The Blind Life

1.5.16

Getting to leave work early to take pictures outside, even if it was 30 degrees, isn't something I am going to turn down! Especially if King Knoxville will be there. This was my first hunt in a lay down blind and it was absolutely amazing. Hunting for me is something that is still new. My uncles have always been avid hunters but I was never really interested, mainly because it's usually cold and you can't talk (something that I do a lot of). After a few times being out in the woods alone, I learned deer hunting wasn't really my thing. 

Goose hunting on the other hand, way more fun than you could imagine. Don't get me wrong there is a lot of work, time and research involved. Luckily for me I know a few hunting addicts so my job is pretty easy. Showing up. The work does not go unnoticed though, no one can imagine the time that goes into a hunt. Finding where the birds have been and praying they come back that day. Getting to the field early and setting up decoys, brushing your blinds and making sure the wind is right. And then all of a sudden you wait and watch. Time suddenly seems to stand still, and there you are in the middle of a world most people won't ever get to appreciate.  There really is nothing like sitting in the blind hearing all the birds start to fly over. You have people calling all around you and the birds actually start to talk back. Dogs whimper in excitement knowing they have a job to do and can barely control themselves! Everyone has a job, and everyone gets to enjoy the hunt. My favorite part about hunting is that I get to do it with my family. Seeing the passion they have for all that is involved is amazing to watch. This isn't just a hobby to them, it is a lifestyle. When I got more into photography I had so many ideas in my mind to document what hunting really is. Time with family and friends, laughing, frustration, hard work, relationship building and one of the easiest ways to make memories. I can't tell you how excited these people get to tell their latest hunting stories!!! You can feel the excitement and passion in their voice and oh my gosh their eyes!! Honestly you can see the love in their eyes. Even if you aren't a hunter you do not want to miss out on these stories. Most of them started to make me feel like I was missing out on something and I didn't want to do that anymore. I wanted to be able to save all this love and passion for them in pictures they can keep forever. I have started to understand why it has become such an addiction and way of life for my family. 

I am so thankful to have a family that allows me to watch them enjoy life. That isn't something that everyone gets to do, and I will never take that for granted. I hope to share more hunting stories with you along the way, and maybe you will start to enjoy it too!! Plus all this nature makes for some pretty awesome photo ops!