Wildlife in Photography

In my opinion, the best way to improve your skills is to take every opportunity for education that comes your way. In terms of my wildlife photography, I very much enjoy researching my subjects. Footprints, ecology, range, life cycles – I eat it up.

Add the following to my wish list: The Black Bear Field Study Course with Lynn Rogers and Sue Mansfield of the Wildlife Research Institute. It is a four-day course taught in Ely, Minnesota. In small groups under experts in the field, participants learn first-hand about the behavior of these creatures. More background on the program and all that it encompasses can be seen here.

That area is also special for me because I have family in Minnesota. During past visits I frequently saw moose and loons. Although natives of that area might brush them off as being ordinary, I was fascinated with them. As a kid, I even participated in a loon-calling contest… true story.

The bear course isn’t anything that I can make happen financially anytime soon, but it’s still something to aspire to.

If anyone knows about educational wildlife experiences a little closer to home, feel free to leave a comment.