Surprise!

"Those who are easily shocked should be shocked more often."

- Mae West



One of the simple pleasures from having photography as a hobby is what can be called “surprise photography.”  This happens when the camera manages to catch something unexpected. 

The revelations from these photographs can range from the sublime to the comical, from the gross to the just plain weird.  But no matter the nature of the content, there’s always a chance to learn something new about the world.

It’s important to note some things that don’t count as 'surprise photography'.  For example photo bombing, where someone jumps into frame at the last minute to ruin a shot.  That's not surprise photography, it’s just rude.

Also if someone declares that a shadow on the wall or the mold on the refrigerator looks like Elvis, that’s not surprise photography.  That’s just wacky.

One favorite of mine is the above photograph that shows something about our amphibian friends.  Frogs fart. 

It’s a simple thing, but it does cause one to wonder a bit about the natural world.  Do frogs get indigestion?  Do they suffer from the pain of heartburn?  Frogs eat insects, so are there certain types of meals they should avoid if they’re concerned about gas?

And what about using Beano?
 

After all, a slowly spreading circle on the pond could be a giveaway for predators. Not to mention the sounds and odors.

 

Nature photography can be very prone to surprises, especially when trying to take action shots.  On many occasions I’ve been watching a peaceful scene, then a commotion starts between some of the animals milling about, and I just start shooting without really knowing what’s going on.  At least until I get home.

 

That was the case with this photograph.  There was a whole family of mallards.  Dad, Mom, and 5 young ones.  They were all swimming around when another couple swam up, no kids.  The scene I saw lasted no more than 5 seconds.  Mom took the little ones to the shore, and where Dad had been was just a lot of water splashing around.  When I got home I discovered my camera had preserved this scene. 

Over the years I've also captured scenes of other crimes.  During one incident at Gray's Lake I recorded a ring-billed gull stealing a fish from the mouth of a female mallard.  The female headed back to her mate, quacking loudly.  When she got back to her mate she turned, and started to flap her wings, pointing to the scene of the crime.

Many surprise photos at first don't seem to be real.  In this photo it appears the deer is sticking it's tongue out at me.  Over the years many critters have stuck out their tongue, or mooned me.

But after closer observation I've learned that deer, and many other animals, have a tendency to lick their lips repeatedly when nervous.  Catching that motion at the right instant looks like they are sticking out their tongue.

And then there are the photos that just make me laugh. 

 

 

So the next time you're reviewing your photos be sure and take a closer look before you delete the "bad" shots. Those may end being the ones that become your favorites.

 

And hopefully some will make you laugh.