Beginning Photography Tip #10:
Be Bold

Kayak in Monterey Bay Risky But Worth It © Jim Miotke 2005 All Rights Reserved

Otter Mom and Pup Awwwhhh... © Jim Miotke 2005 All Rights Reserved

Don't allow yourself to be paralyzed by fears of using the wrong settings, or an non-politically-correct social policy.

If you are afraid of upsetting someone by taking their picture, just go up and ask if it's okay. Ask them to sign a release and offer a print in return.

With wildlife, adopt a low-impact method when you go places where few photographers have gone before. For the above photos, I put my camera and telephoto in a waterproof bag and kayaked out into Monterey Bay. (Lawyer-talk: This can be dangerous - so be careful.)

Be wise... but be bold.