〰️
Framing Wildlife plus the stories behind the images
〰️ Framing Wildlife plus the stories behind the images
Wildlife
To capture wildlife is to master the art of patience, adapting gracefully to the unpredictable rhythm of nature. Whether braving harsh light, unforgiving weather, or the wild whims of animal behavior, each photograph can feel like a celebrated moment wrestled from the elements. Then there is the beautiful opposite: those rare, serene moments when the struggle vanishes, and an animal chooses to pause and pose for you.
A perfect example of this resilience came while photographing the family of geese, which appeared in my children’s book Hudson Learns a Lesson. I got so completely caught up in the magic of the moment that I suddenly realized that I was lying flat in a bed of goose droppings. I tossed those clothes straight into the trash!
At other times, the challenges were a bit more turbulent. While in the Galapagos Islands I was taking photos from a zodiac boat. The waves were smashing against volcanic rock and massive boulders and returned with a blow to the zodiak, tossing us in every direction. I finally found the rhythm of the water, allowing me to capture a few precise shots between the crashing swells. It was an absolute shutter speed nightmare!
Then there is the unique challenge of traveling with someone that dislikes making frequent stops. I had to learn quickly how to take photos while hanging out the window or shooting past the driver, while flying down the highway at seventy miles per hour. The image of the horse galloping in the field is evidence of that technique. Never mind, the horse was running in the opposite direction!
Every wildlife photographer has a plethora of stories to tell including dangerous ones. I hope you enjoyed reading about some of mine.
Once you have decided on the image you wish to purchase, click the Reserve Print button. Complete your order form. Watch your e-mail for an invoice from me within 24 hours. It’s that easy!
Crowning Achievement (Limited Edition)- The lizard sitting atop the Galapagos Marine Iguana's head is called a Lava Lizard. It is common to see them sunning themselves together. The color on the Lava Lizard's underside was the perfect contrast needed to make this photo pop. Darwin's nickname for them was "Imps of Darkness."
Galapagos Fur Seal- is staring right into my camera lens. I didn't train him to do this; he just did it on his own. He stole my heart! He is the ideal print for any nature lover of any age.
Flightless Cormorant Shake - He is shaking out his short wings to help dry them more quickly. It is the only cormorant that cannot fly and is found only in the Galapagos Islands. They have evolved into fast-skilled swimmers and are capable of hopping around volcanic rock with their strong legs. The most distinctive feature of the Flightless Cormorant is their striking turquoise eyes.
Red-Footed Booby- Unlike other boobies, Red-Footed Boobies are "tree or shrub nesters." When courting the male raises his head and shows off the red color of their feet. I caught this Red-footed Booby collecting twigs for a nest.
Running Wild – This beautiful fine specimen of a horse was running towards us and on the opposite side of the highway when I spotted him ahead. We were speeding at seventy-three miles per hour, pulling an RV. I asked my husband (who was driving) to quickly put his window down and sit back as much as he could. I set my camera and took a couple of shots before the horse had disappeared from site.
Bull Elk – My husband and I were just returning from a hike and putting our gear in the truck when I saw this bull elk across the way. His massive size made my heart pound so fast, that I could barely breathe. I got my husband’s attention, and we both started taking photos of him. I took about sixty photos or more of him as he was grazing and walking through the woods. He was the most majestic animal I had seen on this trip. He lifted his head towards the faint late afternoon sun, made a soft bugle sound and that’s when I got this great image of him.
Pondering Prairie Dog -This cute Prairie Dog was sitting in an open field watching all the other dogs. We had seen numerous Prairie Dogs during our travels, but none were ever sitting like this one.
Bald-Faced Hornet - My Rose of Sharon bush was alive with all sorts of flying insects and butterflies fluttering about. I was hoping to catch a shot of a hummingbird; instead, I managed to capture this Bald-Faced Hornet coming in hot to an occupied bloom.
Seagull Flying Over Calving Glacier- (Limited Edition) – We were in Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve, Alaska when in awe of the crystal turquoise color of the glaciers. The loud thunderous cracking noises the glaciers were making were very alarming, since we didn’t know what the sounds were at first. I watched this seagull catch a massive updraft spiraling higher into the sky. This photo captures the seagull flying over a heavy mist kicked up by the violent impact of the iceberg falling into the water.