Candid Thoughts

Every photograph has a story behind it. It is very hard to tell all of them on the web site. I have fallen into holes, streams, over logs and down hills on my backside. Yes, I have even broken camera equipment because of this. I usually have 4 different cameras and assorted lenses that I keep in my van for "spares".

My wife, DR, acts as my assistant. She spots deer, moose and all sorts of animals. When she sees them she yells out "moose" (or whatever) and over to the side of the road we go. Sometimes into chuckholes or mud puddles. Occassionally my equipment slides all over. Without DR my equipment wouldn't be organized. When I start shooting she is right there with my film, extra camera or tripod, and everything else I need. She is my biggest asset. She plans our trips. She is my map reader and navigator. If it was up to me to read a map....who knows where we would wind up.

I shoot 35MM and use 100 speed film almost all the time. I use no filters and do not enhance my photographs in anyway. What I see is what I get. I feel that this is what photography is all about. I want people to enjoy what I see in it's natural setting. All my wildlife photographs are shot in the wild unless I state otherwise.

I enjoy photography very much. I love the outdoors and I love wildlife. What really makes it enjoyable is sharing this with someone who cares as deeply about this as I do. While every species of wildlife is enjoyable to photograph, the MOOSE is the most exciting animal to me. Moose are very independent and it seems to have a "Nothing bothers me, time can just go by attitude". They can submerge under water for up to 45 seconds to feed off the bottom. To me they show strong character and good humor. At times they can also show great anger.

While traveling south out of Yellowstone we spotted a large bull moose resting in the grass. I decided to get closer. When photographing "Solitary Retreat" I kept creeping closer until I saw his eyes open and look me right in the lense. At that point I decided to photograph from where I was. Remember.....IT TAKES A LOT OF PATIENCE TO GET THE RIGHT SHOT......AND PLENTY OF FILM.

Remember when photographing wild animals that you are just a visitor in their habitat. Keep a safe distance and allow them their space to be what they are....Wild and Beautiful. It is our responsibility to protect it for future generations. I feel so different when shooting in the wild. It reminds me that I am just a small part of this world.

I want to thank my entire family (whom I love very much) for their support and encouragement. I want to thank my son Buster and his friend Kelley for making this web page possible. They did a fantastic job.

Remember.......only you can protect our national forests and our wildlife.

Happy Shooting!! H. Leon