When I first got into photography I imagined photographing majestic creatures. Bears, mountain lions, moose and similar animals. I was inspired by the types of stunning imagery you see in National Geographic.

And while I have been fortunate enough to se and photograph a few of those types of animals on occasion they do not make up the bulk of my wildlife photography. The real key is to come to appreciate the common and the underrepresented.

I am not sure I ever really realized the joy that could be found in watching the small creatures. How they move and go about life. Their boldness despite their size.

Observing the life of the small and trying to capture those moments are entertaining and frustrating. And they are also full of joy and contentedness. And to do that I don’t have to do anything other than step outside my door.

The other side of that coin is photographing animals you rarely see portrayed. Animals that might not be considered cute and cuddly. Animals that are more secretive and not as charismatic.

I really like this porcupine image. I have only had a few opportunities with them and this image is probably the best I have.

I am really interested in the possibility of photographing animals animal like an opossum. They are often thought of as ugly and people don’t like them even though they are good for the environment and eat insects and other creatures often considered to be pests. But, as opossums are mostly nocturnal I am not sure that opportunity will ever arise.

If you enjoyed this article you can click the link below to support the work I do here or subscribe to my email so you don’t miss out in anything I share.