The Art of Flight

One of the things I love so much about heading out into the field each day is the element of the unknown. When I leave in the mornings, I do not go with expectations, I go with visions, hopes & dreams. I depart home with a blank canvas, and there is no way of telling what I will be returning home with at day's end. That in itself makes every single day with a camera in my hand an exciting adventure of the unknown. An opportunity to create something brand new that no other person can or will ever replicate. No two single frames are ever the same. Working in nature, you have no control over what you might see or not see. Some days are a let-down, some, frustrating, other days are full of surprises, wonder and amazing moments. No matter what, every day has the potential for a special, rare or astounding moment! Sometimes, it’s something simple, other days it is the light or, perhaps a rarely seen species or moment unfolds. The more time you spend in the wild, the greater your chances are of seeing unique and wonderful moments. All of these potentials are why I love what I do. The element of the unknown and the potential to witness and create something special are part of what drives me. Other days you head out with the hope and anticipation of seeing and capturing a specific species. Which is what I did during the fall of 2020, when I set out in hopes of capturing beautiful fall imagery of a buck during rutting season. However, what I came home with instead, were images of great horned owls, and this great blue heron you see pictured here. A moment in time that had I not been there for, no human being would have ever seen. But through the magic of photography, here I am, able to share special moments like this with you. Hidden away in my blind, I watched this heron land, wade around, catch some lunch and as seen here, take off for its next location. All the while, I remained hidden away in my blind, allowing the heron to peacefully go about its business, none the wiser to my presence. Special memories and that “blank canvas” I started my day with, was filled.