Getting behind the lens of Lethbridge wildlife photographer – Lethbridge
Jon Crumple never thought he would be so involved with wildlife photography, but after his doctor expressed health concerns in 2016, he found a way to get out in nature. I decided to.
“So I went to buy a camera and asked my wife for forgiveness instead of permission, and she forgave me. I love it,” John said.
Seven years later, John canadian geographicwon the Alberta Travel Photo Contest and was one of the few photographers to have seen the ram known as the King of Waterton more than once.
“I’ve always had a talent for getting close to animals,” John said. “I used to hunt, but now I get closer and really study animals and understand that they are game-oriented like we are. I don’t think I can kill anything anymore.” .”
He uses the camera on manual settings and says speed is key to getting shots.
A Northern Saw Owl is looking at the photographer curiously.
John Crumple
“The important thing is to be prepared, to have the camera set up right, because in wildlife photography things happen in seconds,” says a grizzly bear and his cubs on a drive through Kananaskis Park. John said, remembering what he saw.
“Everything took maybe 15-20 seconds and then it was over.
John estimates he took thousands of pictures of everything from bull snakes to grizzly bears.
A brown bear is walking in a lush forest.
John Crumple
“There’s a lot to see,” said John. “I can always go for a walk and when I get home he has five or he has six different species.”
John likes being behind the lens, but his growth Instagram and Facebook He owes his social media presence to his wife, Gail, who edits and posts photos and replies to all of John’s fans.
The couple are part of the Lethbridge Photography Club, where they connect with other enthusiasts and develop their skills.
“I came to a point where he started taking really good pictures and thought other people should see them,” said Gale.
She also contributes John’s findings to I-Naturalist, an online global organization that collects statistics on flora and fauna.
“For me, it’s one of the best things we do, contributing to the body of science,” Gale said.
To date, John has identified over 350 species.
“Most people have no idea what lives here,” said John.
John and Gail agree that the hobby has brought them closer together and helped them stay healthy.
However, John is currently battling indolent prostate cancer.
“It makes you realize how short life is and how important family is,” said John.
They plan to continue sharing nature experiences with viewers as much as possible.
“Anyway, as long as your eyesight is good, I hope you can do it for a few more years,” said John.
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