{"id":53,"date":"2017-05-07T19:53:39","date_gmt":"2017-05-07T23:53:39","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/catcheroflight.com\/blog\/?p=53"},"modified":"2017-05-07T19:59:11","modified_gmt":"2017-05-07T23:59:11","slug":"weighing-the-risks-of-wildlife-and-nature-photography","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/catcheroflight.com\/blog\/weighing-the-risks-of-wildlife-and-nature-photography\/","title":{"rendered":"Weighing the Risks of Wildlife and Nature Photography"},"content":{"rendered":"
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American Crocodile – Everglades. \u00a9Bob Blanchard<\/p><\/div>\n

I was asked in a FaceBook comment last week to talk about how I deal with some of the risks while capturing images in the wilderness. \u00a0I thought about that request\u00a0for a bit, and realized that I had never really explained what precautions I take to minimize the obvious risks of wilderness photography. \u00a0With that in mind, I’m going to keep this post focused on South and Central Florida, and the risks I encounter here in my own back yard. \u00a0I can’t possibly cover everything in detail, but hopefully the high level thoughts presented here will get anyone considering extreme wildlife photography thinking.<\/p>\n

Everything in life is a risk\/reward, and nature photography certainly has its share of both\u00a0in a big way. \u00a0In my opinion there are different “degrees” of nature\u00a0photography, and I probably take it more toward the extreme than\u00a0most. \u00a0I don’t spend much time anymore in the places others go for wilderness experiences. \u00a0I enjoy the solitude of the unexplored, the beauty of the undeveloped or untamed, and the chance to capture that incredible image by actually becoming a part of the wild. \u00a0For me, it’s about “earning” the shot by doing things a certain way that don’t\u00a0rely on the animals being acclimated to humans, called, or baited. \u00a0I have to outsmart them in their world, and do it\u00a0without disturbing them. \u00a0It isn’t easy, and you make a lot more trips to capture far fewer images than those who choose to stick to the path more travelled….but it’s the ultimate accomplishment when you pull it off. \u00a0Your images will also be completely unique, and not the same ones captured by a dozen photographers who happened to be shooting the same location\u00a0on any given\u00a0day. \u00a0Before I romanticize this too much, I just want to state very clearly that I have years of experience doing this, and have grown to this point a little at a time through tiny increments. \u00a0I would NEVER suggest anyone trying what I do\u00a0without that same incremental process. \u00a0There are no shortcuts that I am aware of, and I believe doing so\u00a0prematurely will likely have a bad ending. \u00a0I\u00a0study the places I photograph extensively. \u00a0I study the wildlife I photograph as well. \u00a0I do this\u00a0is so I can photograph them without disturbing them. \u00a0The serendipity is that it also makes it safer for me as\u00a0I understand their habits and behaviors. \u00a0I develop expertise in each location I frequent. \u00a0I not only know the things necessary for great photography (light angles, wind directions, etc.), but also the favorite feeding locations and travel routes of the species, when they come and go, the species by season, and the best hiding places\u00a0for me to set up and wait. \u00a0When you understand the “normal” behaviors of the various\u00a0species, you also learn to pick up on their signals when\u00a0something is out of the ordinary (like a predator in the area). \u00a0Whenever I enter the wilderness, it’s as if an atavistic switch is thrown inside\u00a0me, and my senses kick into a\u00a0state of\u00a0hyperawareness which\u00a0I’m sure our ancestral humans had as an instinct\u00a0for survival. \u00a0Sadly, it took me 40+ years of wandering in the wild for that sense\u00a0to wake up within me to the point it is now. \u00a0When you have this sense, you pick up on subtle movements, sounds, and smells that you normally wouldn’t even be aware of. \u00a0It’s quite an addictive sensation.<\/p>\n

So what are the risks? \u00a0I don’t think\u00a0most people really consider the full spectrum of risks when photographing in the wild. \u00a0They may fixate on only one or two, but seldom are those the most likely ones to cause you harm. \u00a0I’ll do my best here to cover several\u00a0of them (disclaimer: \u00a0NOBODY knows them all), and will try to give them some level of likelihood\u00a0based on my personal experiences.<\/p>\n

