Waiting for the Sun: Gray Squirrel

Most photography books tell us that the best light for outdoor photography tends to be early morning or late evening. While not a natural early riser, I find the early light best for most of the nature and wildlife photography I do.

At Stephen Foster Folk Culture Center State Park a month or so ago, the morning temperatures sank lower than forecast. Still, we both had things we wanted to shoot and needed that light, so we bundled up and started walking. As Karl set up the tripod for his shot, I wandered. I watched the light from the rising sun move up a tree nearly to a hollow in the tree I saw earlier. As the sun hit the hole, I focused hoping for a glimpse inside.

The sun remained in this spot, lighting the squirrel, for less than five minutes. The hollow went back to shadows.

Being there is essential to nature and wildlife photography.