Time...

This week I had a chance to go stay with some nice people in Illinois.  In addition to some work we had to do, we decided to work in some photography.  As we were trying to photograph local wildlife, I was reminded that success was all about time.  First, we wanted to photograph early morning birds, which meant that the keyword was "early".  We headed out a little after 5:00am.  If you want to photograph birds, you have to do it when the light is good, and the birds are out feeding.  Even heading out that early, we were a little late.

I did manage to get a shot of this pair of cardinals coming in to feed.

But there's more to it than just the time of day.  Just because you're there on time, doesn't mean the animals are going to get there when you want them to. Often, I count time in the number of times I have to visit a location to find the animals I want. In this case, I wanted photographs of a great blue heron. I knew they were in the area, but we had to get them in close.

The first day, not very good luck. I made a little too much noise getting into the blind, and the lone heron on the pond flew before we could get anything good. I had to be content with shooting Canada geese and young goslings. Not a bad result, but not what I was looking for.

The next day, things worked out a little better. Still, it didn't come easily.  The heron worked it's way around the pond toward us, but then flew unexpectedly. Then it came back later. It worked it's way around the pond from the other side coming the other way, then flew unexpectedly again. At least this time I got a close shot.

Still, we waited.  He came back again, and began working the opposite shore, but steadily toward us. This time when he flew, I was ready. Keeping focus locked, I was able to capture his wings in a good position.

Again, timing made the difference.

Like I said, it's all about time.