The Money Shot

The Money Shot in photography is like the brass ring. It always seems to be just out of reach, but it’s that ultimate prize we all keep striving for. Every time I either shoot with, or talk to, other photographers, inevitably The Money  Shot gets mentioned.

I am always trying to improve my photography, or trying to get that one certain shot. This past weekend we were doing an art show and had parked the RV in a vacant lot with a bunch of other artists and their RVs. The first day, we were outside talking to friends and I noticed a kestrel in a nearby palm tree. Now I love kestrels, they are so colorful and very pretty. We see them in Wyoming and I am always trying to get good images of them, so this was a great thing to see. Later that day I saw 2 in the same spot, and realized it was a male and female pair. The next morning they were together in the tree, but I could hardly see the male. He flew off, and I got some photos of the female.

Friday we were doing the show, and I walked back to the RV to take care of the dogs. The male was in the tree, so I grabbed my camera and no sooner had I set my tripod down, he flew to another tree. So I followed him.

At this point I was fairly happy with what I was getting of these two, but I wanted The Money Shot. I wanted them together, and I really wanted photos of them mating. Sunday morning I decided that rather than go outside the RV to shoot them, I would stay inside and see if they stayed longer. They were always out there before the sun came up good, so it was really a touchy game. I needed the sunlight to be on them for good photos.

These aren’t exactly The Money Shot, but they are what I wanted to get.

And this, this was what I wanted.

So what makes The Money Shot? Is it great unexpected moments like these wild horses? Shots like these are a combination of patience, timing, and luck.

Or the combination of a nice shot, and editing?

I shoot with more intention now than I did when I was first getting started in photography. Wildlife doesn’t always cooperate with what I envision though. I can’t tell that horse, or bird, or moose to move slightly to the left and look at the camera. So I create the shot, with what I am handed. Like the photos above, and below.

Like every other photographer I know, I will always be chasing that brass ring, trying to get The Money Shot. I have thousands of wild horse, moose, bison, and other wildlife photos, but that doesn’t mean I will stop photographing them. I will always want “That shot.” It’s a challenge, and challenges make us better.

I’ve added these images to Mary Hone Photography, and also created an exhibits and awards page with info on what’s been happening with my photography. (hint, pretty exciting stuff)