Marty’s photo of the day #5050: I appreciate and use the latest technology for many things in my life. But sometimes technology leads us backwards. For instance, while now many people forgo stereo systems to listen to their music with earbuds or a tiny Bluetooth speaker, they miss so much compared to what they’d hear on any of my stereo systems, which feature powerful receivers, high-quality speakers, and subwoofers. And, ironically, those listening with earbuds jammed in their ears are likely damaging their hearing faster than I’m damaging mine.

The same goes with using smartphones for photography. While smartphones are great for selfies and shooting videos of ICE thugs committing racist crimes, they just aren’t fast enough or powerful enough for quality wildlife photography.

Take this shot of an American coot going into a dive. I couldn’t have captured a quality image of it with my smartphone. Instead, I used the proper tools for the job, which were a Canon EOS R7 camera, a Canon RF 100-400mm lens, and a Canon RF 1.4x extender. (I prefer the Canon brand, but Nikon and others also make excellent gear.)

That said, there’s more to quality photography than just a camera and lens. In this instance, I had to get up before sunrise, hike to the desired location, plan out the shot, adjust the settings, and be ready with quick reflexes. The American coot gave no warning of it’s dives. I was late on multiple shots, until I got a feel for the duck’s rhythm.

(Photographed in the Bitterroot Valley of Montana.)