MN Day Hike - Bobcat

[Bic]

My career is being a wedding photographer. I've never done much wildlife or nature photography. Recently it dawned on me that it would be super cool if I combined my love of the outdoors with my love of photography! So Yesterday I set out on my first photo hike. My plan was to hike through the grassy areas of Afton state park and along the edges of the forest along game trails. I wanted to spot some deer to photograph. About 2 hours into my hike I hadn't seen any deer, but I was getting close (kept seeing fresh deer scat). I entered an area that had some smaller trees and really tall grass and bout 30 ft into this area I startled a bobcat! It lept up next to the deer/game trail and darted about 30 feet. I got a pretty good look at the bobcat before it was hidden in the grass again. Unfortunately I didn't get a picture of the bobcat before it was hidden. I put my camera and tripod down and waited for about 40 mins for it to reappear, but no luck. I probably should have been more patient, but oh well. Anyways I didn't end up seeing any other wildlife that trip, so for photos I had to settle for a birdhouse and a tree It's not a big deal though because I got to see a bobcat in the wild! That was super cool! All in all it was a lot of fun and I plan to go back and find that bobcat!

[scubacat]

Cool story on the bobcat! And nice captures on the tall grass. Those remind me of African savanna shots where a lion might be poking his head up through the grass at any moment.

I've been hiking with cameras for years and it always seems like no matter how prepared I am, there will be one or two "that got away." But don't despair. Just keep on walking and there'll be another great shot just past the next turn. Against all the sage photog advice, I seldom carry a tripod, especially if going after chance encounters with wildlife. A long, fast, image-stabilized lens and auto-ISO are much more useful to me for those fleeting opportunities.

Good luck!

Curt

[Bic]

Cool story on the bobcat! And nice captures on the tall grass. Those remind me of African savanna shots where a lion might be poking his head up through the grass at any moment.

I've been hiking with cameras for years and it always seems like no matter how prepared I am, there will be one or two "that got away." But don't despair. Just keep on walking and there'll be another great shot just past the next turn. Against all the sage photog advice, I seldom carry a tripod, especially if going after chance encounters with wildlife. A long, fast, image-stabilized lens and auto-ISO are much more useful to me for those fleeting opportunities.

Good luck!

Curt

Thanks for the advice! When shooting weddings you have to be ready for just about anything and I never use a tripod for that, so that makes sense about not using a tripod.... But I actually enjoyed the tripod for this trip. It kept the strap off my neck (guess I could get a harness) and it was nice while I was waiting for 40 mins to not have to hold the camera. I guess hike your own hike and take your own picture

[hcho]

You should let the DNR know about the sighting. They use the info in their research.

I'd love to see one in the wild.

[scubacat]

"Hike your own hike"..... True words of wisdom. I usually take two DSLR bodies and carry one in a backpack. If I'm concentrating on wildlife, I'll put the landscape setup in the pack and if going for landscapes, it's vice verse. Carrying a camera with a big lens can be a chore. I use Op/Tech sling straps with the sliders so I can raise and fire quickly. The sling style puts the weight of the camera on the shoulder and across the body, so it's a bit more comfortable for long hauls and infinitely better than a neck strap. Black Rapid is another good choice if you can live with its tripod mount connection point.

Take care and good hunting.

Curt

[Bic]

You should let the DNR know about the sighting. They use the info in their research.

I'd love to see one in the wild.

The park office was closed, but I did email them already.

[OutandBack]

Hi hikingdad,
Wildlife photography is one of the main reasons I hammock camp.
It lets me stay out longer.
Here is how I carry my dslr for quick access. The camera in front balances the weight of the backpack.



If you'd like to see some of my wildlife catches I post many on PR.com
If you ever want to chat about cameras/lenses or wildlife shooting send me a PM.

link to my gallery
http://gallery.photographyreview.com...&ppuser=278310

[stairguy]

spent last night at site #6. Ranger told me there had been a sighting.

[Shug]

Really nice pictures!
Stairguy.......hope ya' had fun Did PJ join you?
Shug

[Fronkey]

spent last night at site #6. Ranger told me there had been a sighting.

Cool pictures dude.

Kiba spooked four deer walking up to site 6 about 10 minutes before Stairguy got there.

I would go right before dusk in the same area you were before and you'll see them no problem.

Fronkey