A Recap of Our January Adventures
- Melissa B
- Mar 2
- 3 min read
Despite the cold, we did manage to get outside for some photography—and one of the highlights of the month was celebrating our 32nd wedding anniversary! To mark the occasion, we spent the day doing one of our favorite things: driving the back roads of Vigo, Sullivan, Clay, and Greene Counties with cameras in hand.
Photography in Winter: Embrace the Challenge
If you’ve been reluctant to get outside and shoot during winter, don’t be! Winter can offer unique opportunities for stunning photography. The soft, diffused light on overcast days can eliminate harsh shadows, making it easier to capture even exposure in your shots. Plus, snow acts as a natural reflector, bouncing light around and giving your photos a clean, bright look. Pro tip: Bring a spare battery, as cold weather drains your camera’s power faster than usual.
During our anniversary drive, we saw several bald eagles, both on the ice and soaring above the water. For those of you who love wildlife photography, bald eagles are magnificent subjects to photograph, but they can be elusive. Be patient, and if you’re shooting birds in flight, switch to continuous auto-focus (AF-C) and a high shutter speed to freeze their movement and keep them sharp. Try shooting in burst mode to increase your chances of capturing that perfect action shot.
The Beauty of Patience: Waiting for the Right Moment
We also witnessed a thrilling wildlife encounter. On a frozen lake, we watched as a group of Greater White-Fronted Geese gathered. Suddenly, an adult and two juvenile eagles launched a coordinated attack. Watching nature’s drama unfold reminded us of the power of waiting for the right moment. As a photographer, it’s important to slow down and observe. Sometimes the most captivating shots happen when you least expect them. Be ready with your camera settings dialed in, but also take time to immerse yourself in the experience.
Capturing these kinds of scenes requires more than just technical skill—it’s about storytelling. Think about how to convey the emotion or action in your photos. In this case, we were able to capture the moment of chaos as the geese scattered, with the eagles diving in different directions. To add storytelling elements to your photography, try framing your subject with environmental context—whether it's the surrounding landscape or the interaction between animals.
Exploring New Perspectives: Focus on the Details
As we continued our drive, we encountered even more wildlife. One juvenile eagle was busy eating a fish on an ice floe, completely uninterested in the drama around it. Meanwhile, another juvenile fed on a deer carcass frozen on a different lake. These moments reminded us that even when there’s a lot of action, sometimes the most interesting shots come from observing quieter, less obvious details. For beginning photographers, it’s important to develop an eye for these moments. Zoom in on small details, like a bird eating its prey or frost patterns on the ice, to create images that tell a deeper story.
Celebrate the Small Victories
Later in the month, we took a day to relax and celebrate at one of our favorite restaurants, followed by some shopping at local stores. Photography can feel like a journey of constant learning, so it’s important to take time to celebrate the small victories—whether it’s capturing your first sharp bird-in-flight shot or mastering your camera’s manual mode.
As we reminisced on the last 32 years together, we were reminded that photography, like life, is about cherishing the moments. Whether you’re just starting out or have been shooting for a while, enjoy the process. Don’t rush for perfection—there’s beauty in the imperfections and learning curves along the way.
Comentarios