I’ve started to realize how crucial it’s to truly observe wildlife behavior before snapping a shot. During my last trip to Yellowstone, I spent a whole day just watching a herd of bison from a distance, noting their interactions and movements. This respect for their space allowed me to capture genuine moments instead of just staged shots, and I think it made a massive difference in the quality of my pictures. Has anyone else found observing to be more rewarding than shooting right away?
I totally get what you’re saying about observing before shooting. On my last trip to the Grand Tetons, I spent a morning just watching a group of elk graze. It was amazing to see their behavior change as the sun rose.
It’s so true about the importance of observing; i remember doing the same with a pack of wolves in the Tetons, just sitting quietly for hours. It drove me nuts at first, but once I saw their dynamics, I ended up with some of my best shots.