It has occurred to me more than once, as I step carefully through the woods, that I am a hunter. Not the kind of hunter that actually kills, but in all other ways almost identical. I dress to camouflage myself. I walk quietly. I "shoot", and my equipment needs to be light enough to walk for miles. I listen carefully, watch carefully, and know where to look for my "prey". I capture trophies, even display them.
Last weekend it occurred to me that photographers who shoot wildlife are typically hunters or fishermen. The hunters, as described above, need lighter weight equipment as they stalk the wildlife. Fishermen find a good spot, settle in, and wait for their fish to show up. They frequently put out bait (backyard feeders, say), or find areas that attract fauna in good numbers. These photographers can bring out the big glass, balanced on tripods, like sports photographers can. They can sit comfortably like fishermen, hang out, and maybe even have a quiet chat or two.
I do an occasional bit of fishing in my own backyard, but I have the soul of a hunter....
No comments:
Post a Comment