Giorgio Trucco – How did you shoot that? Winter Boredom

Since my childhood, whenever I watch western films, I always root for the Indians, refusing the rewriting of history by the victors.

I harbor the same sentiment regarding wolves and coyotes, which at one time, were almost extinct by way of tons of lead and ink, the first, spent to eliminate them physically and, the second, used to bury them in the eyes of a blind and foolish public opinion under the mark of sworn enemies of peasants and farmers. Obviously, scientific studies have widely and indisputably demonstrated the absurd falsehood of all accusations and, albeit very late, in America there is a healthy trend in the meritorious work of the U.S. National Park Service aimed at raising public awareness of the crucial equalizing role that these magnificent predators occupy in nature. In my eyes, these animals also possess an incomparable beauty and elegance and, together with the bears, they represent the quintessential wildlife of the North American continent, like lions or elephants for Africa.

It was a very cold winter morning and I was driving slowly along the small road which, between walls up to 900 meters, follows the valley floor of Yosemite National Park, immortalized by the Johan Sebastian Bach of photography that Ansel Adams was. The abundant snow made movements difficult also for the animals, creating ideal conditions to spot the abundant wildlife that populates the park.
My experience as a photographer had also taught me that, typically, a wild animal, at the first sight of humans, either flees irretrievably or gets tangled in its natural curiosity and, with due patience and dedication, it becomes possible to close in at very short range.

I spotted this magnificent specimen of Coyote (Canis latrans) from the road. I grabbed the camera that was already mounted on my tripod and I began a slow approach. The coyote did not seem at all intimidated by my presence and gave no hint of moving. He was sitting on his hind legs looking around in a somewhat bored manner, like someone who hasn’t yet decided on his day’s program.
I continued my slow approach as far as I deemed appropriate. I had only mounted a medium telephoto (200mm) and I wanted to render the animal to full body in his static position, one so unusual for a coyote normally on the perpetual move in search of food. I focused on the eyes of the animal, which at times were looking straight and intensely at me, but without any shadow of fear. I reframed moving the animal away from the center and I waited for something to happen. It happened in an instant. I saw the animal yawn, a very impressive yawn, intense and deep. Everything lasted no longer than 2 to 3 seconds, but I was ready and I didn’t lose the moment.

Fortune, that day, was on my side.

Technical Details:
Camera: Nikon F90x
Lens: Nikkor 80-200 f/2.8 D
Film: Fuji Velvia 50
Post Production: Imacon 949

Shot data:
Speed: 1/250
Aperture: f 2.8
Film Asa: 50

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