Article and Photos by Les Person

I have enjoyed photography since early adulthood. Landscapes, wildflowers, and children were interested in the “film” era. Digital cameras and post-processing software have enabled amateurs like me to achieve results that would have been undreamed of only a few years ago. In the last four years, I have focused primarily on bird photography.

My analysis of human behavior convinces me that people seem to enjoy arbitrary challenges. Sporting pursuits are obvious examples of this tendency. Perhaps this is part of the reason bird photography is so engaging, or even addictive. In any case, the many difficulties encountered in getting the “perfect photo” along with the sublime effects of spending time in natural environments unite all who pursue this endeavor in a common understanding and even a sense of camaraderie. And that I would say is a good thing.