06 Sep How to Be Lucky | Sept 2016

Lucky Photo

Common Yellowthroat, Female

This is a lucky photo (above).

It shows a shy bird just before taking flight. In the next frame (an 8th of a second later) the bird was gone.

Because of the way its feathers are spread out, I rate this as a once in a lifetime photo.

I’ve taken other photos of a Common Yellowthroat.

Here’s a classic view, of the female.

Common Yellowthroat, Female

And here’s the male.

Common Yellowthroat, Male

Since most people want to be lucky, here are three steps that everyone can take:

(1) Participation

That is, show up. Good luck comes to those who go out and do something.

Obviously, doing nothing leads to having nothing.

(2) Perception

Next, pay attention.

In photography, notice colors, differences, movements – anything and everything that might be an opportunity.

So be fully aware of the environment around you.

In fact, adjust your way of walking to facilitate awareness. For example, pause occasionally, walk slowly, and move quietly.

(3) Preparation

Finally, know how to take advantage of opportunities when they appear.

In photography, this requires being able to use a camera as an organic extension of your creative process.

One More Point

Did you notice that each of these steps is a choice? That is, you must choose to show up, to pay attention, and to be prepared.

So that’s good news.

Because now you’re in control of being lucky.

Much success,

Steve Kaye

Find more tips at:

6 Ingredients for Bird Photography

How to Find an Elegant Trogon

The Truth about Bird Photography and a Goose Update

Help Birds Tip

Avoid pesticides

Why #1: Many birds eat plants, bugs, and seeds on the ground. As a result, these chemicals poison birds. These chemicals also kill bees and other critters that perform essential functions in the environment.

Why #2: Pesticides make people sick. The sad part of this is: People become sick a long time after coming into contact with these chemicals. That happens because the toxins accumulate in body tissue, eventually causing cancers or other disorders.

Here’s an article that tells more: See Pest Control Chemicals

Did You Know?

The most effective way to help birds is to buy land.

Here are three organizations that excel at doing this.

1) American Bird Conservancy

2) The Nature Conservancy

3) The Trust for Public Land

Please visit their web sites to learn about the work they do.

Here’s an excellent book: The American Bird Conservancy Guide to Bird Conservation

You can help – Please share this blog with others.

Inspiring Respect for Nature, one bird at a time.

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