Sometimes when wildlife just isn’t showing itself I go for a walk around the park. Maybe to an area I don’t frequent or a spot you might not expect much to happen. Rather then pack up and head home I’d rather spend my time with my camera and try and make things of something people normally don’t see. There are times however when nature surprises you. Ever get that feeling when you walk into a place or scene where you’ve been before and don’t expect much? Yet your taken back at what you may find? It’s rare, but it should be rare otherwise it wouldn’t be as sweet. These images were from a few of those days. Above is a landscape taken within Wolfe’s Pond Park. Away from the picnicking public and dog walkers. I walked into the situation and just loved the scene. It didn’t feel like I was in NYC. Took me away from all the hustle and bustle you come to expect here. The exposure range was quite large and I exposed for the highlights. I wanted to exaggerate the shadows by basically blowing them out and turning them black. To my cameras eye at least. Using my 17-50mm and a polarizer were my only tools besides my tripod.

A local friend paid a quick visit as I wondered the pond. It always brightens my day when he/she comes to say hello. And sticks around for a few clicks :-p In all seriousness though I believe the appreciation of nature being there in the first place is what will keep you coming back. I don’t find joy in just clicking the shutter to make the image. It’s definitely the triumph and the effort through the misses that makes it all worth it in the end. Without that discipline for preparation, stamina to stand out there and readiness built up for that perfect click;  it just wouldn’t be as satisfying.

One other park I don’t think gets enough attention and the reason these animals you see here are thriving is Clay Pit Pond. It’s a great trail where you can often find deer hunkering down trying to avoid the noisy freeway for both our sake.

Leaving on a more humorous note this yearling decided to show his rear and stick out his tongue in response to my presence. Probably laughing at how I was struggling with getting enough light in order to make the shot, then to give him my full attention.

P.s. My next objective is to see if I can get Dina to stick around for some waterfall photography. I want to explore some new locations and visit some old ones. Hopefully it will pay off come fall foliage time.