If you’re reading this, it probably means you enjoy being a nature photographer. While you’re out in the frigid cold, your family members are sleeping. At sunrise? You’re anxiously waiting for the colors to emerge while others are safely tucked under the covers back home.
Outside of spending time with my family, the next place I want to be? In nature, with a camera in my hand and a lens or two in my back pack. Rain, cold, heat or snow, there’s always something ready to be photographed. It may turn out great. It may not. That’s part of the fun!
Time
If only time (and our light) could stand still. There’s never enough photography time. As photographers, we experience the good and along with the challenges that go along with our territory. Let’s take a look at a few of these. If you have your own, comment below or send a message.
Nature Photographer: Alone Time or Loneliness
It’s early, well before the crack of dawn. We down our coffee, grab a morning snack and head to the sunrise destination. It’s another morning of hurry up, and wait. We relish in the ever changing light and snap the colors, the views, as the night converges in to day.
As the day enfolds, it’s on to different sights, wildlife hotspots for more shooting. At some point, realize we’re famished and it’s time to eat a bit for lunch. It may be in the car, the gas station or a quick stop. When the bright light of day de-saturates our colors, we’re lucky if we get a quick nap before downloading images. Or if it’s a travel trip, it’s back out again that day for the late afternoon golden hour and blue hour shoots.
In all this beauty, on many occasions it’s just us, our tripod and camera.
Nine times out of ten, these moments are solo. No one is with us, there’s no one to share the “ooh’s” and “ah’s” of the moment. There’s a lot of time behind the wheel, in empty hotel rooms and solo dinner tables in restaurants.
Fun in Numbers, but not my Most Creative Work
On the flip side, traveling with a pack of photographers is pure fun. We experience another person’s perspective in the moment. We celebrate, slap high fives when we get the shot. And f/stops? We love chatting about the photography stuff that makes our other ‘non-photographer’ friends eyes glaze over.
When I’m back reviewing my images though, I typically find that I’m not as satisfied with my images versus out solo. I don’t really know why other than I may not have the same level of focus (pardon the pun)?
The Thrill of the Elements and the Risks
By the sheer action of going out solo on beaches, woods, shooting insects, wildlife, weather’s elements – there’s a thrill of seeing nature up close and personal. When in the moment, it’s just the subject, the camera and a creative mindset.
At the very same time, with this level of focus there is an elevated level of personal risk. It’s easy to get distracted and take safety for granted.
As much as we can get caught up in the moment, no matter how great the opportunity, personal safety should always come first.
We should always be aware of our surroundings, take safety precautions, know the area as much as possible before heading out alone. It’s a good practice to set your phone to share your location with those closest to you. If you’re headed to an area where there’s no cell access or it’s totally isolated, consider bringing others with you. There’s safety in numbers. After all, we want to go back out tomorrow or the next day and play!
Satisfaction and Regrets
As a nature photographer, we live for the light. We notice light, even when a camera isn’t in our hands. I’ve never regretted seeing a single sunrise or sunset. Nor, have I ever regretted time being in search of something.
I have regretted those times when I opted not to shoot and missed awesome light. I’ve also had many missed sunrises and sunsets due to personal and work commitments. Those really hurt, especially when you see images from others that are fantastic. Very happy for them, very sad for me!
Office Space
We have two offices. The one office is in front of our computers, where we bring our subjects to life. Our other office? Being in the field where we energize the soul and invigorate our creative eye. If we get stuck in rut, we just move our feet. Or, change our perspective.
Additional reading: How to Find Photography Inspiration
