Life is harsh. Life happens and it is not always kind. In the animal world, it is often eat or be eaten. When you witness a kill I always hear people rooting for the hunted and expressing their sadness at what just happened. Yet, the hunter also has to eat and feed it's young. When the hunted gets aways I rarely hear people empathize with the hungry hunter. I am not taking sides here, rather I am just pointing out the reality of life in the wild; a harsh reality.

          My wife looked at a few of my African images and exclaimed in horror, "oh no, don't show that ..." The reason for her plea is quite understandable as these images evoke emotions and reactions that are not pleasant. Yet, images that moved the world and stood the test of time are often images that showcase the harsh reality of life. I choose to show it, yet acknowledge that these images are not for everyone.

This Egret found a baby bird to eat. After a struggle to get it eaten it finally succeeded. This is that harsh life. This image makes me ask questions:

• Did the baby die before the Egret found it?

• Did the Egret kill it?

• Where is the mother of the baby?

These questions keep me looking at the image as my mind thinks about them. The longer an image keeps the viewer's attention the better. Harsh or not, we just record life and show it.