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Ironically, the stalk begins in total darkness.
Shouldering a half-hundred pounds of gear, the hunter hikes via the focused glow of a headlamp deep into the type of terrain best characterized by most individuals’ unwillingness and/or inability to tackle it. But he’s a veteran of the pursuit, and he knows that off the beaten path and a little bit beyond is where the unique opportunities reside.
Once positioned, he waits patiently, prepared. Inevitably, his quarry will appear.
And there it is, on the horizon. Cautiously at first, then more brazenly, the object of his pursuit — light — announces its presence in a thousand variant hues of pink and purple and blue and red and yellow and orange, awakening both the heavens and the earth, dissolving the blackened frame into a panoramic vista of depth and texture and color.
He fires — CLICK…CLICK…CLICK — the shutter keeping perfect time with the glowing rapture and the ever-broadening smile on his face.
He has captured it – and, more importantly, witnessed it – once again.
As evidenced by his incredible portfolio of images, Sheridan photographer Tim Doolin is an expert at capturing that light, as well as the landscapes and creatures it illuminates. One such image – a regal shot of nine bull elk silhouetted in the lingering rays of the setting sun – graces the cover of the most recent Wyoming Wildlife magazine.
Sheridan Brand was able to capture Doolin in the spotlight for 5(ish) Questions to discuss skill vs. luck, the origins of his passion and the time he was very nearly trampled by a herd of bison. (Or was it a herd of 8th graders?)
SB: How much of capturing a once-in-a-lifetime image is skill and effort and how much is luck?
TD: When I started photography, all of my keepers were luck. I simply didn’t know what I was doing technically despite my eye telling me it was a good image. Today, I call it a blend of skill, effort and luck. I can never predict what I might see, but rising early and staying out late increases my chances exponentially of encountering one of those special once-in-a-lifetime opportunities. Fortunately, I now have the skills to effectively capture those opportunities when encountered.
A great example of this is that in 15-plus trips to Yellowstone during the winter, I’ve only seen river otters once. That one time yielded several award-winning images, and I’m impatiently waiting the next opportunity. Sunrises, dynamic light, stormy weather and every other thing that helps make for beautiful imagery can be just as elusive as those otters!
SB: What is the craziest circumstance you’ve ever encountered while attempting to get one of those once-in-a-lifetime photos?
TD: In Jackson Hole, I arose early to do some work on Antelope Flats. When I arrived pre-dawn, the flats were devoid of life. I looked closely to be sure. I then dove into my work, using Live View to capture panoramic imagery of the Tetons. That pulled my focus to the back of my camera and the tiny screen, blinding me to an approaching buffalo herd.
The drama that unfolded when I realized I was in trouble left me shaking, for it was as close to death as I have ever been. Being charged by 15-plus buffalo all at once — shouting, swinging my tripod as a deterrent, shouting again and again and again as the herd swept in shoulder-to-shoulder, charged and then wheeled away only to form a wall once again and repeat, each charge bringing the mob closer all while I backpedaled towards my car — has left an indelible reminder in my mind of how unpredictable wildlife can be. As the herd wheeled away the last time, stopping just 10 yards short of overrunning me, I dropped my camera and sprinted the last 40 yards to my car. I fully believe that my final sprint as they wheeled away is the only thing that saved me from profound injury if not death.
Reviewing my images later, it became clear that the herd had swept out of a distant swale over 500 yards away and essentially galloped towards my position. My near-focused perspective on the back of my camera and the tiny screen I was viewing made it so I did not realize how close they had come until it was nearly too late.
(These are the buffalo that charged Doolin. In his words: “This image shot through the passenger window of my car with a second camera using an ultra-wide angle lens shows a portion of the group of buffalo that charged me. They were less than 10 feet from my car. Notice how some are locked onto me. That staredown lasted for some time and made me feel so fortunate for having made it to safety!”)
SB: Much of your photography focuses on wildlife — some wilder than others, it sounds like — and landscapes. Why are you drawn to these subjects?
TD: Mine is a simple faith. For me, the evidence of Creator God is found in everything, especially the natural world, for His signature can easily be seen in everything. Not only am I drawn to the mountains because of the fresh air, the scented breezes, the conversations of wildlife, the solitude, the thirst to explore, the challenge of carrying 60 pounds over the next ridge, for me, standing on a lakeshore watching alpenglow paint nearby peaks reflecting in placid waters reveals my God in ways that an urban jungle simply cannot. It is at those times when I am closest to Him and when I find a peace that surpasses my worldly condition and understanding. That experience is the strongest draw of all.
SB: At what point did this passion for photography develop?
TD: Like most young kids, I spent a lot of time imitating my dad. He was my hero, and during my childhood, wherever we went, he always had his camera with him. One of the very first things I purchased with money from my paper route when I was 12 was a used Canon film camera body.
Over the first couple years, I accidentally took a few good images amongst all of the junk. That created a thirst for the knowledge of how to do such consistently, so I read magazines, books, and as the Internet began to mature, blogs and articles online, as well. Friends started asking me to photograph weddings and family portraits and before I knew it, I was actually earning something from my passion. Then, in 2005 I purchased my first digital SLR body and my learning and business exploded exponentially. I’m looking forward to celebrating 10 years of business in January 2015.
SB: You are also a junior high English teacher. How do you balance these two roles? Do they complement one another in any way?
TD: The balance part is hard sometimes. I am a teacher first and that must remain my priority. The amazing thing is how well the two go together. As a teacher, I photograph the kids playing sports; I also attend most school activities (concerts, clubs, science fair, etc.) and capture them at this stage of their lives. I also do most of the school district sports photos because I’ve developed that relationship with students and coaches. Then, when graduation rolls around, many seniors use my services for their portraits, and amazingly, I’m now shooting a number of weddings each year that are former students. It’s sort of the trickle-up effect, providing me with business but also allowing me to play an active role in the life journey of many of my former students. That is one of the greatest thrills and honors I know.
SB: One final question, and thankfully you’re not a math teacher because this is number six. Is it more challenging to capture an image of an elusive animal or capture the attention of a disinterested 8th grader?
TD: I don’t know which one is easier, but I do know which one is more stressful! Keeping active 8th graders engaged in English can be quite a challenge. I am a big goofball in the classroom and that helps, but on the rare occasion a student plays stubborn, I’ve got my work cut out for myself. That can be exhausting, frustrating, unfulfilling, and very stressful — but I’m always up for the challenge! Wildlife can also be quite elusive, but the “hunt” for that elusive photo or encounter is so fulfilling and relaxing at the same time. The challenge of such gives me motivation to stay in shape during the winter months, and fills my time during the summer months.
To see more of Tim Doolin’s outstanding images, please visit his website at Tim Doolin Photography by clicking HERE and his Facebook page by clicking HERE. We’re positive you’ll find both enlightening.
