Blue Planet Photography

It’s spring. People are thinking about going on vacation. Even with high gas prices there will be visitors to National Parks. Some of those visitors know nothing about wild animals and seem to expect free ranging wildlife to be docile, approachable, friendly, tame. They are cute, after all, right? 

I’ve said this before; I think recent (in the past 10 years or so) nature shows have done a disservice to the respect for wildlife by sensationalizing close contact and “near misses” exhibited by the various show’s hosts. I think it fosters a bravado and a cavalier attitude toward wild animals that gives people the false impression that they, too, can interact with dangerous animals. I’m completely aware of historical attitudes to wildlife, especially in National Parks, even within the National Park Service. In Yellowstone’s early years (and other National Parks), and into the early 1940s, bear feeding was encouraged (http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_qa3951/is_200210/ai_n9085591/pg_1) and visitor interaction with wildlife was not discouraged too much. However, attitudes changed as our knowledge of biology and wildlife ecology grew, and a more “natural” experience was desired by the public and the National Park Service.

When I was an active wildlife biologist I never worked with anyone who wasn’t very cautious around wild animals. The reason for the caution is three fold:

1. We know the damage wild animals are capable of

2. More often than not, we’re in remote locations where an injury could easily be life threatening or at a minimum make life very uncomfortable

3. We’re not only concerned with our safety but the safety of the animal

Here’s something to remember when you’re taking that trip to Yellowstone, Yosemite, Glacier, etc.

Wild Animals Are Wild

If you need some confirmation, check out this page on the Yellowstone National Park website:

http://www.nps.gov/yell/photosmultimedia/safetyvideos.htm

In parks with heavy visitation, the combination of wildlife and people in close proximity creates high levels of stress and an animal’s behavior can become less predictable. Just like a person who, when under stress, can suddenly lash out without warning, wlidlife in National Parks can do the same. Seemingly placid one second, a single step closer could trigger a charge or attack you’re not likely to escape.

Photographers interested in capturing wildlife on film should spend some time learning about the ecology, biology, and behavior of their subjects so they can be better prepared, conscious of warning signs, aware of safe distance practices, and set an example to others (since a person with a big camera is automatically assumed to be knowledgable, if you’re acting stupid others will too). This will also allow you to capture better quality video when there is a charge or attack so that video can be used to educate others.

Even if you’re out to view the less deadly wildlife such as birds or deer (….Bambi, dangerous? You’ve got to be joking! Not common, but you’ve seen the videos) you need to be aware. During nesting season (spring early summer) some hawks, falcons and owls can be quite aggressive if you venture too near a nest. Songbirds, also, while maybe not able to inflict great damage could distract a person on a mountain bike enough to cause a crash, or frighten a horse into bolting.

The message is simple: Be knowledgable, be aware, be smart, and you’ll be safe.

Take it easy, enjoy the outdoors this summer, and have fun.

Back in the day, I was pretty fit. My job as a state park ranger, and later as a wildlife biologist, required a certain level of fitness and activity. It wasn’t too difficult to stay in shape because I was active every day, 5 or more days a week. I was also a rock climber, hiker, doing all sorts of outdoor stuff. I thought when I became a full-time photographer I would maintain at least a percentage of that activity level and some of that previous fitness.

Then came digital. Little did I know (although I suspected, from my research) that going digital would put me into the position not as a freelancing, mountain climbing, puddle-jumping free spirit, but as a lumpy cubicle dweller. No aspersions meant for you out there who are cubicle dwellers but, to be honest, that’s not an active lifestyle. I ended up sitting in front of the computer 80% of the time (or more), processing image files that used to be done by my photo lab when I was shooting film. I became, more or less, chained to a desk, not exactly where I’d planned to be. Last year, I made an effort to get back in shape. I joined a gym and began going regularly. Then, the gym closed and I found other excuses not to exercise.

I’m the first to admit exercising demands a mental and philosophical commitment. It has to be important enough to dedicate the time and set time aside on a regular basis, otherwise it’s just not going to work in the long term. For me, even though mornings aren’t the best time for me, that’s when I need to get up and go at it before I get involved in the tasks of the day.

Whether you’re a nature photographer or a studio photographer when you photograph, your body must be able to do several things to be better suited to creating great photos:

1. walk and carry a (un)reasonable weight of equipment, sometimes for long periods and long distances.

2. hold steady while standing, sitting, kneeling, or straddling a rushing stream on moving, slippery rocks while holding expensive equipment.

3. hold steady while hand holding equipment that gets heavier and heavier as the day wears on.

4. maintain your concentration, enthusiasm, and awareness for long periods of time.

I can tell you this from experience; you can’t do any of those things very effectively if you’re not in good physical condition. You get tired more easily and wear out earlier in the day, weak legs and trunk make for a less stable shooting platform (you), holding your camera steady gets more difficult as your arm and shoulder muscles get tired, and your attitude and enthusiasm whithers as the day and/or night wears on.

We photographers need to be in shape. Especially in the U.S., being overweight and out of shape is an epidemic. Besides being unhealthy, it affects our art, and that’s not good. I believe that inactivity negatively affects creativity. Being active increases oxygen levels in the brain, allows your body to run more efficiently, gives you stamina. Sitting in front of the computer, even if it is a necessary part of your job, does none of these things.

Even though I know a thing or two about biology, I’m not an expert in physical therapy, nor am I a doctor or fitness instructor. So, consult with your doctor before engaging in any physical training. (that sounds official, doesn’t it?)

Here are the muscle groups I think photographers should work on:

1. Arms: bicep and tricep curls, push-ups, and lat pulls will strengthen arms and shoulders for steadier hand holding of heavy digital cameras.

2. Legs: leg presses and leg curls strengthen legs to provide a strong and stable base (for you, the human “bipod”).

3. Stomach: stomach crunches and abdominal workouts strengthen your stomach for a more solid core working with your legs for that stable base. A strong stomach also helps prevent back strains when you’re lifting and carrying heavy camera bags, backpacks, and equipment.

4. Back: a strong back is the second component of the solid core with your stomach. A weak back is painful and can prevent you from doing many things, like walking, sitting for long periods, bending over, all the activities done when photographing.

I’m not talking about building strength, necessarily. It’s conditioning; working your muscles so they have endurance. If you don’t use your muscles, they get lazy and don’t process the nutrients available to them very efficiently. So, they give up before they’re supposed to. You have to wake them up with exercise and activity.

If you can’t join a gym or health club, you can go for walks or bike rides. I don’t recommend taking your camera with you on these outings since you’ll be tempted to stop and photograph when the purpose is to be active. However, while you walk or bike you can be noticing the light and making mental photographs, training your awareness.

When your muscles are fit, your brain will follow and your energy and enthusiasm will be greater.

I’m going back to the gym so I can be a better photographer (or at least a better prepared photographer). I will also be healthier, which is never a bad thing. Think about it.