First – The risk to the wildlife. \u00a0It’s a delicate balance when you venture into the wild, and few people respect that. \u00a0The noises you make or the steps you take could cause more harm than most\u00a0people realize. \u00a0As humans, we tend to think mostly of our own objectives\u00a0with little regard to the impact around us. \u00a0In the wild, this attitude is dangerous to the wildlife. \u00a0If I cause an animal that is hiding from predators to suddenly bolt or call out…it becomes exposed to those predators. \u00a0If I move too closely to a critical nesting area or an animal protecting its young, I can cause nest abandonment or provoke an attack. \u00a0I do everything in my power to be invisible and non-threatening out there. \u00a0When I sense my presence causing an issue, I back off quickly. \u00a0The shot isn’t worth the consequences. \u00a0I usually arrive at\u00a0my chosen locations BEFORE the wildlife does (often in the dark). \u00a0This gives them the opportunity to make the choice and decide if I am a threat or not. \u00a0I am usually rewarded by animals walking so close to me that I can’t even focus the camera on them. \u00a0I just smile and enjoy the moment. \u00a0To me, that’s what this\u00a0is all about.<\/p>\n

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Bob Blanchard in kayak – \u00a9Bob Pelkey<\/p><\/div>\n

Second\u00a0– Since most of my photography involves water environments, there is a high risk of equipment damage. \u00a0Even good high end camera gear is only “water resistant” at best, and likely won’t survive being immersed. \u00a0On an average day when I paddle out in the kayak, I have over 20K in camera gear mounted on the boat. \u00a0That’s an expensive hit\u00a0if the boat tips. \u00a0Needless to say, I go<\/p>\n

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Bob in brackish water – \u00a9Nedy Blanchard<\/p><\/div>\n

through a thorough\u00a0checklist before launching the boat. \u00a0I need to make sure that everything is tightened down and ready to go. \u00a0There is nothing arbitrary about my\u00a0kayak either. \u00a0Using this type of setup in most kayaks would be far too risky. \u00a0Everything about my kayak was designed precisely for this application. \u00a0I spent over a year researching various makes and models before<\/p>\n

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Bob in kayak – Camera in “shooting” position. \u00a9David Mintz<\/p><\/div>\n

choosing this one. \u00a0I’ve also made several key modifications, and prototyped the big-lens mounting system you see here. \u00a0When I’m not in the boat, I’m often lying face down in the mud along the shoreline, or out\u00a0wading in the water with my gear. \u00a0This poses the additional risks of slipping and falling…so learning how to move slowly while “walking” your\u00a0tripod is important. \u00a0Thankfully, equipment can be replaced. \u00a0I have personally dropped and damaged lenses (not in water, but on land), and have drowned cell phones in the field. \u00a0It happens.<\/p>\n

Third\u00a0– Injuries. \u00a0Carrying camera gear into the wilderness is tough. \u00a0When I’m not in my kayak, it is not uncommon for me to be carrying in excess of 40 pounds of very awkward gear. \u00a0Sometimes much more. \u00a0Injuries in the form of sprains, bruises, pulled muscles, minor cuts, etc. are not unusual. \u00a0I’ve certainly taken a few falls over the years. \u00a0Fortunately, I’ve never suffered a truly “serious” injury in the field….but I prepare for the possibility of one every time I go out. \u00a0For me, photography is not a “team sport”. \u00a0I’m usually alone in the middle of nowhere. \u00a0If I get hurt, I have to be ready to patch myself up so I can get out, or until help arrives. \u00a0A waterproof first aid kit (and the knowledge to use it) is a must. \u00a0Minor cuts are pretty common, but leaving them untreated is just asking for a serious situation later. \u00a0Remember….not all the dangerous creatures\u00a0in the wild can be seen. \u00a0Some are microscopic. \u00a0 I clean any wound and cover it just to be safe. \u00a0I always\u00a0make sure someone knows where I’m\u00a0going, the exact path I’ll\u00a0take, and when I’m\u00a0supposed to return. \u00a0If I\u00a0want to deviate from my\u00a0plan, I make sure I\u00a0can contact my\u00a0check-in person (usually\u00a0my wife) and let them know the new plan. \u00a0Fortunately, cell phone towers are all over central Florida. \u00a0That means I\u00a0can usually check-in from the field, or call for help if needed.\u00a0\u00a0Be aware that it may take help\u00a0quite some time to get there depending on where you are. \u00a0This protocol is necessary in case I get hurt and can’t get out on my own (and can’t communicate).<\/p>\n

Fourth\u00a0– Getting lost. \u00a0This happens all the time to people who venture into the Everglades. \u00a0After a few turns, everything looks the same and you can lose your sense of direction. \u00a0It’s very easy to get lost in a kayak too when you are paddling around in a large swamp, or around a remote lake when there are no\u00a0landmarks to tell you where you are. \u00a0I personally carry some form of GPS system, and always mark my vehicle location when I head out. \u00a0It definitely helps when I’m coming back so I don’t have to spend a lot of time looking for my vehicle in the middle of nowhere. \u00a0I always carry at least minimal survival gear in case I have to spend an unplanned “overnighter” out in the wild. \u00a0I’ve never had to use it, but will always carry it anyway.<\/p>\n

