2023 has been an eventful year everywhere but this blog. I've let the cobwebs pile up. Life has been rather busy, and the last thing I've had time to do is write. This has been the summer of wildlife photography!
I've been a photographer for quite a few years, but until now, my focus has been on portraits and people. I take random photos with my phone or GoPro while on adventures, but my big camera rig rarely finds its way into the backcountry with me.
This year, I changed that and purchased a reasonably large telephoto lens intending to expand into wildlife. I've always been interested in shooting wildlife but have avoided it because the cost can get absurd. The idea of spending tens of thousands of dollars on a single lens seems a smidgen insane to me. I spent far less than that, but I know that budget has some limitations that will eventually drive me insane. For now, I will continue to shoot with my 200-500 f/5.6.
Wildlife is a very different type of photography; I'm used to being able to take charge of every aspect of the shoot. Wildlife is the opposite and forces me into patience and attentiveness hoping to get myself into a position that will allow me to photograph an interesting animal in interesting light, with interesting composition. My goal for the coming year is to continue to lean into wildlife photography and to pivot this blog to include it as much as possible.
I dipped my first toe into wildlife photography by heading to the "Bird Garden" at the Humber Arboretum. After several hours of redefining the meaning of misery with thousands of pesky mosquito friends, I was able to snag some decent shots of some small birds! I also managed to encounter an adorable baby rabbit.
Next was a trip to the west side of Algonquin, where I hoped to lock my sights on a moose as I had booked a campsite near what was locally called "Moose Crossing." Unfortunately, I didn't come across anything larger than a crow, but one morning, when paddling through the fog at dawn, I did come across an incredible loon who was fishing.
A few weeks later, I was off to Barron Canyon again on the East side of Algonquin. Just like last year, it was a fantastic trip. However, wildlife was few and far between. The only meaningful opportunity I had to take some good shots was when one of our party had a bit of startle when she realized that three garter snakes were sunning themselves right beside the rock she was sitting on. She ran off; I ran for my camera.
Finally, the summer climaxed with a two-week trip out to New Brunswick! (Which I will write about in a separate post) Overall, it was a fantastic summer and reasonably successful for a first peek at a new hobby!
