Don’t Rush! Opportunity Is for Those Who Are Prepared and Patient

 In wildlife photography, there’s often a temptation to rush—whether it’s in capturing the perfect shot or moving quickly through a location. But, in my experience, I’ve learned that the best moments don’t come to those who hurry; they come to those who are prepared and patient. Nature works on its own time, and if you try to rush the process, you’ll miss out on the subtle, often fleeting moments that make wildlife photography so special.

I’ve had countless photoshoots where the best moments came when I stopped rushing and allowed myself to settle into the environment. Early on, I’d get so excited at the sight of an animal or a beautiful scene that I’d start shooting immediately, hoping to capture the perfect image before it was gone. But more often than not, this approach left me with a series of rushed shots, not truly capturing the essence of the animal or the moment. I would end up missing important details, like how the light played off the feathers of a bird or the way a squirrel's body language told a story.

What I’ve learned is that patience is key. It’s about taking the time to observe, anticipate, and wait for the right moment. Wildlife doesn’t always act according to our schedule. Often, the animals you’re hoping to photograph are unpredictable, and forcing a moment can lead to disappointment. But when you allow yourself to settle into the scene, when you’re prepared both mentally and with your gear, the chances of capturing a genuine, beautiful moment increase significantly.

For example, I once went down to the beach along the Cootes Paradise trail, where I saw a group of ducks resting on a branch in the middle of the lake. I decided to wait, so I found a spot in the bushes and sat there for nearly 30 minutes, just snacking and watching. I took some nice pictures while they were resting, but what I really wanted was to capture the moment when they took flight. Then, suddenly, a bald eagle appeared, flying low and passing by right in front of the ducks. It was one of those rare moments you don’t expect to witness. At that moment, I wasn’t sure if I had gotten any good shots of the ducks taking off, but the feeling of accomplishment and the awe of witnessing such an incredible scene made me feel complete. Sometimes, it’s not about the perfect shot, it’s about being in the right place, at the right time, and being ready when that moment comes.

Never consider wildlife photography as a race. It's about being in the right place at the right time and knowing how to be present for it. Patience and preparation are the real keys to success. (Picture1:  Mallards/ Picture2: Back Squirrel)