Can You Try "Too Hard" to Get Your Shot?

What does trying too hard really mean?  If you're in a great location surrounded by beauty, does it matter how many tries?

We took a trip back to my home state of Arkansas.  Instead of driving directly back to Michigan, we took a couple of days to driving the long way back.  A hike and a bit of photography was on our agenda. 

Every stop surrounded us with rugged, natural beauty.  The weather conditions served up some challenges but we take what mother nature delivers which begs the question...  

How many tries on average do you take to get the 'one' that you're truly jazzed about?  

As a photographer there are times after a shoot where we have several, even many images that we jump in and start processing as fast as we can. It didn't matter how many images we took, we were in our zone and had a lot to show for it!

Then, there are those days.  You know them well.  

We invest time, use multiple lenses, try many different angles (in some cases in very uncomfortable positions).  We can almost predict what's going to happen when we get home.  Delete, delete, delete and keep a few for the memory.

There are both life and photography lessons in each of these situations.  During my Arkansas travels I experienced excitement from a shoot with waxwings and creative frustration at waterfalls.

Cedar Waxwing by Sheen Watkins

Waxwing Adventure:
The Cedar Waxwings in El Dorado were going nuts for the seasonal berries in this historical Oil Boomtown.  I saw hundreds swarm trees, diving into bushes in a feeding frenzy. 

Waxwings by Sheen Watkins

The down side was that I only had my long lens.

The big scene context shot wasn't going to happen as I needed a shorter lens at that moment.  I'm including one image that illustrates a fragment of the flying flock. Alfred Hitchcock might have renamed his movie from the "Birds" to the "Waxwings" had he witnessed this moment.

In all, I had over 500 images with 10 so far that I'm very pleased with. 

Next year, (lesson learned) I'm also switching to a shorter lens to get a few frenzy shots!  I have plenty of ID and close-up images of waxwings now.

Oh yes, and I was fortunate enough to get berry-bird-poop in my hair in one of the waxwing flyovers. A sign of good luck I suppose.  A hat will also be included.

Falling Short at the Waterfalls:

We drove to Arkansas' first state park, Petit Jean State Park.  A rugged and beautiful natural treasure. 

Almost to Cedar Falls by Sheen Watkins

Our first stop was Cedar Falls.  We were less than 1/10th of a mile away when the skies, thunder and lightning struck in full force.  The common sense safety gene took over and we had to ditch the attempt. 

The following sunny morning, we traversed north to another beautiful waterfall area.

After 2 hours, I wasn't feeling it. 

The spring colors were still hiding. The light was splotchy.  With just a few hours to shoot, I was frustrated in not finding the type of shot I had in my mind.  I had all the needed gear, filters, tripod, lenses - when the lighting is bad, it was time to take my tripod and head home.

I was in effect working and trying too hard, getting frustrated which impacted my creativity.

There could have been a downside but there wasn't.

I was able to hear the rush of the water, the power of the falls and breath in fresh, clean air.  The Richland Creek Wilderness provided springtime sounds for the senses,  along with a few snakes.

Finding Arkansas Gold:
We steered further north to the Eureka Springs area where we discovered Arkansas' own single-lane, "Golden Gate Bridge" in nearby Beaver, Arkansas.  Who knew that Arkansas would have a Golden Gate Bridge that was accurately named color-wise versus the one in San Francisco?

Golden Gate Bridge by Sheen Watkins

Taking a breather from my waterfall plan to explore the area with no expectations refreshed the eye and attitude.

Seeing Red in the Rearview:
As we were leaving Arkansas and heading into Missouri, I noticed the cloud covered sky breaking apart.  Pinks, oranges and reds emerged in my rearview mirror as we were driving 65mph northeast.

Seeing Red in the Rearview by Sheen Watkins

The vibrance was quickly becoming a photographer's dream and I met frustration of another kind.

I didn't know where we were or where to get the shot.

Thankfully, we topped a hill to see a river, a bridge and a reflection. Just what the photography doctor ordered.

When we see a moment, stop the car.   Pull over.  Shoot away. 

We work hard for many, shots.  We take advantage of the no-shot situation to savor what is around us. 

When the easy photo moment calls ~ we need to answer!

Happy Shooting!
Sheen

Wildlife Photographers - Giving Our Profession a Good or Bad Name?

Cedar Waxwing by Sheen Watkins

Every day in the field is a gift, and not one to be taken lightly.  Birds, animals and our outdoor spaces are fragile.  It is up to us to help survival in our co-existence with mother nature.  

As a nature photographer, I see many photographers show respect for nature, for other photographers and hikers.  

