12/06/2024
On June 15, 2014, I was on my way home after conducting an exhilarating wildlife photography workshop. The day had been a resounding success, filled with passionate discussions, hands-on practice, and the joy of teaching fellow photography enthusiasts. As the clock struck 17:42 hours, just before dawn would give way to darkness, I was driving through a secluded area, reflecting on the day's events.
The road wound around a serene lake, its surface shimmering in the twilight. Unable to resist the allure of one last opportunity, I decided to stop and take a final look at the tranquil water. I had my Nikon D800 with me, equipped with the mighty Sigma 300-800mm f5.6 lens, mounted securely on a Gitzo tripod with a Wimberly II head. The equipment was heavy, but after a day of demonstrating its use, it felt like an extension of myself.
As I stood by the lake, I suddenly noticed a movement that broke the stillness. A majestic Spot-bellied Pelican was gliding across the water, its eyes fixed intently on something below the surface. I instinctively raised my camera, adjusting my stance to accommodate the weight of the hefty lens. Through the viewfinder, I saw the pelican make a sudden, powerful dive, its beak piercing the water with precision.
Seconds later, the bird emerged, a large, flailing fish grasped firmly in its beak. The sight was electrifying—a raw display of nature's beauty and ferocity. My heart raced as I hurried to adjust my camera settings to capture this fleeting moment perfectly.
I set the shutter speed to 1/320 second to freeze the action, ensuring that the swift movements of the pelican and its prey would be captured with sharp clarity. The aperture was adjusted to f/9, providing a depth of field that would keep both the pelican and the fish in sharp focus while softly blurring the background, emphasizing the subjects. I dialed the ISO to 1000 to gather enough light as the day turned to dusk, balancing the need for brightness without introducing too much noise.
With my camera settings in place, I steadied myself, relying on the sturdy support of the Gitzo tripod and the smooth movement of the Wimberly II head. The weight of the Sigma lens was considerable, but its impressive reach allowed me to frame the distant scene as if I were right there in the moment. I pressed the shutter release, the click of the camera blending with the soft sounds of the evening.
The resulting image was nothing short of spectacular. The pelican, victorious and regal, its feathers glowing in the dim light, and the fish, caught in a dramatic struggle, were captured in perfect harmony. The photo was a testament to the day's lessons and the serendipity of being in the right place at the right time.
As I packed up my gear, a sense of deep satisfaction washed over me. This photograph was more than just a shot—it was a culmination of years of passion, the joy of teaching, and the thrill of the unexpected. With a contented heart and a smile on my face, I continued my journey home, eager to share this extraordinary encounter with my workshop participants and friends.
With THE WILD SQUAD of Academy of Wildlife Photography @highlight