Fifth\u00a0– Dangerous animals. \u00a0I’ll bet everyone is thinking this should’ve been first! \u00a0Again, in my experience, the risks listed\u00a0above have a higher likelihood of occurring (to me anyway) than an encounter with\u00a0a dangerous animal. \u00a0In fact, I’ve had every one of the above\u00a0happen to me at least once, but have never been attacked by a wild animal while photographing in the wild. \u00a0There are certainly many times I’ve encountered\u00a0them, but have never provoked or harassed them in any way. \u00a0It’s that old saying “if you don’t mess with them, they won’t mess with you”. \u00a0I also study the behaviors of any species I may encounter in the area so I know what to do when around them. \u00a0Situational awareness is critical in the wild. \u00a0You have to understand and respect the fact that in the wild, nature’s laws apply….not man’s. \u00a0 In locations where large predators exist, you\u00a0are likely\u00a0on the menu! \u00a0I’ve encountered (in Florida’s wilderness) Large Alligators, Large Hogs, Black Bears, Bull Sharks, and American Crocodiles. \u00a0Any of these could’ve taken me had I not respected their space. \u00a0My closest call was with the large hog you see in the picture, and a close encounter with a couple 12 foot American Crocodiles in the Everglades. \u00a0That hog\u00a0was huge (estimate 400+ pounds). \u00a0I had a stare down with him for about 15 minutes before he lost interest and wandered off. \u00a0Was I frightened? \u00a0Yup. \u00a0Did I panic? \u00a0Nope. \u00a0He showed up<\/p>\n

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Large wild hog – \u00a9Bob Blanchard<\/p><\/div>\n

unexpectedly in a place I had photographed many times and had never seen hogs or gators before. \u00a0The encounter with the Crocodiles was my fault, as I had let my guard down and was moving too quickly down an unfamiliar trail while trying to get a better light angle on the large Crocodile at the top of this post. \u00a0I turned a corner and was face-to-face with a pair of 12 footers at a distance of about 4 feet. \u00a0Fortunately for me they weren’t hungry. \u00a0With most dangerous animals you just have to keep your head about you and not do anything that could provoke an attack. \u00a0With some species, running away is the worst thing you can do. \u00a0With others, it’s your only hope. \u00a0You have to know the dangerous species in the area, and what to do if you encounter one. \u00a0Usually, they are trying to figure out what you are and whether\u00a0or not you are a threat. \u00a0Snakes are always a concern (especially Water Moccasins) around here. \u00a0They can show up anywhere, are hard to see, and will definitely attack if they feel threatened. \u00a0My only close encounter with a Water Moccasin was one that crawled up on my back while I was lying down shooting some birds in the water. \u00a0This happened on a cool morning, and the snake likely sensed the warmth of my body heat, and crawled up on me to warm up. \u00a0Even though I felt it climb on me, I thought it was just one of the crabs that are abundant in that location. \u00a0Imagine my surprise when I turned my head after I finished shooting and saw the tail end of a snake that was on my back! \u00a0I knew if I made a sudden move like jumping up, I’d likely get bitten….so I just slowly reached over with my hand and grabbed the tail-end and very quickly flung the snake into the water. \u00a0I<\/p>\n

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A 9-10 footer – \u00a9Bob Blanchard<\/p><\/div>\n

can assure you I was a bit panicked after I did this!\u00a0 Thankfully, I panicked AFTER the situation was over – LOL. \u00a0Alligators are everywhere around here. \u00a0In fact, I probably see them on more days than I don’t. \u00a0Around here, we make\u00a0a simple assumption….if it’s a body of fresh water, it has gators. \u00a0I simply don’t mess with them. \u00a0Their behaviors are reasonably predictable, and if you respect their presence and habits, you’ll probably be fine. \u00a0The dangerous ones are the ones that\u00a0have been fed by humans. \u00a0They lose their fear, and see other humans as a food source. \u00a0When I’m kayaking, I’m careful not to paddle too close to shore in the shallows where I might bump one. \u00a0Another mistake some people make is that they get between the gator and the water. \u00a0A gator always wants to retreat to the water when they feel threatened, and you don’t want to be between them and safety! \u00a0Even in the kayak, its a bad idea to paddle toward a gator on the bank, as they might just use your boat as a diving board! \u00a0Now I’ll admit that when I’m lying near the waters edge, I will occasionally be “stalked” by a gator out in the water. \u00a0I’ll see the eyes pop up, ten go back down, and then pop up again a bit closer. \u00a0All I usually have to do is stand up, and they scurry away when I now look like a big predator. \u00a0Of course, once the gators get to a certain size, they are no longer intimidated, and they may look at any human as a meal. \u00a0Some of the locations I go have gators that big, and I have to respect that and be extra careful when launching or landing my kayak…or photographing\u00a0from shore. \u00a0The American Crocodiles get considerably larger than gators, but for the most part the same rules apply.<\/p>\n

