7. Guarding the lake

The Hero's Encounter: My Moment with the White-Throated Dipper

I’ll never forget the morning I stumbled upon the scene that would become one of my most cherished photographs. The air was crisp, the lake mirror-still, and I was wandering, camera slung over my shoulder, searching for inspiration. That’s when I saw it-a weathered tree stump, half-swallowed by emerald water, rising like the last remnant of a forgotten forest.

Perched atop this ancient throne was a white-throated dipper, its chest bright against the muted greens, eyes alert yet unbothered by my presence. It looked like a tiny guardian, surveying its watery kingdom. My heart pounded; moments like these are rare, and I knew I had to move with care.

I crouched, barely daring to breathe, and began to set up my tripod. The dipper didn’t flinch. It sat perfectly still, as if granting me an audience. Time seemed to slow. I adjusted my lens, checked my settings, and in that silence, I felt a connection-not just to the bird, but to the entire scene: the reflection on the water, the textures of the old wood, the hush of the morning.

I pressed the shutter. Just once. The dipper remained motionless, almost regal, as if it knew the importance of this single frame. In that instant, I captured not just a bird on a stump, but a story of patience, luck, and the quiet heroism of nature standing its ground in a changing world.

That image reminds me every day: sometimes, the greatest stories come when you least expect them, and all you need is a little luck, a lot of patience, and the courage to press the shutter at just the right moment.

Production and Shipping Time:

Worldwide shipping with secure packaging usually takes 7-14 business days depending on location. 

SHIPPING DETAILS

Small: 11” x 14” (+ 0.2” border) Edition of 150 includes a certificate with hologram, signature, and edition number.

Medium: 16” x 20” (+ 0.5” border) Edition of 75 includes a certificate with hologram, signature, and edition number.

Large: 24” x 30” (+ 0.5” border) Edition of 50 includes a certificate with hologram, signature, and edition number.

Extra Large: 30” x 38” (+ 0.5” border) Edition of 15 includes a certificate with hologram, signature, and edition number. 

Collector: 40” x 50” (No border) Edition of 10 includes a certificate with hologram, signature, and edition number.