NORTH DAKOTA OUTDOORS MAGAZINE

Inconspicuous as Possible

Ashley Peterson

Ashley in water getting photo of youth duck hunter

One day this past spring, I was organizing equipment for a photo shoot when a coworker stopped by.

She glanced at my growing pile and said, “Wow, that’s a lot of stuff.

I didn’t know it took this much.” The comment gave me pause.

I’m used to the baggage by now, but I still had to consider whether I need a whole bunch of stuff to document wildlife and the environment in which they live.

The short answer is no … but also yes.

Perhaps the better way to look at it is considering which tool is right for each job.

I shoot a variety of subjects, across a broad spectrum.

I wouldn’t use a GoPro to photograph a skunk in a field – at least not following it while holding the camera.

Likewise, I wouldn’t choose a super telephoto lens to document fisheries biologists tagging walleye in a boat.

Each item has its place and strengths, and part of my job is knowing where, when and which to choose.

The same goes for anyone else who hopes to achieve some outdoorsy photography of their own.

Choose Your Gear

Anyone will say “you need a camera” and I will, too. But your camera can be as simple as the one in your phone, a point-and-shoot, or if you’re more enthusiastic, a body and a lens.

I’ll add, be sure to match your expectations with your gear.

A cellphone won’t do justice in capturing a pronghorn in an alfalfa field 50 yards away but could do an excellent job illustrating a monarch chrysalis on a milkweed.

I wanted a duck’s perspective of a youth waterfowl hunter, including water in the foreground. Only one way to get that image.

While there is the argument that a more costly setup yields a better image, I’d rather ask “What’s the goal?” Typically speaking, more expensive setups offer more bells and whistles.

Some features are very desirable for specific situations, but if you won’t be photographing those situations then naturally those features won’t matter to you.

I’m a strong advocate for familiarizing yourself with what you have and becoming the best at using that first.

Camera on steady bag looking out car window

Having a stable surface to set your camera on helps reduce camera shake, bettering your odds of getting a tack sharp image.

Simply put, you’ll be more successful with gear you know, whatever that looks like.

In addition to your camera choice, a trusty, stable surface to set the camera on while shooting plays a key part.

I’m of the opinion that steadiness is underrated as a factor when it comes to producing clean and clear images.

This could be in the form of a tripod, steady bag, rock, fencepost or even your vehicle.

My favorite go-to is a steady bag, and mine even happens to be homemade.

It’s portable, versatile and sometimes doubles as a cushion between me and the ground.

Go Unnoticed

As part of getting out there, I’m often challenged to be as inconspicuous as possible.

The less threatened the intended subject feels, the more likely I am of getting a natural-looking image.

For wildlife, that’s typically my goal —documenting animals in their natural settings.

Accomplishing this comes in a few forms, such as setting up in a blind, crouching in bullrushes in a wetland or hunkering down inside a vehicle.

There are other, more creative ways, depending on the subject, but my point being that many images don’t come to light by simply walking out to an animal and clicking away.

It helps to understand the animal’s habits and environment, too.

Respect the Space

Here’s a great example of paying your respects to wildlife space. This mallard hen nested in a high human traffic area. Despite the fact she was accustomed to visitors, I made sure to get what I needed and then left her alone to take care of her new babies.

I try to remind myself when I venture into the outdoors, I’m not on my time.

The wildlife didn’t get the memo I’m coming to visit and hope to capture their image.

Should I be so lucky, I recognize my window of opportunity is usually brief.

Either because the critter will move on or I should, so as not to disturb their natural way of being.

The least impact I can make on a spot, the better in my book.

This pertains to borrowing time on private land too if I’m fortunate to get permission.

I try not to overstay my welcome.

As time has proven, this usually rewards me with repeated success in the same area.

No matter where I go, how long I spend there, or what I think I’m prepared for, nothing will substitute for patience.

Chill Out

Magpies are tough birds to photograph in general, so to get a photo of one in flight while also carrying dinner was a big win that day.

This goes without saying, but I am going to stress it.

Be patient with wildlife and with yourself.

Sometimes I sit in a single spot for an hour, see many animals, and get no photos.

Either because I’m not prepared or I’m trying to rush the shutter.

Or very simply, nothing comes by.

When one or a combination of those events occur, I refer to a previous tip: match expectations, changing course if necessary.

I’m always optimistic I’ll get to photograph something, but to what extent of exciting is always to be determined.

I can hope for a predator cruising along with a meal, but at the bare minimum, a habitat image suits my needs, too.

Take Away

Night photography reveals so much the human eye misses. This is the Red River at Drayton Dam only an hour or so after sunset.

I think the most important thing I’ve learned in this space is to have a goal.

Have a backup goal.

Then expect nothing and let the images come to you.

Within the branch of outdoors photography, one has a lot of room to play.

I really suggest doing just that: play.

See what you can see, then see if you can capture an image of it.

That doesn’t have to mean deep pockets or traveling across the state.

Learning your gear, the intended animals, and how ambitious you set out to be goes further than the latest and greatest, as far as I’m concerned.

Return to North Dakota Outdoors July 2023 Edition