It’s okay to just watch…

We decided to do three laps of the Green Trail –a one mile loop trail– as we were working off the previous night’s Valentine’s Day dinner! Each lap of the loop offered reasons to stop and enjoy. Each lap, the birds seemed to be closer to us, too… within photographable view.

Years ago I had the wrong attitude about photography. I always needed to “get the shot” and would do whatever it took to do so. It seamed that my reason for being in nature was solely to photograph it. I learned a lot with that attitude, much of which –the good things– I incorporate into my photography today. I learned the signs of a stressed animal and when to back off. I learned how to move slowly and deliberately to not spook my subject. I learned that you won’t get every shot.

However, there were some bad habits forming from that attitude as well. I learned what they were at a young age by watching other photographers make the same mistakes. Many nature photographers still use those bad habits to their benefit: stressing animals beyond reason, abusing property rights by trespassing, disturbing nesting sites. Thinking only of “getting the shot.” It is very frustrating to see these things happen. I have gotten into some sticky situations by offering “friendly” reminders to photographers I see breaking some of these common sense rules.

The feeling of capturing an amazing image at the precise moment is one of elation. Indescribable in words. And at one time, when I missed that shot it could often ruin my whole day. I am way passed that now. I can now leave my camera behind and still enjoy nature. I still see the shot in my head and sometimes wish I had my camera, but it no longer ruins my day if I don’t. It doesn’t even ruin the moment. These moments are meant to be savored in our memory even if they are never captured electronically.

As we walked, Brown Creepers were consistently along Mill Grove’s Green Trail above the creek, their tinkling call barely audible as they spiraled up the hemlock trees in search of a meal. Bluebirds offered their plaintive whistles as small flocks moved along the forest edge. A Downy Woodpecker posed on several close branches and tree trunks at eye level. White-crowned and White-throated Sparrows responded to a quick “pish.” Cardinals, too.

There wasn’t a cloud in the sky and only a light breeze. It was a great day for photography. It was an even greater day to just get out and enjoy nature!