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Thursday, May 12, 2016

Shutterbug



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)



 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
 
  

30 comments:

  1. 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.

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    1. Thanks! SO glad you read the links as well -- the photos there are great!

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  2. This is soo beautiful both in words and image :D

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    1. Thank you, Sanaa! So glad you enjoyed it! :)

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  3. Wonderful! A nuthatch, right? Love them.

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    1. Thanks, Sara! Yes, indeed -- a nuthatch. I love those little guys, don't you? :D

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  4. Lovely photos and poem. And I think the judge got it right in the monkey copyright case.

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  5. SUCH fun sounds here, Pamela. I love this. And I always love your photos!

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    1. Awww, thanks, De! And back at'cha -- I always love your poems. :D

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  6. Gayle Walters RoseMay 12, 2016 at 8:38 PM

    I 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!

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    1. Oh! 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

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  7. I love the thought of a bird taking the pictures themselves... but I guess eating is a perfect way to lure them

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    1. Yes, but it DOES seem unfair to trick them in such a fashion... don't you think? ;)

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  8. Nice and interesting poem here. I enjoyed your photos. Thanks for this post.

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  9. Freedom fully captured, wholly free - just wonderful!

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    1. Thank you -- and back at'cha! Your 'feckless fubzy mouse' was wonderful! Still laughing. :D

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    1. Awww, thank you, Nurit! Come play with us! :)

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  12. This brought a smile seeing all those birds ~ Lovely share thanks ~

    Happy weekend ~

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  13. I think giving animals an incentive to be captured (in pictures) is not only fair but also filling as well. :-)

    ~Imelda

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  14. Such 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.

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    1. THANK you! I remember singing that song -- many years ago. LOL Glad you enjoyed the poem and pics. Thanks for stopping by and commenting. :)

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