Episode 11: Bird Photography in the Prairie Potholes

In this episode, Jared and Annalise discuss their time photographing in one of the most endangered habitats in North America: the prairie potholes. Spending several days working from floating blinds photographing waterfowl such as ruddy ducks, redheads, and blue winged teal in peak breeding plumage along with various species of grebes, Jared and Annalise talk shop about the extraordinary biographies of their favorite species from this trip as well as the challenges they faced and how wildlife photographers can overcome them in their own photography. The prairie potholes are one of the chief priorities for conservation organizations ranging from Ducks Unlimited to the Audubon Society and this episode is the second installment on working from floating blinds. 

Key Takeaways

• the prairie potholes region of North Dakota is one of the most prolific wildlife photography hotspots in North America
• Going beyond the last discussion on floating blinds, this episode discusses the practical use of these tools and explain just how important they were for photography in this region
• Floating blinds will completely revolutionize your wildlife photography
• Understanding how animals use their habitat will increase your success rate by 90% 
• In past episodes, Jared and Annalise discussed how that subject tracking and eye autofocus failed as often they succeeded and why other AF Area Modes were often better option, in this episode Jared explains why in the prairie potholes eye detect autofocus and subject tracking made all he difference in the world. 

If you want to learn more about photographing from floating blinds such as which types are best for which situations, how to narrow down your efforts to certain key parts of the habitat to maximize your photographic opportunities, and how to use the topography to funnel wildlife to you instead of having to go to them, then check out the Summer 2023 issue of PhotoWILD Magazine. https://photowildmagazine.com