The Hunt
Growing up in west-central Minnesota, I was surrounded by hunting culture. Sure, my family wasn’t into it. In fact, every deer opener, my parents would plan a “vacation” to escape the hordes of out-of-town hunters who flooded our rural area. But the culture was still a big part of life via school, friends, and extended family. And while to this day I’ve never participated in the tradition, I can see the appeal. The intensely primal act of hunting taps into something so deeply human.
Photo by Morgan Allora.
That primal connection resonates with me, and I can see parallels to the instinct in my craft. Much of the photography I do—and especially the work I really enjoy—shares many elements with hunting. I think my early drive to become a photojournalist was rooted in this same fascination with “the hunt.” But instead of hunting 8-point bucks, my prey was the human experience, and my reward was capturing it on film.
I’ve spent a lot of brain time in recent years not only deconstructing my own thoughts but also delving into why I’m so drawn to this work. While photographing an event a couple of weeks ago, I realized how deeply photography feels like hunting. Capturing a moment, an expression, a glimpse of the human experience—it all taps into that primal instinct, and it’s the core of what I love about this work.
Observe First
Early in my career, when I was hired as the Sunday photographer at The Forum, my editor, Mike Vosberg, gave me excellent advice. As a newcomer with very little experience—turns out working for your student newspaper doesn’t actually prepare you for the job—Mike stressed the importance of observation. He shared with me that whenever he walked into a room—whether it was a political event or a luncheon with a bunch of church ladies—he would take a few moments to simply observe. He said, “Don’t just start shooting. Take in the scene, lay out the land, see where the action is, and identify who’s in the room. Make a plan. Then go.”
Photo by Abby Anderson
Taking those few extra moments to observe the room helped me calm my nerves and focus, setting the tone for my entire approach to photography. Those early lessons in patience and intentionality have stayed with me, becoming the foundation of how I hunt for the perfect shot. Over time, I’ve learned that each scene has its own rhythm, and observing it first helps me move in sync with it. Much like a hunter blending into the environment, I now know to hold back, to wait until the scene feels like it’s inviting me in.
Blend In
One of my favorite photojournalists, Lynsey Addario, often emphasizes the importance of seamlessly integrating into the environment. While working in war zones and crisis environments, Addario has shared how positioning herself quietly within crowds allows her to capture raw and authentic moments without altering the scene. It has allowed her to produce insanely intimate imagery that has made an impact far beyond the battlefield.
Although I am very far from any sort of warzone, I do find when I photograph events, I find it essential to blend in. I often hold my camera low, dart in and out of situations, and navigate along the edges of the space. My goal is to create images without others being aware of my presence. Whether I’m shooting a wedding or another event, I introduce myself at the beginning and then try my best to fade into the background. I consider it a compliment when people say, “I didn’t even know you were there.” This camouflage approach fosters a comfortable atmosphere where people can be themselves, resulting in candid moments that reveal deeper stories. By being unobtrusive, I can capture the genuine interactions and emotions of the day, much like a hunter waiting patiently for the perfect moment to take a shot.
Build Connection
As a portrait photographer, the connection I build with my subjects mirrors the relationship a hunter has with their prey. Though I don’t chase after animals, I do seek those brief moments when my subjects let their guard down and show their true selves. Y’all, this is where the magic happens; it's in those genuine expressions and interactions that I capture my most impactful images.
Like a hunter patiently observing their surroundings, I wait for that special moment when I catch a glimpse of my subject's real self. It often becomes a dance of trust and vulnerability—when we sync with each other, I can capture something real and raw. This quest for connection not only enhances my photography but also reflects the primal essence of hunting: the thrill of pursuit and the joy of discovery.
The Thrill of the Hunt
Photo by Morgan Allora
There’s a rush that comes with capturing a moment, similar to the adrenaline experienced during a hunt. As I jump into a scene—whether it’s a wedding, an event, or a headshot session—my heart races with anticipation for what is about to unfold. Each frame I capture feels like a small victory, drawing me closer to the ultimate prize: the perfect shot. It’s not just about fulfilling a client’s needs; it’s about immersing myself in the moment and embracing the excitement of the hunt. When I fully engage with my environment and the emotions around me, my images become personal and infused with authenticity.
The adrenaline pushes me to document moments that might otherwise go unnoticed. I chase connections—between subjects and their environments—because those images tell a deeper story. They reveal our humanity and remind me why I love this craft.
Know Your Limits
There’s also a delicate balance to maintain in this practice, much like in hunting. It’s important to know when to press the shutter and when to put the camera down. Sometimes, the most respectful choice is to observe without capturing—acknowledging the sanctity of a moment rather than objectifying it.
