Shutterbug
It seemed
unfair
that
trap –
the
snare
you (cunning) set
to
snatch and
catch
a glimpse,
and
yet…
that
creature caught –
it
brought a smile
of
joy to me
to
see your quarry
perfectly –
fully
captured,
wholly
free
PSC
/2016
This poem was inspired by some photos and articles I've seen and read recently about specific instances where a photographer used staging tactics (food as 'bait', cameras with timers, etc.) to capture photos of animals in the wild. (I confess, I've put out food to lure birds closer so I could photograph them. The photos on this page are all mine. This, however, was going above and beyond. In one instance, it was the animal itself that actually took the photos -- and they were pretty great photos too! -- sparking a lawsuit and some debate as to who actually possessed the copyright for those particular photos, the photographer... or the monkey. (Honestly! You can't make this stuff up.)
Anyway, if you'd like to read more about my inspirations for this poem AND see some of the excellent photos that occurred as a result, you can hop over to the links below. (I didn't include those photos here because, well, you know, copyrights.)
The monkey lawsuit
(macaque & nature photographer David Slater’s camera)
- npr.org - federal judge says monkey can't own copyright to his selfie
- theguardian.com - monkey selfie case animal photo copyright
- petapixel.com - PETA's lawsuit over a monkey selfie copyright
Some wild (& trained) barn owls
(Photographer John Walters & animal
trainers Lloyd and Rose Buck)
Photog Allan Dixon takes animal selfies
NOT exactly the same situation as those above -- but cute & entertaining, none the less:
Also linked to dVerse Poets Pub Open Link Night at #172 where any poet can submit one poem of their choice. Come play with us at: dversepoets.com - open link night #172
How funny about the monkey and the photographer. I like the way you have used such harmless and fun ways to lure birds for them to be photographed. I've done the same with my cat in the past. And the poem to write about the luring - just wonderful and fun. I truly enjoyed pics and poem.
ReplyDeleteThanks! SO glad you read the links as well -- the photos there are great!
DeleteThis is soo beautiful both in words and image :D
ReplyDeleteThank you, Sanaa! So glad you enjoyed it! :)
DeleteWonderful! A nuthatch, right? Love them.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Sara! Yes, indeed -- a nuthatch. I love those little guys, don't you? :D
DeleteLovely photos and poem. And I think the judge got it right in the monkey copyright case.
ReplyDeleteThan you! And -- agreed! :D
DeleteSUCH fun sounds here, Pamela. I love this. And I always love your photos!
ReplyDeleteAwww, thanks, De! And back at'cha -- I always love your poems. :D
DeleteI really enjoyed your photos and poem too and the story behind your inspiration. I read the article about the monkey and the copyright lawsuit...so true, you couldn't make this stuff up!
ReplyDeleteOh! Thank you! So glad you read the article -- it was just too funny to pass by. Stayed with me for days. That monkey face -- so lovable! :D
DeleteI love the thought of a bird taking the pictures themselves... but I guess eating is a perfect way to lure them
ReplyDeleteYes, but it DOES seem unfair to trick them in such a fashion... don't you think? ;)
DeleteNice and interesting poem here. I enjoyed your photos. Thanks for this post.
ReplyDeleteThank you! So glad you enjoyed it. :)
DeleteFreedom fully captured, wholly free - just wonderful!
ReplyDeleteAhhh... thank you! :)
DeleteGreat fun.
ReplyDeleteThank you -- and back at'cha! Your 'feckless fubzy mouse' was wonderful! Still laughing. :D
DeleteGraet!
ReplyDeleteAwww, thank you, Nurit! Come play with us! :)
Delete:)
ReplyDelete:D
DeleteThis brought a smile seeing all those birds ~ Lovely share thanks ~
ReplyDeleteHappy weekend ~
Thanks! So glad it brought a smile! :)
DeleteI think giving animals an incentive to be captured (in pictures) is not only fair but also filling as well. :-)
ReplyDelete~Imelda
LOL I guess that's true enough! :)
DeleteSuch a cheerful sway in your poem. I couldn't get an old childhood song out of my head, "Found a peanut" looking at the top photos. He looks as though he is wondering what to do next.
ReplyDeleteTHANK you! I remember singing that song -- many years ago. LOL Glad you enjoyed the poem and pics. Thanks for stopping by and commenting. :)
Delete