How to focus on your travel photography skills, even when you’re not traveling

Above me, my subject squawked and flitted from branch to branch. I tracked him with my camera lens, hoping he’d perch for a moment, but he flicked his tail and flew to another tree. I missed the shot.

Thankfully, this wasn’t a once-in-a-lifetime African safari. It was a once-in-a-morning foray onto my deck, and my photographic quarry was a male Steller’s jay: a common bird around my home near Lake Tahoe. I’d have another chance for that shot before lunch. And by practicing wildlife photography, someday I’ll be ready for that safari.