Category: General
“Improvise, Adapt, & Overcome!” This familiar Marine Corps adage, which my drill instructors had deeply engrained in me years earlier, was my sounding call throughout the 2008 VLF contest. The contest is held every two years between the months of April-June. Knowing I would miss all of April and half of May, I seriously contemplated not entering the contest. I had won the small tract (<100 acres) competition in 2006 so I wanted to try my luck in 2008.
When I was finally able to get in the field, I began shooting the categories that I was familiar with (e.g. camouflage, action, etc.) from prior contests, only to realize near the end of May that those categories were excluded in 2008. I could hear my DI's barking more familiar words at me...”Attention to detail, Hurt!” Having wasted precious time by being careless, and with no water on the property due to drought...I knew I would have to change tactics.
I spent many hours in the field during June. When bird and mammal activity was slow, I would go on search and shoot missions through the brush seeking out insects, reptiles, or other targets of opportunity. On numerous occasions, I encountered rabbits and rattlesnakes. Photographing rattlesnakes really gets the heart pumping and there is a bit of a rush as it rattles, flicks it tongue, and dares you to tread upon it. I photographed every subject as thoroughly as possible, changing lenses and shooting position to get varying perspectives. I stalked and belly-crawled my way through the brush.
I had my sights set on the grand prize but given my circumstances and the talent of the other photographers; I was just hoping to crack the top three placings. While I did not repeat the success of 2006, I did tie for 2nd place and in some ways, 2008 was more successful. I overcame some tough obstacles and persevered to produce what I consider a very nice portfolio. Most importantly though, I had fun, was able to spend time outdoors, and share my experiences with my kids...and that is really what it is all about.
I grew up in the brush country...so a part of me just needs to be able to don the camouflage and take a walk on the wild side if for no other reason than to get away, gather my thoughts, and keep things in perspective. From that standpoint, one final Marine Corps truism comes to mind…mission accomplished!
When I was finally able to get in the field, I began shooting the categories that I was familiar with (e.g. camouflage, action, etc.) from prior contests, only to realize near the end of May that those categories were excluded in 2008. I could hear my DI's barking more familiar words at me...”Attention to detail, Hurt!” Having wasted precious time by being careless, and with no water on the property due to drought...I knew I would have to change tactics.
I spent many hours in the field during June. When bird and mammal activity was slow, I would go on search and shoot missions through the brush seeking out insects, reptiles, or other targets of opportunity. On numerous occasions, I encountered rabbits and rattlesnakes. Photographing rattlesnakes really gets the heart pumping and there is a bit of a rush as it rattles, flicks it tongue, and dares you to tread upon it. I photographed every subject as thoroughly as possible, changing lenses and shooting position to get varying perspectives. I stalked and belly-crawled my way through the brush.
I had my sights set on the grand prize but given my circumstances and the talent of the other photographers; I was just hoping to crack the top three placings. While I did not repeat the success of 2006, I did tie for 2nd place and in some ways, 2008 was more successful. I overcame some tough obstacles and persevered to produce what I consider a very nice portfolio. Most importantly though, I had fun, was able to spend time outdoors, and share my experiences with my kids...and that is really what it is all about.
I grew up in the brush country...so a part of me just needs to be able to don the camouflage and take a walk on the wild side if for no other reason than to get away, gather my thoughts, and keep things in perspective. From that standpoint, one final Marine Corps truism comes to mind…mission accomplished!