Understanding this boundary is super important, especially in emotionally charged situations. While my job as a commercial photographer doesn’t often present many moments like this, there have been numerous occasions when I photographed weddings where my gut told me to stop shooting. Trusting your instincts in high-tension situations is important. It helps build trust between you and your subjects and contributes to capturing better images later.
The Art of the Hunt
Reflecting on my journey as a photographer, I realize that the hunt is not just about getting the shot but about the process of getting there—the observations, the connections, and the respect for the moments that unfold. Just like a hunter who respects their environment, I strive to honor the people and their stories that I encounter through my lens. At the end of the day, it’s this blend of patience, intuition, and deep engagement that fuels my love for this craft, and I feel so lucky to be able to practice it every day.
Creative Collaboration with a Side of Awe
Morgan (right) photographs Abby and the model-bride during Abby’s recent brand session.
For the past couple of years, I’ve been fortunate to have monthly meet-ups with photographers Abby Anderson and Morgan Allora. As three female photographers working in the business space, we’ve found immense value in our deep conversations about the craft and how we do business, and even delving into personal topics now and again. It’s been a cherished friendship, and I feel so grateful to be a part of it.
A few months ago, during one of our meet-ups, Abby shared that she needed to rebrand. She’s an incredibly talented wedding photographer, but the industry is constantly changing, and she expressed a desire to shift how she marketed herself. The catch? She dreaded the brand session she inevitably had to do.
Immediately, Morgan and I were like, “Ahhh, can we do it? We want to do it together. It’ll be FUUUUUUUUN!” Morgan and I share very similar styles and shooting philosophies, and we had been talking about wanting to take on a project together. After some gentle nudging and a whole lot of enthusiasm from both of us, Abby agreed. And just a couple of weeks ago, we made it happen.
Now, I plan to write a whole blog post about this adventure soon, but for today, I just have to express how incredibly in awe I am of both Abby and Morgan.
Morgan being cute during Abby’s brand session.
Abby’s superpower is her attention to detail, her steadfast focus, and her ability to get shit done. When it came to planning the session, Abby did ALL the work. She thought through the exact scenarios she wanted to accomplish: the props, the models, what she would wear, the vibe she wanted to portray—everything. All Morgan and I had to do was step into her world. The amazing thing is that she trusted us SO MUCH. She created a space for us to play and let our creativity flow. It was a gift.
And then there’s Morgan. Holy Batman, is Morgan talented! She’s so talented that I had to take a deep breath (or three) to keep up. She’s quick on her feet, constantly enthusiastic, and unbelievably creative on demand. It’s been a long time since I’ve worked alongside another photographer, and I learned so much just by watching her work. What a talent!
Being social is good for you
Or, at least, I’ve found that it might be good for me. Since having kids and going through the pandemic, our household has become increasingly homebound. Sure, we have friends and do things, but when given the option to go out or stay in, we usually choose to stay home.
Now that the kids are getting older—and frankly more fun to be in public with—we’ve slowly been emerging from our safe little bubble. We’ve been making an effort to do things like visit the Red River Market and host impromptu brunches with friends.
Choosing to be social can mean quiet-ish walks in the woods with parents and corgis. So many corgis.
I’m feeling so inspired lately to get out and do things with and around other people. And, you guys, I think I really needed it! A little weight lifts off my shoulders every time I push myself out of the house. Sure, at the moment before I leave, I’d rather stay in, but now that my brain can connect the dots (hey, you feel good when you’re around people), I’m more likely to get out there.
Rethinking Five Fixations
This is normally the part of the post where I drop five things I can’t stop thinking about. I’m taking a pause on this section for now, and it may emerge next month as something a little different. Stay tuned.
And, with that, here are 10 images, work or otherwise, captured in the month of October.
1: A snap from the CFPS Experience Event captured for the Center for Plastic Surgery. 2: This adorable family of five. 3: UnStuffy Stock for Nilson Brand Law. 4: My pals Sky & Tyler. 5: Podcaster and speaker Kate Bowler receives a quilt from the family of Marilyn Hudson during the North Dakota Brave Conservations event in Fargo. 6: These cool dudes. 7: Wayne Baumbach and 4-year-old daughter Juniper tend to their bees during a recent FARRMS calendar shoot. 8: Hanging out with this fun family at the park. 9: Happiness professor Arthur Brooks during his talk at the Fargo Theatre. 10: Rockstar Abby Anderson with soup, with special Morgan Allora photo bomb, during her recent brand session.
