STORY:
This is one of a special series of images that mark the beginning of a new style of photography when I started shooting wildlife with the medium format Phase One camera. I was using the 500mm lens for the camera which has to be focused manually. People all around me were shooting with more conventional cameras offering automatic functions and high ISO capabilities. The highest ISO I could shoot was 200. While others seemed to be getting many shots, I was only getting the occasional one right. Frustrated, I actually considered giving up and switching to an easier format. But when I saw this shot – the sharpness and quality when you do get it right – I was inspired to keep going. It reminded me that as a professional I should not be looking for the easiest path, but striving for something unique and of the highest quality.