Are you intrigued by the title? Have I completely lost my mind? Perhaps, but have you ever seen those picture perfect photos of birds and squirrels in gorgeous light perfectly reflected in mirror like water. I've always wondered how they were so lucky to get the timing just right. Well, it takes a lot of work or at least a lot of creativity based on some how to videos on You Tube. Turns out the results are a mix of staging, knowledge of animal behavior and a small sprinkle of dumb luck. These photographers find a semi-rich areas where wildlife reside. Not all locations have water, so they build reflecting pools and surround them with dirt, rocks and vegetation.. They move and even tie off broken branches in just the right position to get a bird to perch and snag that perfect reflection photo. They often set up a store bought camouflage blind to camp out in or sneak out to just before sunrise. A few dress in camouflage and try to blend in with the surroundings. I suppose they get better results than I do heading out in my bright pink jacket and boisterous tag-a-long. Considering we rent an apartment I do not think it is okay to try to build my own little reflection pool or blind in the shared yard. For years I have tried to catch a great wildlife reflection in the pond. However you have to be quick and ready. The opportunities are rare because that water is often moving. I have photographed a robin reflected in a mud puddle before. Perhaps a shallower body of water would work. There is a hill in front of our apartment and at the base is a drainage ditch that often overflows with water. One day I saw a pretty little red squirrel take a drink out of the drainage ditch, I quickly grabbed the camera and as I searched for a section of glass lacking fingerprints it dashed away. After that I made sure to clean the glass door. It didn't last long with a very disobedient child. Then one calm sunny morning I noticed a sparrow looking for food next to the very still drainage ditch. To my delight the sparrow and grass were beautifully reflected! Hence, the title Drainage Ditch Delight! So if I can keep the kid out of the ditch maybe I will get to witness and capture more pretty wildlife reflections before it dries out while using the apartment itself as a blind. I also managed to catch a Robin in a snow storm reflected in the drainage ditch too. Have a wonderful day and don't forget to checkout our "Prints and Gifts." available through Fine Art America! |
Julie MetottNature Photographer, wife, mother, lover of outdoor adventure! Archives
November 2022
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