Photography does not have to be complicated. Sometimes all it takes is a well-executed image of a common subject in a simple composition.
If I were working as a portrait photographer for humans, I could choose an appropriate backdrop and set up studio lighting. I could instruct subjects on poses and position them carefully, shooting a variety of poses so that I would have multiple shots from which to choose the best ones. If I did not like a particular expression in a shot, I could reshoot the portrait until both the client and I were happy.
Life is much different for a wildlife photographer. I have to work with the available light and environment. Subjects are often skittish and uncooperative. I often have only a single chance to get a shot and may not get a second chance.
I feel blessed when things work out and I am able to capture simple portraits, like this one of a male Northern Cardinal (Cardinalis cardinalis) that I photographed last Thursday at Occoquan Bay National Wildlife Refuge. I took multiple shots of this cardinal when I spotted his bright red feathers, but in almost every one of them, the cardinal was looking away. Finally, the cardinal looked toward me for a brief moment and I was able to get the shot.
It is certainly not a perfect shot, but it is a pleasing little portrait of this handsome bird and I am happy that I was able to capture the moment. For me, photography is primarily about capturing and sharing the beauty that surrounds us, a beauty that too often we ignore, because it is uncomplicated and unspectacular. As the old Shaker folk song reminds us, “Tis a gift to be simple.”
© Michael Q. Powell. All rights reserved.
Mike Powell 
Gorgeous photo!
Great shot Mike
Thanks, Matt.
What a cracker!
Thanks, Martin.
Beautiful, Mike!! For sure—less is more!
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Thanks, Mitzy. Indeed, in most cases, less is definitely more. 🙂
Love that song! I was so intrigued when I read recently of the Northern Cardinal’s “wear molt”, in which he sprouts a new coat of red feathers tipped with downy gray. As the winter proceeds, the downy gray wears off, leaving him with a radiant pure red coat by breeding season. This strategy has a great advantage for a bird often found on snow drifts… his downy gray tips provide an extra layer of insulation before spring.
Thanks for sharing that info about the “wear molt.” I don’t think I have ever heard of it before, but it sure makes a lot of sense from a survival perspective–I often wonder how birds manage to deal with the frigid winter temperatures. It also matches what I have observed colorwise with cardinals.
Everything worked this time, Mike. That us a magnificent photo.
Thanks, Dan. Nothing is guaranteed with wildlife photography, but I can increase the odds for success by persistence and practice, so I am able to quickly take advantage of the situations that present themselves.
This is “simply” perfect, Mike! Cardinals are my favorite bird. Your subject was posing perfectly for you. You captured it at the right time!