“Sow, Watching Me Watch Her” Jasper Nat. Park, Alberta

The further North we progressed into the Yukon, the more apparent it was that the wildlife was far more abundant here than in southern Canada. I imagine that this is largely a result of the sheer lack of human presence up here. Often we would drive for a hour or more without seeing another vehicle, making our adventure feel more like we were experiencing some of the true wilderness that Canada has to offer. Most of the larger wildlife that we had the chance to come across seemed unconcerned with us being there, making this a fantastic opportunity to capture them while they lounged, foraged or were just grooming each other.

 

“Sow and Cub” Jasper Nat. Park, Alberta

Usually I don’t consider myself a wildlife photographer, but the sheer lack of fear that these animals showed, made it very easy to observe them. I really started to get a sense of who they were in a small way, and how they helped to create some of that northern mystique that we get when someone mentions having traveled to the far north. Experiencing these wild animals in such a visually unhindered manner really helps me to express some of what I feel, that overwhelming power that this landscape has to offer. So to be true to my constant search for the true wilds of Canada I can not ignore such wonderful photographic gifts.

 

“Watching Mom Dig” Jasper Nat. Park, Alberta

 

“Buddies” Jasper Nat. Park, Alberta

Debbie my girlfriend and traveling partner really helped me see further into the world of wildlife. She seems to have this instinct, feel, or something that allows her into their fascinating world. Having owned a horse ranch for most of her life I imagine gives her that secret inroad that I had not even gleaned upon of until now. She has this real deep interest in watching all of their unique mannerisms. Each little ear twitch, head movement or body mannerism has some kind of meaning. She seems to know intuitively just how they are feeling or what is going on for them. I guess it would be similar to being deaf and becoming acutely alert to other peoples body language, there are things that we don’t even know we are conveying and yet It is all there for the acutely observant. Debbie has this gift, and I was seemingly looking in from the outside, keenly wanting to know what she sees.

 

“Lunch Time” Jasper Nat. Park, Alberta

 

“Fodder for Thought” Jasper Nat. Park, Alberta

This isn’t something that you can just explain. It comes from a life time of just watching with interest. She isn’t a real talker either, and I guess that this is the part of her temperament that makes her so good with horses and other animals. The local natives seem to have this observant style too. I at times I feel as if they can see something deep inside of me, parts of me that I thought were secret, and yet it is totally apparent to their gaze.

 

“The Wild Bunch” Yukon

 

“Very Alert” Yukon

“Yoga Lessons” Tombstone Nat Park, Yukon

The sheer excitement Debbie conveys when we come upon a herd of sheep, a bear or a moose is totally infectious. She has developed techniques of approach that keep the prospective animals calm and detached, allowing us, the photographers, a more candid uninhibited photo. Almost as if we weren’t there. This is why in the past I had often left them alone when I came upon them by myself. I really wanted to respect their space and freedom, not wanting to harry them into distress. But now I see a lot of the stress can be relinquished simply by how you approach them. It requires a certain type of sensitivity that takes a long time to develop.

 

“Alaskan Grouse” Denali Nat. Park, Alaska

 

“Two Sister Grizzlies” Tombstone Nat. Park, Yukon

I guess our relationship was one of mutual exchange. I taught her what I knew about composition, lighting, managing a digital SLR, lens and finally digital manipulation using ACDSee Pro and Photoshop to create a finished product for all to admire. She was a great photo partner and traveling companion on this trip.

“Sow Grizzly and Cub” Denali Nat. Park, Alaska