Most of us wont admit it openly, but I know we all miss images. Most of the time these are fleeting scenes that I’ve dreamt of taking, BBC winners, Nat geo covers… So when the image does not work, what happens?
Recently I missed a fabulous image- one I have dreamt of for ages. It was a wildebeest crossing the Talek River. Before the crossing I scoped the far bank and saw lions a distance away. This placated my anxiety that the lions would hunt the wildebeest at this crossings-, as is their want with this particular pride.
Of course the beasts crossed and out of nowhere, in the bushes in the riverbed, out charged a lioness right into the middle of the beasts to pluck a yearling from them in the water. Wildebeest scattered, water splashed and a short struggle ensued in the water. We were the only vehicle and in a prime position. So what was the problem? I had just changed my large lens for a wide angle. The lion attack was going to be 3 pixels large. By the time I had swapped lenses back, the action was over- 3 seconds was the height of the action.
I was extremely upset- almost pale! I knew the scene was one of the most fantastic I had ever seen- and I had missed it.
What dis I learn from this? Its more a reaffirmation: When dealing with nature- expect the unexpected and roll with it from there.
This is something I’ve learnt from many years working and photographing in nature. The more I learn about animal behaviour, the more I plan for the unexpected. And when things don’t go your way, well that’s nature.
It has got me through many disappointments but also makes me appreciate the times when everything comes together that much more.
She is a beautiful beast is nature. I’m at least glad I don’t have to photograph people…!
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