p.1 #1 · After the hack....2017 Eric's Not so Secret Cat-a-logue
Those damn Russians are at it again...first the election and now FM...when will it all stop?
I wrote this at 5:30am 1/1/17....so it has matured a bit since then....
Hard to believe it is 2017 already my friends. The past year was an interesting one to say the least. We had weddings, births, political upheaval, family members moving and adventures that occupied all of a very tumultuous year.
Photographically it was an interesting year. I am still trying to find my true voice but think I am getting closer. I was incredibly lucky to have some amazing experiences in 2016 including photographing pumas in Chile with our own wildlife photographer of the year (2015), Don Gutoski as well as traveling back to Africa with my wife, daughter and son in law. I also had the great pleasure to photograph with some of my FM friends, Morris, Herb, and KD....those are some of the best times. And of course having people that I can message when I need help or just want to talk like Birdie, Geoff (Arbitrage) Henrik and Karl, Mansur (Conebeam) and Joshua and quite a few others make this a very special community.
I will re-share some images from Chile...probably some that have been reworked too in my cat-alogue but the bulk will be from southern Africa. The most recent trip to South Africa and Botswana was from a photographic point of view very odd. As Mitesh said of his trip to the Antarctic, mine did not yield the type of quality images I was hoping. Much was due to circumstance and I'm sure there was no shortage of bad decision making on my part too. It was frustrating that we found most of our cats in very poor to non existent light and had to rely on external sources, ie: spotlights, to provide illumination. And whilst that can give some dramatic effect, it gets old quickly. I also found the number of times I had clean backgrounds or even foregrounds was minimal and made for cluttered and distracting images. And the few times I had the light on my side our angles were typically all wrong....shooting down, too close, a misplaced twig or reed, on the wrong side of the vehicle, 70 MPH winds in South America...the list goes on. But with all that I was really happy to have some of the best experiential photography I've ever had and will look back fondly at the trips despite not being enthralled with the images I collected.
As an example of bad decision making which I think is a good lesson going forward. We were following wild dogs on the hunt when they, by accident, found a leopard that had a recent kill. The leopard took the kill up the tree as the dogs surrounded the tree, jumping and chattering and the leopard above. I was so consumed with the cat and the prey it was perilously clutching in its mouth that I failed to even catch one image of the whole scene...dogs below and cat with prey above. I was too focused (no pun intended) on watching the leopard as it looked like it was going to drop the antelope to appreciate what in fact was the seminal moment of the whole sighting....having the two predators , at least a dozen dogs and leopard together. Rather than put on a wider angle lens and capturing what would have been a special moment I got lost. Fortunately, my daughter did not and captured a few amazing images as did my wife who was doing video. I still shake my head in disbelief that I didn't recognize the relative importance of what was unfolding in front of me.
Anyway, despite my overall disappointment, I still feel that I came away with at least a few decent shots that I hope connect with those who view the images.
As I plan for this new year, a new chapter of my life is starting to unfold and hope that it allows me to grow as a person and photographer willing to explore places and experiences that have been things I have chosen to avoid due to lack of time.
Thank you all for listening to my rambling on and hope you enjoy this 2017 New Year's Eric's Not So Secret Cat-a-logue.
Eric
p.1 #5 · After the hack....2017 Eric's Not so Secret Cat-a-logue
Eric,
Happy New Year with best wishes to you and your family for a happy and healthy 2017! This collection of images is just stunning. I would venture to guess that very few people on this planet have had the experiences that you have had. Thanks so much for sharing them with us through your wonderful photography. Looking forward to seeing more throughout the year.
p.1 #6 · After the hack....2017 Eric's Not so Secret Cat-a-logue
Such an awesome collection of cats, Eric.
I love them all and I enjoy each image slowly make my 1st day of new year even more enjoyable. Thanks for sharing.
p.1 #7 · After the hack....2017 Eric's Not so Secret Cat-a-logue
Hi Eric...
Despite the trials you faced in 2016 you managed to come away with some truly outstanding photographs. If I were forced to pick a favorite it would be #26...simply a beautiful, ethereal capture of a magnificent animal.
p.1 #9 · After the hack....2017 Eric's Not so Secret Cat-a-logue
Woa! What a way to start 2017 Eric. I agree with you that our friends help us make our lives what they are and for me a wonderful experiance and I have to say you have contributed to this wonderful experience many times.
This set of images shows off the top quality photos you produce of some amazing sights and I know you exercise patience that I don't have to capture many of these. This set is a delight to view.
p.1 #10 · After the hack....2017 Eric's Not so Secret Cat-a-logue
Eric, those are some seriously awesome images - what a great year 2016 was (under certain circumstances, that is and photographically for sure!) and what a way to start posting images in the new year! I am privileged that we shared ideas and feedbacks last year.
p.1 #11 · After the hack....2017 Eric's Not so Secret Cat-a-logue
Eric, it is always pure pleasure to see your cats. And, your story about the leopard, the wild dogs, and the missed opportunity is an important reminder to all of us to stop, think and look at the whole scene every now and then. Many thanks for sharing that bit of wisdom.
p.1 #14 · After the hack....2017 Eric's Not so Secret Cat-a-logue
Nice to take a trip back to Chile and relive our encounters with the 3rd largest cat species on the planet. I appreciate what you said about your images; sentiments I myself have echoed after returning from many trips. It just makes you want to go back for more.
May your travels in 2017 be filled with predators in warm light and unencumbered settings, with friends and family at your side, and of course good health and while I'm at it, world peace; so we can get to the wild places we love in safety.
Later my friend.
p.1 #16 · After the hack....2017 Eric's Not so Secret Cat-a-logue
^What Don said!
After reading your intro, I was thinking about an Emerson quote (journey/destination), but after seeing those images (especially #28), it seems to me that the destination(s) have been remarkably rewarding.
Happy new year, and please keep me in mind for the melanistic leopards!
p.1 #18 · After the hack....2017 Eric's Not so Secret Cat-a-logue
I always enjoy your thoughtful and though provoking commentary Eric. To be counted as your friend is an honor.
This is truly a remarkable set. While the number may not be as you wished, they certainly do not disappoint.
When viewing these marvelous animals , I am reminded of Lord Byron-
"She walks in beauty , like the night
Of cloudless climes and starry skies;
And all that's best of dark and bright
Meet in her aspect and her eyes ......."
Happy New Year Eric to you and yours. May you find what you seek .
p.1 #19 · After the hack....2017 Eric's Not so Secret Cat-a-logue
Eric,
A very happy 2017 to your family and you
it is people like you,everyone that you mentioned and others, on this forum, that make it so special. Your advise is priceless,genuine, timely and always given without any hesitation.It is my honor and priviledge to know you and shoot with you and others on the fourm.
As to the pics that you have posted, I would be proud of each and everyone of them, if they were mine.
My best to you, sir.
p.1 #20 · After the hack....2017 Eric's Not so Secret Cat-a-logue
Amazing and inspiring work; I'm a big fan of your cat shots Eric!
Seems 2016 was a great year. Also thanks for the advice you gave me somewhere halfway the year, that will hopefully give me a nice Zambia/Bots trip in 2017 myself this year.
Looking forward to your adventures in the coming year!
