Obviously, spring is an exciting time for nature photography. Our choices of subjects are everywhere, budding trees to blooming flowers, bird migrations and increased animal activity. The woods awaken from a winter sleep. If your time is limited to get out to photograph, it can perhaps become a bit overwhelming in trying to decide what, where, and when.
I have been spending a little bit of time with this particular Barred Owl because its home is fairly close to my own. I have been returning when I can because photographing a wild owl is not only a unique opportunity, but also highly unpredictable on where it may be roosting at any particular time. Sometimes it takes close to an hour of looking just to locate it.
Similarly, I have also invested time in the past under a blind at known fox dens that ended up very unproductive and a huge consumption of time. If I had spent the time elsewhere, perhaps I would have not come home empty handed. Putting in this time sometimes pays off, and other times it does not.
So during such a dynamic season such as spring, you are faced with some decisions on how much time to spend on any particular subject. For some, perhaps the number of shots you have already of any particular subject dictates the time. I think it is also important to consider that the more time you spend with any particular subject, the more you get to know it, its particular quirks, details, lighting or behaviors. But it can come at a cost of chosing time on a single known subject versus seeking out new ones. Like everything in photography, choosing your battles and subject matter are full of compromises.
Choosing ‘fruitful’ locations certainly help – where there is an abundant amount of subject matter. Spots like this are always a great find because you can shoot a great variety of subjects with a short investment of time. But quite often I find flower ‘x’ is no where near bird ‘y.’ So it helps to have a bit of a plan, and be considering in your mind possible backups. Keep an eye on the weather, because that may influence your decision to go one place vs. another and the kind of light that may be available to you.
I am interested in hearing others thoughts on this, and how they go about the process of selecting how they spend their time in the field.
Hey Mark, first I’d like to say I love the Hepatica shot you posted. I don’t photograph wildlife, but I know as a former hunter many moons ago I spent tons of hours waiting to get a glimse of whatever it is I was after and in most cases I never did see the animal. I can enjoy just sitting in nature for a little while but if I not on the move and exploring for new things I get bored. So for me I would go for the volume of shots. I do admire shooters who do put the time in and produce some great shot.
for me, I combine my avian/floral photography.. I’m fortunate to have many rural areas (and my own property) to keep me more than busy in those areas alone.. but I enjoy discovering ‘new’ places too. We do alot of trail riding in areas where passenger vehicles would not get through. Up in maltby hills, after the morel hunters are done, we pretty much have the entire area to ourselves.. flora and birds galore!
I don’t chase birds, rather I let them come to me.. smaller passerines figgure out pretty quick if you’re a threat or not and I’ve had 10 sp. of wood warblers hopping at my feet and on the very log I sat on at home. I’m never dissapointed if I return home without many good shots, because just being out there is it’s own reward. (this is my 3rd try posting, hopefully it will go through, I’m getting finger cramps)
Enjoyed both photos!
Thanks for the comments Cindy and Mike. I do enjoy just being ‘out there’ as well – but can’t deny that I do end up a little frustrated if I don’t return with a picture or two. I have learned to accept this is just the way it is and don’t let it get to me too much. I am usually over it pretty quick!
It is a great thrill to have an animal accept you into their space isn’t it?
I’m always impressed by the dedication, patience, and persistence it takes to be a professional nature photographer. As an amateur, it’s easy for me – I go where I’m planning to go anyway and take the camera along – but the result is essentially the same: sometimes I’ll get one or more really, really good photos; most times I get a bunch of acceptable snapshots; and sometimes, unfortunately, I don’t get anything I want to keep.
I learn so much from all three of you, both your photos which you are generous in sharing and your words which give me insight, helpful hints, and new approaches. Thank you for being generous with your knowledge.
For me it is just go and see what I can find. I do however have a few places I return each season for shots of flowers or other subjects. But I just like being out there. It is getting close for the Blood Root to start near the river. About two weeks…have a great day!
Hey, Mark. I think that Jimmy and I are in the same place with our thinking. I like to just go out. I have nothing specific in mind, except for the location. When I get there, I just kind of let it flow. I do, however, understand the need to prepare for a specific type of shooting, such as camping out in front of a fox’s den. I just don’t do it.
I came across a pretty good quote recently. It is from photographer Jeff Alu that I think many of you can relate to…
“In fact, when I am out searching, I never have a set idea of what it is I’m looking for. I simply seek, occasionally finding exactly what it was I wasn’t seeking.”