In ancient cultures, the heron was considered a symbol of patience and commitment. It was admired for its ability to remain motionless for extended periods, and then, when the moment was right, act with speed and precision - qualities a wildlife photographer needs in abundance.
The heron photographs were made on Goldwater Lake in northern Arizona, from a Native Watercraft kayak. Since this type of boat is pedal-driven, the hands are free for photography. The kayak creates very little noise or visible motion, so it is possible to approach a subject quite closely, and then react immediately if there is activity. In addition, since reverse is obtained simply by pedalling backwards, you can maintain station, despite wind or current, just by alternating the direction of pedalling. A great many of these photographs would have been unobtainable without this particular type of kayak.
At the end of “Out of Africa”, just as she leaves her farm for the last time, Karen Blixen poses the question, “Will the eagles of the Ngong remember me?” Clearly, a vain and foolish question, yet it is comforting to ponder the same question about myself and the herons of Goldwater Lake
Equipment: Kayak: Native Watercraft Propel 10. Cameras: Nikon D500. Lenses: Sigma 100-300mm f/4, Nikon 16-80mm f/4, and Rokinon 10mm f/2.8. Raw files processed on iMac. Edited in Affinity and Raw Power (Nitro).
