DAVIS COUNTY ó Wild animals tend to respond better when they recognize you as a kindred spirit. Several have found that spirit in photographer Jim Huddle, a self-described farm boy whose work will be on display in the Antelope Island art gallery through October and November. The work, which focuses on northern Utah beyond the city boundaries, stems from his early years out communing with nature. ìI was always in the woods getting away from people,î said Huddle. ##M:MORE##

He thinks itís the lack of that connection that leave most people so fascinated by nature photographs, many of which offer up close views of animals theyíre normally lucky to catch only a glimpse of.

ìTheyíre seeing something theyíre not used to seeing ó itís a surprise to them,î said Huddle. ìIf you go out into nature all the time, though, you get used to it.î

At the same time, itís his own familiarity with the great outdoors that help him get his up close and personal shots. Animals are notoriously difficult to photograph, with just as much tendency to be spooked by someone holding a camera as they are without one.

ìHunting and stalking skills come into play. You have to understand their behavior,î he said. ìLike with birds, itís a good idea to shoot from your car. Itís effective as a blind, and they wonít react to you.î

Location is also an important factor. One of Huddleís favorite spots is Antelope Island, which he feels offers the best opportunity to be alone with nature year-round. Another spot he enjoys is Farmington Bay in winter, when the crowds get a little thinner.

No matter where you go, though, itís always a good idea to plan ahead.

ìYou have to know what your subject is and where youíre going to find it,î he said. ìItís bad to drive 100 miles and strike out.î

Occasionally, though, the frustration comes long after the initial shot has been taken.

ìA lot of photographers run into this. A lot of work and expense goes into what we do, but most of the people who look at our photographs donít see the craft behind them,î said Huddle. ìThey think ëoh, itís just a photograph.íî

The animals, however, know better, and Huddle takes comfort in that.

ìI enjoy my photographs for what they do for me,î he said. ìI like what I do.î