My goal is to capture the distinctive characteristics and behaviors that reveal each animal's unique personality and make it relatable to viewers. When I can establish a sense of connection with an animal and convey that connection through my photographs, the resulting image becomes even more powerful. Photographing the green monkeys was particularly enjoyable because their behaviors and individual quirks made them such fascinating subjects.
Photographically, I favor sharp focus to capture details such as an animal's facial features, fur, and overall form. I also use light and shadow along with color and tonal range to introduce energy, atmosphere, and mood into an image. Animal portraits can be especially expressive, revealing different qualities depending on the species and the individual subject. Most importantly, a subject's gaze can help to establish a connection between the subjects and viewersÂ
One of the aspects I value most about wildlife photography is that field skills are often as important as camera skills. Becoming a better wildlife photographer requires understanding the behaviors and habitats of the animals. Equally important is approaching wildlife ethically and responsibly by minimizing disturbance, avoiding recorded calls and feeding, and maintaining a respectful distance. Although I provide food for the birds in my backyard through feeders, I do not feed other wildlife.