With The Animals

As a little girl I was lucky enough to grow up in a time where we spent a lot of time outdoors, whether we were climbing trees and getting pitch on our hands, riding bikes or wading through streams looking for tadpoles. Bugs, snakes and butterflies captivated me, and I preferred that over watching TV inside any day. The digital era had not begun, thank goodness. Not a day goes by that I don't consider myself one of the lucky ones to have grown up in such a beautiful place like British Columbia and to have parent who encouraged getting outdoors and connecting with nature.

At the farm, riding my coveted red bike

Where It Began

Dogs and cats were always part of our household. Whether it was the stray kitten we brought home or one of our family dogs, animals have always played an integral role in my life. I would classify myself as highly sensitive and introspective when it comes to the lives of animals. I want to know and understand how they are feeling and thinking. Digging a bit deeper, my relationships with animals have always brought a deep sense of connection and belonging, undoubtedly due to trials and tribulations through my teenage years. Those struggles reinforced the purity and innocence of animals for me; their lack of expectations or judgment and their fascinating personalities and behaviours. This led me to study canine behaviour and work (still do) as a dog behaviourist, dabbling in the field of domestic exotic birds for a time and even cats. It is highly rewarding, yet emotionally taxing, work.

Wilder Animals

It wasn't until I picked up a camera and started to venture back into the forests again that I started connecting with animals differently as an observer and a witness, and not a direct participant in their daily lives. I prefer to think of myself as a voyeur; the goal is to be as least invasive as is possible so that I can observe true, natural behaviour. As much as I'd like NOT to impact animals when I am within their habitat, it realistically isn't possible, and I do grapple with it. We live in a world where our mere presence will impact behaviour.

A sooty grouse in British Columbia. A great zoom lens can do wonders!

Minimally invasive is the real goal here. Sure, I've made mistakes, gotten too close, used poor judgment in the heat of the moment... but I've reflected. The real goal here is to be minimally invasive. Sure, I've made mistakes, gotten too close, and used poor judgment in the heat of the moment, but I've reflected on my behaviour and my impact and changed. It's not worth the shot—it really isn't. I'm a hobby photographer; I don't need the likes and shares for anything other than my ego. An excellent zoom lens enables you to remain at a distance from animals, and if you don't get the shot, oh well! There is always next time.

What Is My Why?

I think about this often. What's the point? Why do I spend so much time and money with wildlife photography? Is it purely selfish? If I am honest, as a hobby photographer, I am taking more than I am giving. I benefit greatly by getting outdoors and feeling a sense of purpose and connection. But, what am I giving back? I do have goals when it comes to wildlife photography: to foster an emotional connection and encourage humans to take action to protect animals and their habitats. It has led me to go back to school (eek, yes,, as a hobby photographer, it's never too late) to obtain my Biology degree. I am unsure of which doors will open moving forward, but I am sure that I was put here to make change and speak for those who cannot. Wish me luck! To be continued...