Jan 30, 2010

It's a jungle in here...

My friend Brandon recently shared a link to Paul Burnwell’s post entitled 'Top Ten Annoying things to say to wildlife photographers'. It was brilliant.

I agree with Burnwell on many of his points, such as "Wow, you must have a really nice camera!" or "That picture would be amazing as a painting." But the one that resonated the most with me was number 4. And I quote:
'You were so lucky to be in the right place at the right time.'
In the same sense that I was lucky to be up an hour before sunrise for a week to arrive at the location in time only to be disappointed 6 out of the 7 days, I guess I was lucky.
Truly, I understand where he's coming from. Wildlife photography takes a serious commitment to braving the elements, being patient and realizing the scene is out of your control. Take for example my recent wildlife shoot...



I call this one Wild dustbunny on the run. Seeing this species in broad daylight used to be a very rare occurence, but as a result of this year's crazy work-clinic-school schedules in the Land of Masson, these little guys have had the perfect environment for breeding like, well... bunnies.




Photographing the elusive Wild dustbunny (Dustbunius savagus) takes a trained eye, as they are often masters of disguise. But trust me - once you know what to look for, you'll start to see them everywhere.



This exquisite specimen was basking in the early morning sunlight streaming in through the window.

Little did he know that danger lurked just around the corner...



A fierce predator was on the prowl.

9 comments:

kpjordan said...

True to your style, very entertaining! You can take the most mundane things in life and create a story. You were so lucky to see that dust bunny at just the right angle in just the right lighting at just the right time!

Tee said...

Oh dear, I hate those wild dust bunnies as well! Except, those are baby bunnies, mine are much larger and much more mature. I finally broke down this week and gathered all of them up and they are all in the vacuum bag waiting for the trash. My dust bunnies are go large and scary you hardly need light to see them. Frightening, I know.

Tina said...

LOL! Oh my gosh, Kari. You're brilliant! :D

Anonymous said...

Oh Kari.
You. Are. Funny!
Britt :)

Stephanie said...

Only you would post about dust bunnies.

My dust bunnies have a friend called dog hair, less elusive but more dangerous, attaching itself with a vengeance to furniture, clothes...

Nice post ;)

Tina said...

Oh that is so stinkin' funny!!

firstofmany said...

I've spent the weekend reading about your First Years in Senegal. I have so enjoyed the enthusiams, dedication, and discipline of your blog and your life in service.

I've skipped around a bit in your Lyon Years, and know that you are heading back to Senegal.

I have so thoroughly enjoyed your blog and sincerely thank you for sharing your experiences.

Peggy said...

i love the new term "dustbunius savagus"--hilarious!

Tina said...

This inspired me so that I braved a post on my own floors. Not with near the humor you have, however. =)
http://lifeofamissymom.blogspot.com/2010/02/this-and-that.html