Crowding Wildlife Photographers: How To Make Us Uncomfortable.

Getting ready to leave the house with your camera gear and a full cup of coffee and a couple of destinations is it the best feeling. I truly enjoy the time and finally being able to refresh the mind, especially after being on the editing realm for several days. Once I get on the Shenandoah National Park in Greene County or off the Sperryville entrance, I instantly get into another whole state of mind. Shaking off the office vibe and starting to look for wildlife and the great mountain shots is so much fun.

Hearing the click of the camera button turning it on definitely puts a smile on my face. I've been trying to get to the pull-offs on the drive before anyone else does, so I can spend as much time as I want. Otherwise I am rushed, crowded, and made to feel very uncomfortable. I truly believe that wildlife photographers are natural introverts, or at least become that way. Being very comfortable with being alone is a huge trait of the wildlife photographers way of working. When people get around me on the trail, pull-offs, or follow me around just kills the vibe. I truly believe that being a wildlife photographer is the best voice for wildlife and the natural way of the landscape.

I have had great memories at different places that I photographed, only to be chased out and seeing that place all torn up. Respect for the wildlife and their home in the wilderness is imperitive to the lifelong health and success of it.

Job 12:7-10: “But ask the beasts, and they will teach you; the birds of the heavens, and they will tell you... In his hand is the life of every living thing.”