Sixth – The weather. \u00a0Getting caught in the rain is miserable wherever you are, and when you have a bunch of expensive camera gear it can be an issue for sure. \u00a0I carry rain covers (garbage bags) in case I need to protect my gear, and a poncho for myself every time I go out as part of my survival gear. \u00a0That said, Florida also has more lightning strikes than any other state. \u00a0Getting caught on a lake in a kayak with a large metal camera mounted on it when the lightning starts popping is a really serious situation. \u00a0I have to make sure I\u00a0know the weather reports before I go anywhere. \u00a0I often abort plans because bad weather is forecast. \u00a0I also have apps on my phone that tell me if unexpected weather is moving in, and I head for home immediately if the weather is coming.<\/p>\n

Seventh – Bugs. \u00a0We certainly have a few of these here in Florida. \u00a0If there were three species I wish God would “un-create” I’d have to go with Mosquitos, Fire Ants, and Noseeums. \u00a0Believe it or not, I think Mosquitos are more controlled here in Florida than they are in places like Minnesota (my home state). \u00a0Still, they carry diseases and it only takes one bite from a Mosquito with West Nile or Zika to cause some real problems. \u00a0Noseeums and Fire Ants get me on a regular basis. \u00a0I usually wear protective clothing to prevent bites, as I hate spraying deet or other harmful chemicals on me or my clothing. \u00a0In areas where the Noseeums are thick, I wear a full bug suit and gloves. \u00a0Same thing if I’m out in the swamp during heavy mosquito season. \u00a0For Fire Ants it’s really a matter of watching where you step, kneel, or lie down. \u00a0I always use elastic bands to tie off my pant cuffs so if I do step on a mound they don’t go inside my pants leg and I can just brush them off. \u00a0We also have biting flies, but they are not usually too much of an issue.<\/p>\n

Eighth – The sun. \u00a0When you spend as much time as I do on the beaches, shorelines, and water, you MUST protect yourself from the sun. \u00a0I usually wear “fishing” clothes that are rated to at least 40 SPF, and even in the heat of summer I’m in long sleeves and wearing a hat. \u00a0I like the sun hats (like the one I’m wearing in the picture of me lying in the water) because they protect my ears<\/p>\n

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Bob – Doing what it takes for a good angle. \u00a9Mary Goetzinger<\/p><\/div>\n

and neck as well. \u00a0Again, I really dislike covering my body in chemical sunblock, so proper clothing is a must. \u00a0As a side benefit, the fishing clothes are also fast drying, so I can go out and get soaked in the surf, and I’m usually dry by the time I return to the car. \u00a0Clothing for outdoor photography should definitely be more about function than style in my opinion, but some companies have addressed both. \u00a0Heatstroke is a very real risk here in Florida. \u00a0The summer\/early fall months can be brutal. \u00a0Hydration and protection from the sun are the key. \u00a0I always carry plenty of water on every trip…as well as a hiking water filter in case I run out.<\/p>\n

I hope I haven’t scared anyone off by addressing these risks. \u00a0To me\u00a0it’s really just common sense. \u00a0The rewards of doing what I do far outweigh the risks (to me anyway)….otherwise I wouldn’t be doing this! \u00a0There is no place I’d rather be than in the wild. \u00a0I’m probably the only one I know who comes home from a day at “the office” covered in mud with a huge smile because I’ve had yet another incredible experience. \u00a0It’s not for everyone, but I wouldn’t have it any other way! \u00a0–Bob<\/p>\n

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Bob “face down in the mud”. \u00a9Gail Reid Campbell<\/p><\/div>\n

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I was asked in a FaceBook comment last week to talk about how I deal with some of the risks while capturing images in the wilderness. \u00a0I thought about that request\u00a0for a bit, and realized that I had never really explained what precautions I take to minimize the obvious risks of wilderness photography. \u00a0With that… Read more »<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":67,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":[],"categories":[7],"tags":[],"jetpack-related-posts":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/catcheroflight.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/53"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/catcheroflight.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/catcheroflight.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/catcheroflight.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/catcheroflight.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=53"}],"version-history":[{"count":14,"href":"https:\/\/catcheroflight.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/53\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":75,"href":"https:\/\/catcheroflight.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/53\/revisions\/75"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/catcheroflight.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/67"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/catcheroflight.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=53"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/catcheroflight.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=53"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/catcheroflight.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=53"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}