My Philosophy
Any of the images here are available for free use to non-profit pro-environment organizations. Without such groups these photos may not have been possible, and may not be possible in the future.
I don't photograph captive animals. I don't do anything to a digital image that I couldn't do to a negative. My goal is to see nature and capture it in its truest form. In other words what you see is real and as close to what I saw as I could get.
I love photographing wild animals. There is a unique relationship between the photographer and the subject animal. As photographers, we are in the animal's home, and I am always aware of this fact and try to be a good guest. I work hard not to harass or disturb the animals I photograph - even if it means missing the shot. There is a paradox created by the desire to not disturb the animals, and the need to get close to take truly intimate shots. Generally, this can be mitigated with long telephoto lenses, and I use a 400mm f2.8 lens with a 2x teleconverter for maximum magnification. Magnification alone won't always get you the light and composition you need to make the shot. Another key factor is patience. When possible, I eschew big crowds at "bear jams", and try to interact with animals when I'm alone. This allows me to observe the animals and react to their behavior. I let the animals set the distance they are comfortable with and try to choose lighting and composition to get the best shots I can. I will gladly sit for hours and watch an animal, waiting for the one unique moment to make a shot. In fact, the opportunity to observe wildlife is the largest perk by far of the craft.
The reality of wildlife photography is that often it is possible to get closest to animals from inside a car. While I won't pass on a good shot if it presents itself while I'm in my car, I try to be away from the road when I shoot.
I don't photograph captive animals. I don't do anything to a digital image that I couldn't do to a negative. My goal is to see nature and capture it in its truest form. In other words what you see is real and as close to what I saw as I could get.
I love photographing wild animals. There is a unique relationship between the photographer and the subject animal. As photographers, we are in the animal's home, and I am always aware of this fact and try to be a good guest. I work hard not to harass or disturb the animals I photograph - even if it means missing the shot. There is a paradox created by the desire to not disturb the animals, and the need to get close to take truly intimate shots. Generally, this can be mitigated with long telephoto lenses, and I use a 400mm f2.8 lens with a 2x teleconverter for maximum magnification. Magnification alone won't always get you the light and composition you need to make the shot. Another key factor is patience. When possible, I eschew big crowds at "bear jams", and try to interact with animals when I'm alone. This allows me to observe the animals and react to their behavior. I let the animals set the distance they are comfortable with and try to choose lighting and composition to get the best shots I can. I will gladly sit for hours and watch an animal, waiting for the one unique moment to make a shot. In fact, the opportunity to observe wildlife is the largest perk by far of the craft.
The reality of wildlife photography is that often it is possible to get closest to animals from inside a car. While I won't pass on a good shot if it presents itself while I'm in my car, I try to be away from the road when I shoot.