Full Moon over Big Sage I
© Chris Harris. All rights reserved.
Canon EOS-1D Mark II; ISO: 200
Lens: 1300mm
F8 @ 1/25 sec., Exp. Comp: +11/3

Full Moon over Big Sage II
© Chris Harris. All rights reserved.
Canon EOS-1D Mark II; ISO: 200
Lens: 1300mm
F8 @ 1/160 sec., Exp. Comp: +1

I must admit, the adrenalin was flowing as I made these images. A lot of technical and artistic decisions had to be made in a very short period of time. But I was happy with the results. What an amazing way to close out the day and finish up the trip. I was both exhausted and elated. It is experiences such as this that draw me back to photograph nature time and time again. Sharing these moments with both friends and strangers through books, slide shows and newsletters is an added treasure I deeply appreciate.

2. Behind the Image: Stories, tips and suggestions

"Behind the Image" is a new feature that I hope to include in each newsletter. It's another sharing of images and stories from the past that I hope you enjoy.

As many of you know, I have been guiding and photographing in Bowron Lake Park for 30 years. During that time I have heard the very distinctive call of the elusive American Bittern coming from the Bowron River marsh every spring. Only four times have I ever seen one, and even then, it was quite by chance when one would happen to fly over me in my canoe while quietly paddling amongst the reeds. My dream has always been to capture one on film, especially for my new coffee-table book, soon scheduled for publication.

American Bittern
Shot with a Canon EOS-3 camera using Kodak ISO 400 Elite film

One evening in the late fall, I was solo paddling up the Bowron River in my ever-so-quiet cedar-canvas Chestnut canoe. My camera gear was at the ready in front of me, but unfortunately, the sun had just disappeared over the mountains. I thought my shooting was over for the day when I rounded a corner in the river. To my complete surprise, I saw in the distance a bittern, standing absolutely motionless on the mud flats of the low level river. I froze, thinking it would immediately fly away; but it didn't. Using the soundless and almost undetectable 'Indian' stroke, I very slowly began my journey upstream toward the bittern. Every few meters I would make a photograph with my 200mm 2.8 lens, every time thinking that the bittern would fly away. But for whatever reason, this wonderful bird allowed me into her world and space.

I paddled right past her, far enough upstream to stop and attach my flash. Then, allowing the current to take me, I drifted back downstream toward her. Internally I was on an emotional high. I was completely cognizant of what a gift I was receiving. My challenge was to remain calm and not make a mistake with my image making. I drifted and made images. Even when using the flash, this bittern still remained absolutely motionless - so typical of all birds in the Heron family. Eventually my canoe hit the bank and stopped. I just sat there for a while, silently communicating with this bird and giving thanks. Nature had touched my soul, providing me with a gift that was priceless. I felt that this bittern completely understood what I was doing and that she wanted me to have this image of her specie for my book. Together we had shared something very special - an experience I will never forget.

Photo tip: Wherever you are, always have your photo gear at the ready and be open to receive nature's unexpected gifts. Have your camera set to Program or Automatic and your lens to auto focus. In this way you can capture that fleeting moment. If your subject allows you more time, you can then take the camera off Program and make the creative adjustments necessary to make the image of your dreams.