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Show 18 Recreation-Touris- Guide, May, 1989 t Shhhhhh! Photographing wildlife By STEVE CHRISTENSEN Sun Advocate editor At one time or another everyone with a 35mm camera will no doubt 0 photograph some type of wildlife. Sven though professional wildlife photographers spend thousands of hours and thousands of rolls of film in attempts to get at-ter- r- wonderful images, there is no reason why anyone who desires can't get good wildlife photos. Here are a few hints to help you. The equipment needed depends on what you intend to photograph, where you intend to do it and how in- tent you are. Several years ago a friend of mine came running into the house, saying we had to develop a roll of slides he had taken of a moose in Yellowstone. He had just gotten back into town and couldn't wait to see the photos. So, we developed slides. In about an hour we were looking at his wet roll of It was very difficult to the moose. Once they dry and mounted we a projector to enlarge the images. Even then we could just barely make out the moose. To say the least, he was very disappointed. "I thought I was so close," he said. film. find were used Unfortunately, being close enough to see something is very different than being close enough to capture it on a slide that isnt much larger than a square inch. My friend had used a 135mm lens and was probably 50 yards away from the moose much too far to make a good photograph. Which brings up the first rule of wildlife photogdon't compromise raphy your safety. No photo is worth getting too close to a moose, buffalo or bear in Yellowstone Park. Many people have paid with their lives. The second rule of wildlife photography is, This forest grouse posed for Steve Christensen know your equipment and not a 135. see through the viewfinder is the photograph you will get. If the frame isn't half filled with your subject, chances are you won't have a photograph you're proud of. What my friend needed was a 500 or 600mm lens. previously Squirrels, its limitations. What you in the Manti-LaS- National Forest last summer. al cially small animals and many birds can be photographed in these areas simply by having a little which is the patience But, you don't need a lens that big. What you need is to stalk wildlife that isnt quite so dangerous as those third mentioned. chipmunks, prairie dogs, deer and my can be birds favorite successfully photographed with a 200mm lens. We are lucky in this area to have numerous sanctuaries wildlife Fast Highway.fr Wellington, Service Deli ': Prepared Food Salad Cheese Meats Juice Bar 637-294- Y 0 Convenience Store Groceries Picnic Supplies Cold Beverages Ice Open 24 Hours SIT DOWN OR TAKE OUT! nearby. Since hunting isn't allowed in national parks and many other recreation areas, animals tend to be more tolerant of humans than in other areas. Espe HI 1 1 of rule wildlife photography. Deer also make good subjects in these areas. It is even possible to stalk deer, as long as you keep rule three in mind. Walk toward the deer very slowly. Often they will tolerate your presence at a very close distance before they move away. Even then, if you follow slowly, they will sometimes allow you to come (.Continued on Page 19) IrOIlIl 0099a5to(oiiD TEXACO GASOLINE 90 Octane, Super Unleaded 10 DIESEL oz. Steak Sandwich Automotive Oil, Wiper Blades Window Wash, Fuses Car Waxes and Cleaners CARWASH 3 Bays, Vacuums, Sudsy Brushes LAUNDROMAT only 11 a.m. 'til closing and other SINGLE STOP r' Castle Rock Square, Price 1055 E. Main PY I 637-620- 0 DRIVE IN FORMERLY Pugs Daily Lunch Specials Drive Inn. Come in for delicious Hot Dogs, Burritos, Sandwiches and Hearty Breakfast Hamburgers, 57 West Main, Price |