The art of being still: photographing wildlife
Poet and essayist Ralph Waldo Emerson is quoted for saying, “Adopt the pace of nature. Her secret is patience.”
To sit still and observe the life within nature, from the various animals to their habitats, might be a difficult task for some, but for Maple Lake resident Lisa Jude, sitting and observing for hours on end feels like the blink of an eye. This patience and willingness to be still has rewarded her with breathtaking photographs of wildlife.
Picking up a Camera
“I’ve always liked photography,” Jude shared. “When I was dating my husband, Randy, he surprised me with a camera. He said, “I want you to do this!” Every year, he keeps buying me a bigger lens.”
Camera lenses range in size, accommodating both close-up shots and those taken from a far distance. This annual gift from her husband has helped Jude stay committed to her style of photography.
“I’m the type of photographer that respects the wildlife-human contact idea,” she shared.
Her biggest lens, so far, is a 600mm, which can capture images of wildlife from afar – and even of the moon.
The Experience
While the clarity of a photo is important, Jude likes to focus on the experience of taking the photos.
“The things I have seen! The wildlife and how they interact with each other, eagles mating, moose foraging in the woods; I love nature,” Jude said. “I’m not a hunter; I shoot things with my camera! I love wildlife and being outdoors.”
Because Jude’s focus is centered more on the enjoyment of spending time in nature and observing wildlife and less on capturing the perfect shot, she has seen the special moments that are usually easy to overlook.
“I’m really blessed,” she said. “I pray, and God shows me these amazing blessings, right in front of me. I’m fortunate enough to witness it and photograph it at the same time. For me, it’s almost like the hunt is better than the shot.”
When in-person learning at schools was shut down last March, Jude, a Special Education para at Parkside Elementary in Buffalo, saw the opportunity to spend more time outdoors.
“Something on my bucket list was to find an owl nest, and I did,” Jude said.
Walking around Ney Park in Maple Lake one day, Jude came upon a barn owl nest, and suddenly saw the baby owls. Jude even returned a few days later, capturing more shots of the small creatures.
The Wildlife
“Every season has it’s animal,” Jude shared. “Right now, it’s the eagles. They’re out mating and nesting, and pretty soon they’ll be along Hwy. 55, in the open water, and there’ll be up to 30 eagles in a tree. This year, I’m hoping to see the same ones I saw last year; there’s one I called Stumpy (he had no claw).”
With every season offering unique opportunities to capture different species, Jude has seen a number of critters in their natural habitat. From owls, eagles, and hummingbirds, to moose on the Gunflint Trail and swans gliding over glass-like lake waters, Jude’s hobby has helped her to discover many different animals, and she’s still on the lookout for new opportunities, like capturing otters playing together.
A Hobby, not a Job
With a portfolio full of beautiful shots, many canvas prints are on display in her home, and Jude has even made calendars that feature her work.
“I don’t want to do it for money, because then it becomes a job,” Jude explained. “This is a passion of mine, and it brings me such joy that I don’t want it to be a workload.”
For those interested in trying their hand at wildlife photography, Jude’s advice is simple: “If you like it, do it.”
One important part of the process is to respect the habitat and space of the animals.
“Get out there and take a walk, and listen,” Jude said. “If it’s something you want to do, invest the money, go get educated on the camera and the lens that you need; you don’t have to spend thousands and thousands of dollars.”
Every season holds a unique opportunity to capture wildlife and taking the time to be still will be worth the wait for those “wow factor” shots.
