H.J. Ruiz – Avian101

Why not think that my backyard actually works in a different way? Pretend that is not my backyard but a Movie Studio. Why not? Since it works like that really!

(Fade in)

Every morning, right after I’ve finished my nutritious and succulent  breakfast, I deliberately driven and fresh of mind walk in direction to my two car garage, it’s dark, the shadows mean nothing to me for I do not fear them! It’s the early morning, I love the smell of gasoline in the morning!… so I stretch my hand and reach the light switch and with one single upward flicker of my right index I turn on the lights! Instantly I perceive the pupils of my eyes readily adjusting to the tungsten lights that shine above. Once there I just give a quick glance to the shiny SUV parked idly exactly where I left it two days ago. I do not wish to distract my mind away from my planned photographics tasks that await for my talented skills. With a decisive and firm grip I lift the bird seeds receptacle and without any hesitation and strong determination I walk toward the door, unlock it and exit the kitchen. Once outside I walk through the concrete patio and place my right foot on the first wooden step to lead me to the redwood deck where most of our action will happen. (Zoom in) I turn my head back and see through the window two beautiful green eyes sadly following all my moves while I walk further away, she knows that I have to complete my task at any cost, her name is Mimi… she’s a tuxedo tabby. (Zoom out)(Fade out)

(Wavy fade in)

I have in my hands the container ready to be filled with mixed seeds that I carefully transfer in pre-measured proportions from the heavy sacks. I get the proper quantity for the job, look up to the wooden hanger on the wall and grab my favorite fedora ( Now I’m the Director) (Fade out)

(Cut in)

I squint my eyes to the sun rays starting to peek between the trees, reminding me when I was in the Amazon Rainforest at dawn, but that’s another story. Immediately I can see many of the birds (Actors) already flying around and taking random positions in the vicinity. Without any further ado I proceed to refill the feeders and make sure they’ll get the correct amounts to avoid pilferage ( Now I’m the Producer).

The moment for the props is ready when I’m done!

I prepare all my camera gear (Now I’m the Camera Man) Clear the area, then take my position behind the camera.

As Director I say…Action! It’s a go! The cue is given for the first group of actors for the feeding scene, after a few minutes and certain number of takes, a while later the first group moves out and the second cue is given for the waiting group which enters the next scene, the ones that ate before become the extras. The process continues with a number of different actors until the Director says Cut! It’s a wrap! Thank y’all!

Then I leave the studio in direction to my office for process of what I shot and for editing the day’s work!… Oh, I’m thirsty… Can anybody get me my cold Perrier? Anyone?

It’s the same thing Darling… day in, day out. It feels just like in Hollywood!

So my agent says I could make a million per session!

I hope I don’t mess it up!

Now, remember I go first, then you follow.

Stylist! …Please?

Do you like my James Dean impression?

I hate the waiting!

Couldn’t you find another outfit?

We’re ready to start!

OMG what a hangover!

Pssst! I heard this photographer is nuts!

Ha, ha, ha, Stop it!

Story and Photographs © HJ Ruiz – Avian101