Author: Pat Toth-Smith
Title: Wild Among Us: True adventures of a female wildlife photographer who stalks bears, wolves, mountain lions, wild horses and other elusive wildlife
Publisher: Amazon Createspace and Lightning Source
ISBN: TBD
Pages: 102
Genre: Photography/Animals/Nature
Interviewed by: Suzanne Gattis
Author Interview with Pat Toth-Smith
HBR: What inspired you to become a wildlife photographer?
It was on a trip to Yellowstone National Park during the fall when all the moose and elk were fighting for the available females. You could get pretty close to them; hear the sound of their clashing antlers. I enjoyed the challenge of getting the shot that captured the excitement of the moment. I realized that of all the branches of photography I had already done—portrait, weddings, news media, etc., wildlife photography was the most difficult, and that impassioned me.
HBR: If you had to compare yourself to one of the animals you have photographed, which would it be and why? A coyote.
Coyotes adapt well to a lot of environments. They slink about unnoticed; they’re almost invisible, and yet they thrive. I have modeled my behavior on them when I travel alone.
HBR: Is there one “perfect” shot that you would like to take during your career?
I would love to photograph the majestic lion in Africa. I think going on a safari would be a fascinating adventure.
HBR: What would you tell aspiring photographers?
Follow your heart and photograph what you want. Take whatever classes you need to hone your skills and learn the practical knowledge for making a great photograph. A lot of people neglect the technical side, but with that knowledge your creativity can flourish. The rest will follow.
HBR: Will we see any more books from you?
Yes, I have many more adventures to write about and many more wildlife I’d love to share my vision of.
HBR: Is there a message in your book that you want readers to grasp?
That humans and wildlife are interconnected. The photographs and stories are meant to help reestablish that connection with nature and maybe inspire others to get out into the wilderness more often, or at least to help preserve it with sound policies that benefit wildlife as well as humans.