Nature in the Lens: Nature Photographers

Nature Photographers: Kid Tested, Mother 
Nature Approved.

Possibly the most misunderstood animal, the wild nature photographer is a strange and unusual creature. The history  of which has been well documented to a time long before cameras.

The first known appearance of the nature photographer dates back to 356 BC when a savage and wild looking man appeared on the scene. He was covered in hair and bore a strange box on a string that hung around his neck. People thought him mad for his habit of hiding in bushes and waiting for animals to come by. They would have understood had he intended to kill and eat them, but this was not his way. Instead when an animal came close enough, he would leap out of the bushes yelling 'click, click, I'm a camera and your soul is mine!' Aristotle speaking about the man was quoted as saying 'In all things of nature there is something of the marvelous' though it is widely believed he was being sarcastic.

Through the years the nature photographer has been hunted mercilessly for its fine cameras and fancy hiking shoes. Though this has not kept it from getting close. Often it is found in our cities, in public libraries thumbing through back copies of National Geographic. Though once thought dangerous, more knowledge has come out in recent years supporting the theory of a peaceful nature.

FUN FACTS

• The nature photog has a high tolerance for mosquito bites.
• Despite old biased opinions, the nature photog does not drink it's own urine. Usually.
• Though the two sexes often mate together, it more usual to see a nature photog mating with a non.
• If baiting a trap for one, trail mix is the recommended treat.
• Nature photogs are usually gentle, but be warned, if a camera is lying broken on the ground, it is not safe to approach. 
• The nature photog has been known to shoot lasers. 
• Not many have been filmed in it's natural habitat as it's oddly difficult to get their permission to take a picture. 

Yes, it truly is a beautiful and strange creature. Whether it's taking pictures or hiding in poison ivy, it is something to be respected. So the next time you're flipping through a wilderness magazine I hope you'll stop for just a moment and ponder the wonders of the nature photographer.

The photograph is used with the permission of the ever awesome Pat Tillet. All right belong to him.