On a flight earlier this year I started watching BBC’s Planet Earth. David Attenborough’s smooth voice coupled with stunning cinematography of the natural world is the perfect escape whilst hurtling in a metal tube around the world.
When I see incredible nature videography, it reminds me of the stories and lessons a nature-focused filmmaker friend has shared with me over the years. Firstly, all the good shots happen at sunrise and sunset. And secondly, if you need to wait eight hours in the rain and cold for that bird to pop it’s head out of it’s nest, you need to wait eight hours in the rain and cold.
I loved the commitment and simplicity with which he spoke about getting the perfect shot. And it felt like many of the shots in Planet Earth required that level of commitment, which is likely what makes it such a compelling watch.