Monday, December 22, 2008

One sweet shot

The Lakota Wolf Preserve offers twice daily "wolf watches" for groups to observe the four packs that reside there. I avoided that whole song and dance routine and instead had a private photography session, where for a fee, you get to go inside the fenced-in walkways that surround each enclosure to take photos. There are chest height portals in the fencing that can be opened to allow photos unobstructed by the fencing.

Sweet.

I really had no idea what to expect from the whole experience and was a bit intimidated by the thought of passing myself off as a *serious* photographer.

;-)

So long as you're willing to pay for that distinction, well... I guess someone's obligated to believe it at least.

So... I went with it and brought extra flash cards and extra batteries and every lens I own. Turns out I didn't need any of it and used only my regular 28-200 mm lens. Most often the wolves were too close and I had to mind the sleeves of my coat pushed up against those openings in the fence. The wolves are acclimated to people to a degree and are happy to mug for dog biscuits tossed over the fencing for the benefit of paying photographers. They're also not beyond nudging the wayward elbows of said photographers.

;-)

I took so many pics in that two hours, hunched in an uncomfortable position in the freezing cold, that I had cramps in my back and right arm and fingers. From a photography standpoint, I would have preferred some variation in the height of the fence portals, mainly some lower ones because I like to shoot up at animals, for whatever reason, rather than shooting down. I don't guess that's really practical considering that the wolves didn't hesitate to reach up to the openings and a person might lose a pantleg were they any lower.

The snowy background was a dream, but again I think a visit in fall might be nice for a better variety of shots. The guide did his best to keep each pack active and close enough for nice shots, but I found my attention, as is typical, wandering. Most often it was to that pack in the next enclosure that wasn't performing for us and instead doing what wolves in captivity do, I guess. Laying about napping, chasing one another in play, arguing over who gets to sit on the highest rock.

I had to remind myself a number of times to stop just watching and take pics, darn it! It was so neat to see interactions that look so everyday and familiar to me as a dog owner and frequenter of dog parks.

Any idea that wolves are just like dogs, but in thicker coats, was dispelled pretty quickly. There's something very *other* about them, even these captive ones, none of whom have probably ever lived in the wild. Physically, there's the obvious differences... the thin long snout, the heavily furred ears, the superlong front legs, their loping gait and funny posture. Mostly though, it's something in their eyes, I think, should the weight of their gaze ever fall on you. It feels nothing like that sweet puppy curled beside you on the couch.

10 comments:

NCmountainwoman said...

That wonderful photograph shows that you are indeed a "serious" photographer. Of course, we already knew that.

Anonymous said...

I agree with NC, your photos look pretty "serious" to me! Sounds like you had an excellent time. It must have been quite an experience.

Anonymous said...

Laura, sounds like such a wonderful experience. I love that wolf shot.

ReluctantChickenFarmer said...

I think the "weight of the gaze" you are feeling is the same "weight of the gaze" that a rib roast feels from me in the supermarket.......
Num num num num.....

KGMom said...

When I see photos of wolves--I love the look in their eyes. Yes, it is a knowing look, a somewhat tolerant look. And, I hope, a forgiving look--considering all the misery humans inflict on wolves.
Years ago, I read the book Julie of the Wolves to my son--and I have never felt the same about them since. I find them to be marvelous animals.

RG said...

Yes, a really nice picture. That wolf seems to be thinking .."Those people ... why do they even bother .. they'll never get it."

greentangle said...

No, they're definitely not dogs. I once went to a different wolf sanctuary which included the opportunity to actually go into the cage with the two most human-friendly wolves, but with specific instructions on what to do and not do, and how other people were to keep an eye on the second wolf when a person was interacting with the other one. And whether any contact happened was completely up to the wolves.

I have a photo of one wolf standing on his back legs with paws on my shoulders and the second wolf circling around behind me. I never washed that paw print off my jacket, but unfortunately it did fade away. Incredible experience.

One reason I moved to northern Minnesota was to be in area with a wild wolf population. And I love the real winter. ;-)

Sky said...

WOW! lucky you. :) great shots in these 2 posts.

Jayne said...

What a cool experience Laura! I love your description of how they are so "different" from the canines we know.

Larry said...

I'd love to see wolves at a place like that!I get excited when I see the occasional Coyote where I live.-So when are you going to start teaching your photography classes?