artistry of nature and the vision.

Nothing exists for itself alone, but only in relation to other forms of life.
Charles Darwin

However awful it is confine a wild animal, exhibit it proudly to flocks of people and control their breeding habits; zoological parks are just that… a method for conserving endangered species. Here these innocently protected creatures are preserved and cared for methodically yet under much public scrutiny.

I am enamored by Nature and the hairy, scaly or feathery beings that dwell in her lush green lap. You need only know the bond I share with my own animal companions to understand the extent to which they fill me with profound insight. Zoos by definition satiate my inner child, the animal lover; wildlife extraordinaire.

As leisurely strolls through zoos are one of my most favorite pastimes, the idea occurred to me to invite Ashley along to venture into my little world of bliss. Seizing the day as a photographic healing of sorts, we tread carefully over that fine line of work and play. It was no longer Ashley, I and the crowds; it became us, our gear and the wild.

The morning was warm, customarily so, and the weather called for no clouds or rain. Our focus had been on composure and capturing the animals in their essence, anticipating their behaviors: fear, curiosity and valor for some. We used not any tripods, simply handheld photography on telephoto, wide angle and macro lenses. As the afternoon sun set in, lighting conditions became harsh but the shadows worked to our advantage, as they were essential in shaping an elusive tale.

For this very reason, we disembarked early to catch a soft light while also catching a glimpse of each occupied habitat as the animals were out and grazing. No sooner had we meant to stay for the alligator feeding when we realized we had spent the entire day snapping away. What resulted were some great images, but most importantly was the new tradition that Ashley now shared with me.