Opportunities

One of my favorite photographers is Joel Sartore.  Mr. Sartore has worked for National Geographic for decades, and has devoted his life to his passion-project, creating The Photo Ark, a photographic record of all of the world's species in human care.   While this renowned photographer has taken images of creatures in all corners of the world, his photos for the Photo Ark are taken in zoos and wildlife sanctuaries (more information on that can be found HERE).  

In 2018 I took the opportunity to photograph non-domesticated animals in captivity.   The Maine Wildlife Park, in Gray, has over 30 species of animals who, for various reasons, cannot be returned to the wild.  Where else could I get a photo of two cougars cuddling in a cave, a shy peacock, or a gray fox?  

Finding ourselves with a day off from our real jobs the other day, we traveled to Holderness, NH, to the Squam Lakes Natural Science Center.  While there, I was fortunate to get some decent shots of some owls, bobcats, otters, and learned a whole lot about wildlife in general.  Part of me feels like its cheating to take photos of animals in this manner, but I also welcome the opportunity that I probably wouldn't get in the wild.  

If its good enough for Joel Sartore and for National Geographic, it works for me!