Not that long ago, I envisioned a wildlife
photographer as being someone who spent months at time in the field, removed from
civilization, with little else than a camera. As I began pursing wildlife photography
seriously, I soon realized that my initial envision had been very one-sided. Through this
maturity, I've realized that there must be an equal balance between one's technical
expertise with a camera and some basic biological knowledge of the intended subject to be
able to effectively communicate the subject photographically.
The above image is the result of using my technical skills with
the camera and some basic biological knowledge, to control the situation at hand to the
fullest.
Having a full time job greatly limits the amount of time that I'm able to spend in the
field. By doing my homework on potential subjects beforehand, I have an edge on where I
might find my intended subjects, as well as what kind of behavior to expect from them when
I find them. Such is the case with the bighorn ram. I stumbled upon a small herd of
bighorn sheep just inside the north entrance of Yellowstone National Park. From my
reading, I knew that they wintered in this area but that they normally spend their days up
in the higher 'rocky' elevations, which are unreachable by foot due to the snow. By
studying the area's terrain I could see that at some time during the day they would need
to come down for water, and like most animals, this would most likely be in the very early
hours of morning or just before sundown.
The herd consisted of three rams and about six ewes. I
started out with a 300f2.8 with a 1.4X teleconverter and grabbed a second body with an
80-200f2.8. Proceeding very slowly and cautiously, so as not make them uncomfortable or to
pose as a threat, I began photographing them at first from a distance. As I worked amongst
them it was evident that they were undaunted by my presence and in time were literally
grazing at my feet. This allowed me to switch to my 80-200 lens and enjoy the freedom of
shooting handheld. The sheep allowed me to spend the better part of an hour with them
getting all the images I desired.
I finished up feeling very satisfied and rewarded. First for
getting some great images of the rams and secondly, for knowing that I worked in their
presence without causing them any undue stress. By understanding their behavior I didn't
have to hike far off the side of the road to get these images, by exercising some
patience, they came to me.
By using your knowledge of the subject and understanding the
basics of your camera, all that's left is your desire and determination to get out in the
field and find these kind of images.
Good Shooting!
What does it take to get an image like this?