Photographing animal behaviour

Great blue heron scratching an itchy spot, Wood Lake, Winfield, BC.

I photographed this yesterday while paddling; I have lots of photographs of great blue herons, so why take another one?  Because this one was different.

Photography can be more than just what something looks like.  Admittedly, many of my wildlife photos are just that; pictures of what something looks like.  There is certainly value in that because it hones my skill set, is an enjoyable pastime, and has allowed me to produce some remarkable images.  But wouldn't it be nice if the photograph produced both physical and behavioural qualities?

The truth is that photographing animal behaviour is hard.  Your very presence almost guarantees an uncooperative subject as most creatures don't go about their daily business when they feel threatened.  Think of what it would be like having the principal at the back of the class you are enrolled in, or the boss watching your back as you work.  Not the time for whatever "normal" looks like.  The exception seems to be things like insects where your proximity goes unnoticed, up to a certain point.

Even then, you have to do a few things.  Move in slowly (no fast movements), remain still for a period of time (become acclimated to your presence), not be threatening (dull colours, feign disinterest), and take lots of photos.  For insects, you can do all this in a couple of minutes.  Birds, mammals, and reptiles are much more savvy about their environments and will react quickly if they sense danger.  It takes longer for them to acclimate to you, requires more patience on your part, and requires a certain amount of luck.

You can increase the likelihood of being at the right place at the right time through persistence.  As organisms become familiar with you they will be more prone to engage in routine behaviours.  Think Jane Goodall.  National Geographic photographers embed in environments to get the sort of shots we associate with the name.  Of course, most of us don't have that kind of time.  So, consider doing what I do; I linger.

Yesterday I was paddling and came across the above heron.  Nothing too unusual, like seeing a robin in your front yard.  However, I put my paddle down, put my camera to my eye, and waited.  I needed a better position, so I slowly moved for a better shot then remained still, camera at the ready.  The bird took no notice of me and began scratching an itchy spot.  I took 17 photos over a 5 minute period and ended up with a couple of nice shots.  Nothing groundbreaking, but still worth the time.

If you go to places like parks where the creatures are used to people you stand a better chance of getting such a photo.  If that heron had never seen a human or boat before, it would have left well before I got anywhere near it.  Go in the morning when the light is good and there are few people about; you are more likely to see nature in its relaxed mode.  And go often.  It's like looking for a snake under a rock.  One may not be under the first rock you turn over, but if you examine enough of them, you will succeed.

Don't bait animals for photos.  It's a harmful and unethical practice.  Don't disturb nesting creatures as they may abandon the nest.  Look for evidence that you are making something uncomfortable; back off if you need to.  Pay attention to the world around you, while you are waiting for one thing to happen in front of you, another may be taking place behind you.  Be aware of your surroundings.

I have written twice as much as I intended to for this blog.  Feel free to make a comment or ask a question.  All the best.

Thanks for reading.

Eric Svendsen     www.ericspix.com