Raven Photography RAVEN WISDOM Photography of Ravens

I’ve learned many lessons in the years I’ve taken photographs of Ravens.  Lessons about perspective, focus, opportunity, and surrendering to the moment, to mention a few.

My first encounter with Ravens happened when a set of unlikely circumstances brought us together.  Gale-force winds prematurely ended a ski trip, and I was in a parking lot ready to drive home when I first saw them. Warm and finishing lunch, I could have easily driven away without taking a single shot. The dialog in my head went between staying in the comfort of my car and the hassle of gearing back up and venturing into the cold.  I had never photographed birds before, and going back out was a difficult decision.

A lesson from a skipped photo opportunity long ago made me take action.  My perspective became unclouded, I focused on the moment, and took advantage of the possibilities in front of me.  I put myself into a carefree state-of-mind and walked over to them while I still eating.  We shared the last of my sandwich.  It seemed fair.  A quid-pro-quo, snacks instead of a modeling fee, no signed releases required.  I respected that.