, smell or movement may scare away wildlife that is not accustomed to humans. It takes a lot of patience, long hours of observation are necessary to know the habits of the animals even before thinking of building a hideout. Good equipment is also required to be able to wait for great lengths of time without moving. The cold and the force of gravity are my biggest obstacles. The cold makes it necessary to take good clothing, warm tea etc. which may be very cumbersome and gravity often requires one to change buttock... These specific preparations generally allow one to obtain decent images. The ultimate goal is to leave undetected, not to upset this fragile balance and shared moments of intimacy with the wildlife that fears us in order to preserve it. There is always a surprise, an unexpected visit from another species and these fortuitous moments add magic to the time spent waiting. |