I've also seen photographers exhibit behaviors that are 'not-so-nice'.  

What was most surprising is that some of these 'not-so-nice' photographers were not being intentionally careless or rude.  They were just  caught up in the moment getting the shot.  

Here's a few awareness reminders for all of us to help keep nature and our photography flourishing.

Awareness of Distance:  Safety first for you and them - avoid putting yourself and wildlife in danger.  They need their space and so do you.  When you get too close, you may frighten or stress the bird/animal.   They could leave their nest, the area for good.  Or, on the flip side an animal may feel threatened and feel the need to protect their space.   They waste energy instead of nesting and feeding their young. 

The two fox kits below were part of a family of 8 kits.  Several photographers, including me, had the privilege of watching them frolic, play and learn.  We all maintained a safe and respectful distance across the pond.  A photographer who had a shorter lens, made his way to the other side of the pond which was way too close to the kits.  Mama Fox was not happy.  By the next morning, the DNR reported that the fox had indeed moved the family.  

Two Fox Kits by Sheen Watkins using a Nikon 500mm

The Right Equipment:   Telephotos provide an up close image capture at a safer distance for them and for you.  Today's lenses offer diversity in quality and cost.  Plus there's the used option or the ability to rent lenses.  

Rules of the Road (or area):  If you're in nature parks, wilderness areas, take the time to review the rules of the area.  Stay on marked trails, boardwalks and mapped areas.  Be a protector of our fragile habitat and ecosystem.  Bogs, preserved areas are delicate and footprints last a very long time. 

Never, ever, ever, ever bait animals:  This is the one thing that makes me nuts.  There are no winners here.  When an animal is baited, you put them at risk.  Baiting IS different than feeding chickadees, cardinals, woodpeckers at a feeder.   With baiting, they are pulled away from their routine, their hunt and even their location.   

There isn't one photograph that is worth putting any animal or human in danger.

Lead by example:  Even when no one is around.  We are a only a guest, a visitor on this planet.  Treat nature with care.   

Savannah Sparrow by Sheen Watkins

Awareness of Other Photographers:  When other photographers are shooting a subject, respect that they were there first.  Don't be 'that photographer' that rushed in to join the shooting only to scare the subject away.  

Cool Heads Prevail:  Many of us have come across photographers who give 'photographers' a bad name in how they treat others and nature.  When it is evident they don't care, there's probably nothing you can do to change their perspective.  Instead of engaging in negative banter, there's the power of reporting them to the local area, photographing their license plate or them when not looking.

With all of our websites, social media outlets, blogs, books, many folks enjoy seeing the moments in nature we get to experience first hand in the field.  We do live a pretty amazing life!

Happy Shooting!

Eating "Michigan's" Fire for Breakfast

Fire in the Sky - Omena, Michigan by Sheen Watkins

Over the course of time, I've experienced many of Michigan's finest sights from behind the lens.  My idea of a good breakfast?  A fiery, Michigan sunrise!

I've taken thousands of images trying to reflect the diversity that's commonly known as "Pure Michigan."

With a vivid, intense sunrise glistening over our Great Lakes, it's an easy and energizing way to start the day.

If rising and shining is a bit of a challenge, get a jump start with a rich cup of coffee from Coffee Beanery, one of Michigan's finest businesses operating since 1976.  Or it may be the habitat friendly Birds and Beans Coffee or a cup of hot tea with a squeeze of citrus.

Norhport's Harbor by Sheen Watkins

From late fall to mid spring, Michigan is infamous for our grey, chilly winters.

For those who live (and photograph) here, we also know that gray is just a temporary state.   All you need is an early wake up call to go outside.  There...our breakfast may be served sunny-side up with a little fire mixed in. 

North of Omena on M22 by Sheen Watkins

There are those mornings where the sky's rosy red consumes land and water.   Skies go from twilight, shades of rich rose only to layer Grand Traverse Bay with glistening orange.

If red's not your taste, just wait a few minutes.  The red shifts to tints of oranges and yellows, adding a hint of warmth to the morning's chill.

A Door to Sunrise by Sheen Watkins

When the sun crests the horizon, don't rush the moment.  Just wait.

With a little local knowledge, you can find many interesting little unique treasures for the sun to peak through.

Some of my favorite spots?

Just head up Michigan's M22 on the east side of the Leelanau Peninsula.  Quaint towns of Sutton's Bay and Omena rest on the Grand Traverse Bay's shoreline. Then the veer up onto 201 along Northport's harbor and North Shore drive.

Along the way, savor the moment and let the sun rise to greet you.

Happy Shooting!
Sheen
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