Vics Blog

I usually spend about five days a week in the field and during the last three years have shot over a million pictures. During a lifetime of being in the outdoors, I have the feeling that this is my home.. Somehow my heart knows that reverence for all the life here is key and treating it with total respect is paramount. There is knowing that we are all one with nature and without its wildness we would be in deep trouble.
The creatures that live out there in the wild country are intelligent and beautiful. They live in perfect harmony in their world and being with them everyday I’ve come to know life in a more patient and caring way. Now you may laugh at the notion, but I believe that most of them are as curious about us as we are about them. Knowing that we are part of their world and they ours has opened my mind to the fact that talking to the animals helps in taking their pictures. By speaking softly in a calm, soothing tone, I’ve had many critters come in close to find out what the heck is going on. Even when they seem a bit skittish at first, they calm down quickly and go about their lives which gives me the opportunity to capture natural behaviors.
Last fall I happened upon two big mule deer bucks that had hunkered down in a stand of thick pines trees and scrub. Following tracks in the late afternoon snow for about a mile my eyes caught the slight movement of antlers among the branches. Moving slowly closer over the next few minutes I could tell by their body movements that they were getting a little edgy and didn’t necessarily appreciate my wonderful company. Not wanting to blow the opportunity for some good shots we started a conversation right then and there. In a relaxed, calming tone I asked permission to take their pictures and then just asked about their day, where they hung out, and how life was treating them in general. Small talk but they instantly calmed down and went about their business. They weren’t particularly photogenic over the next hour and it was starting to get dark so I thanked them for their time and told them I’d try to be back the next day to get better pictures.
Maybe it was coincidence, but the next morning they were exactly in the same spot. We talked some more, but the picture taking just wasn’t getting any better because the heavy timber was getting in the way and they seemed to be getting a little annoyed. There was an opening just beyond the stand of trees and I asked if they wouldn’t mind walking over to it so that we could get some better shots. I promised that if they would oblige me we’d quit the photo session and I’d get out of their hair. Instantly they walked over to the meadow, posed perfectly and we got the great pictures. I quietly said thank you, and walked away.