Some bloggers in the CDP world have talked about how a mistake ended up becoming a photo they liked enough to post. I wouldn't categorize this shot as a mistake as much as an experiment which came out oddly interesting. Recently, when I was visiting Myakka State Park, I saw the location where a group of wild boar crossed the road from the woods into marshland. So, the next time I was there I returned to that same location after dark, set up my tripod and put my camera on the 'bulb' setting. Then, I patiently waited fully expecting the piggies to trundle across the road right in front of my camera and... *click*...it would be a fabulous photo. Well, my patience quickly transitioned into annoyance as I swatted at mosquitoes and transitioned further into mild boredom. To occupy the time, I tested my shot by randomly pointing the camera down the road. It was completely dark with no lights on the park road whatsoever, so I really couldn't see what I was focused on. Then, I pressed the shutter. *ta-dah!* Pretty cool. The winding road gives it a mysterious feel while the dangling Spanish moss adds a creepy element. (Although, not a wild boar in sight.)
By the way, for those who expressed concern about the safety of the SDP staff as we attempt to photograph the wild pigs -- thanks! I have a tremendous respect for nature. Having survived a riot, two near-death scuba diving adventures, a bloody tangle with a 100 pound pitbull that was attacking my Mulligan, a battle with breast cancer and 20 years in the news business...I'm ready to take on the park piggies at a prudent distance. Oink!
9 comments:
Loool! How long did you wait? It looks like a scene from Criminal Minds!
I've been in Alaska and watched people chase down a bear and get too close to a baby moose as its mother crashed out of the woods. I usually hang back a bit and let my lens get in close. Some people think wild animals are straight from a theme park. (And I knew I was right about you).
Our feral hogs in Texas are known to be quite vicious and will actually charge humans. I don't ever want to meet one close up!
No shot's worth putting yourself in danger, though it sounds as if you have a good troop of guardian angels. Overworked, but guardians nonetheless.
Well, you are brave, but about your smarts I'm not too sure. Oy ve!
You did get a good picture, though. And yes, it is spooky! I can hear that deadly silence that permeates the forest at night.
You're a fighter, SRQ.
Wonderful capture, it really gave me a few shivery chills up the spine:) (And I loved your last paragraph!)
Oh yes, anything could appear around that corner, creeeeeepy!!
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