Nonetheless, when I began to get processed slides back with recognizable bird images on them, I was elated. Fortunately, sharpness, contrast, composition, exposure, and all those other criteria by which nature photographs are traditionally judged didn't mean much to me at the time. I kept plugging at it, thinking I was quite an accomplished photographer. If I hadn't pursued nature photography as a therapy of sorts, some other interest would have undoubtedly captured my fancy. I can't imagine that it would have been as enjoyable or rewarding as photography though.
Wildlife photography is a physically and intellectually challenging activity.
Not surprising then, that even the best photographers find a significant proportion of their shots sailing into the trash can, and successes are such a source of pleasure. That first quick perusal of our slides on the light table is one of the most intensely enjoyable and, at times, crushing aspects of our craft. Take my word, wheelchairs aren't designed for off-road use. One of my most vivid memories of nature photography occurred over 20 years ago when I noticed a gorgeous patch of cardinal flowers blooming in a roadside ditch. Getting down into the ditch was easy enough - it was getting back up the slick clay banks that was the problem.