'Inviting' verses 'Capturing'

I was sitting in the warm sun on my patio this morning with my coffee beside me. My camera was poised in my lap as I idly watched the wild birds engaging in their a.m rituals.  Hoping one of them would come close enough to allow me to take a picture, I sat quite still. Quietly I began pondering why I have always been vaguely disturbed by using the word 'capture' when referring to getting that opportunistic shot.  It's certainly not as if I'm harming anything, I would only be capturing a fleeting moment in time, and yet I prefer to think of it as 'inviting' the critter to 'allow' me to take the shot.  Why was that?

A cactus wren moved in close and allowed me to take several pictures of it as it contemplated whether to chance grabbing stray crumbs from the dogs' bowls within 15 feet of my chair.

As I watched the wren came to the decision that breakfast was a viable option. 

We both got it!!

The wren got food and I got understanding.  For me, before a capture there must be a chase or a hunt.  That energy of competition doesn't sit well with me and I'm sure, because of this, the animals and birds I'm trying to 'capture' will also pick up on that energy and move away.  Oh sure, I set an intention to come home with some pleasing shots, and then I just let go of expectations and invite subject matter to materialize.  I'm usually not disappointed.

This is exactly the message the World had for me today, confirmed by these bonus shots I was offered just  as I got up to move inside:

That little wren felt safe enough to invite it's partner close to that annoying clicking camera.  I've never had the opportunity get a photo of the pair of them before. I am honoured.

Linked to SOOC Sunday, for Straight Out of the Camera Sunday.  All pictures have been cropped slightly and the two bottom ones sharpened slightly.

Linked to Camera Critters.

Please click on the links above to see more entries.