The attempt to sabotage a photographerโs chances ended up creating the most memorable image of his career.
Everyone at the regional zoo photography competition knew he was the favorite. Year after year, his elephant photographs stood out, and he had earned a reputation for being one of the friendliest people there, always gracious even when others hoped someone else would finally take the top prize.
So when a zoo insider quietly helped a competing friend, they thought they had found the perfect way to stop him. He was assigned the worst elephant viewing slot of the day, a time when the elephants were usually resting and inactive. Since his winning images often showcased their strength, movement, and personality, it seemed like a guaranteed disadvantage. He realized exactly what was happening, but instead of arguing or complaining, he simply picked up his camera and headed in as if nothing had changed.
When he arrived, he found an elephant peacefully resting among a pile of old tires, completely still, with a small butterfly perched on its trunk. Rather than trying to force a dramatic shot, he patiently waited. Moments later, the elephant opened its eyes and awkwardly crossed them to look at the butterfly sitting inches from its face.
The result was one of the funniest and most unexpected wildlife photographs anyone at the event had ever seen. ๐
The image went on to win the competition and quickly spread far beyond it, becoming a reminder that sometimes the obstacle meant to hold you back ends up leading directly to your greatest opportunity.
From the flower of Xochiquetzal, strange life emerges. As Quetzalcoatl, Lord of the Wind and Creation, washes Her blossom, the waters carry its power across the world. From this act are born the carnivorous flowers, beautiful and deadly, who hunger for the insects that gather around them. At the same moment, mosquitoes emerge into the world, spreading to the four directions alongside these remarkable plants. This detail comes from my painted Codex Cenyollotl, a contemporary retelling of the ancient stories that explain how the world and its many wonders came to be. My books and painted codices exploring the creation of the world, the origins of death, the birth of the Sun, are available on etsy. https://t.co/jga1c18Ygk