In The Herd Instinct There Are Photographic Opportunities

By Thelma Kent


Authenticity is a much sought after quality for artist and photographers who wish to portray creatures truthfully. The artist may often find this quality when subjects are relaxed and not, 'looking at the camera' self consciously. That is why it might be best to find individuals and portray animals in the herd where they are relaxed and natural.

Many creatures, including human beings, are herd animals. When a young person is separated from his friends, or from his family, he feels insecure and searches instinctively for someone to attach himself to. Panic might shine in his eyes. He will move swiftly, with brow creased and eyes flitting from side to side.
It may be surmised that the basic instinct to belong to a group is behind the formation of gangs. A more positive interpretation might attribute to it the formation of clubs, schools and other fundamental institutions of society. Interesting moments that a photographer might capture are when something distinctive is reflected about the individual in the group.

The basic need that is satisfied by group membership is security. This is so for human beings, but also for other creatures throughout the animal kingdom. However, despite the need to belong and the security that that offers there are many things that happen within groups that are unfailingly interesting.

Animal behavior often illustrates the importance of social behavior in the struggle for survival. Large flocks of antelope and other prey animals thrive despite the fact that they share space with brutes against which they have no defense. When a gnu or an impala is born its first defense is privacy. Its mother instinctively leaves the group to give birth secretly but returns as soon as she can for the safety of numbers.

Horse are popular subjects for photographers because of their physical beauty and power. But their behavior can reflect some of the complexity of human behavior. For example, a horse going away from a stable is usually reluctant, but turning for home it finds new enthusiasm. This is despite the fact that it spends hours trying to escape from its box. Such complex paradoxes are interesting for photograph
Animal behavior often illustrates the importance of social behavior in the struggle for survival. Large flocks of antelope and other prey animals thrive despite the fact that they share space with brutes against which they have no defense. When a gnu or an impala is born its first defense is privacy. Its mother instinctively leaves the group to give birth secretly but returns as soon as she can for the safety of numbers.

Horse are popular subjects for photographers because of their physical beauty and power. But their behavior can reflect some of the complexity of human behavior. For example, a horse going away from a stable is usually reluctant, but turning for home it finds new enthusiasm. This is despite the fact that it spends hours trying to escape from its box. Such complex paradoxes are interesting for photographers. A herd of wild horses in flight is a beautiful sight but the irony is that each individual in the herd is trusting in its individual ability to survive.




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