Now we all know the definition of a geek, right? But for the sake of accuracy, I blew the dust from my trusty 1974 edition of the Funk & Wagnalls Standard Desk Dictionary and was amazed to learn there was no such word! O.K., so maybe there weren't any geeks in 1974. I tried the Internet. Sure enough, lots of information there but somewhat conflicting. Some sources claimed that a geek was the same as a computer nerd. Others disagreed saying a geek was an unsophisticated person or "uncool". One person quoted Webster's: 1. A formerly derogatory term given to the outcast elite, usually lacking in social graces. Or number 2. (and this is the best one) A carnival performer who performs grotesque acts, SUCH AS BITING THE HEADS OFF OF LIVE CHICKENS.

Well now fellow photographers, you and I know that they're ALL wrong don't we? A geek is the guy who stops to let his dog out of the car at the precise time you're ready to press the shutter button for a lifetime image of a beautiful buck in golden light. A geek is the lady who decides to take a stroll through your magnificent landscape composition as the sun is rapidly disappearing into the horizon. A geek and his goofy grin is what you see in your viewfinder when you hear someone with the name Bubba on his shirt asking "Whatcha takin' pitchers of?"

Some of you may recall my experience with the south Florida tourist who, no doubt, ruined my professional career. I had stopped to grab a few shots of some black vultures that had gathered near the water's edge when I noticed two bumps in the water that were moving. The gator was completely submerged except for those hungry eyes that were locked on the vultures. Ever so slowly, the beast moved closer and closer. My heart was pounding. Surely this would be the shot of the century. I could already see it, "Nature Photo of the Year!" or at the very least, the cover of National Wildlife. But suddenly, the vultures flew, the gator slipped beneath the surface. A voice from behind me, "What kind of birds were them?" I'd been geeked.

The Tallgrass Prairie Preserve, not far from where I live, is one of my favorite photo locations. Not only are there plenty of subjects, bison, birds, landscapes, but maybe most importantly, it's nearly geek free. Often you can roam for hours without seeing another soul. One spring day while I was slowly driving the back roads adjoining the prairie (which can be equally productive), I spotted a Brown Thrasher fly from a lone bush on the fence line. Since it was nesting season, I stopped for a closer look. Sure enough, three tiny heads popped up to see where mama went. It was a great photo opportunity. I could pull off the road, remain in the old pickup so as not to disturb the nest, and wait for the adult to return for a feeding shot. It was only after the telephoto was in place, fill flash ready, and settings checked, that a potential problem arose: some cattle had begun walking my way. Not just one or two cows mind you but a whole damn herd. For you city folks, cows aren't the brightest creatures on the planet. They view any pickup as a source for food and even though they could plainly see that mine was a photographer's pickup and not a feed truck, they continued to descend upon the scene until the bush and the nest were completely surrounded by bovines where they stared at me, as only cows can do. Yep, I'd been cow geeked!

Now Yellowstone National Park is a natural paradise to be sure, but one would think there would be better provisions for one who must answer a call to nature when the urge strikes. It was in just such a predicament that I found myself one frosty morning when the aforementioned urge hit with a vengeance and the park map showed the nearest facilities to be over twenty miles away. It might as well have been a hundred. I always keep the old pickup stocked with emergency supplies so that wasn't a problem, finding a private location was. Park visitors streamed up and down the roads like ants to a picnic. Panic Level 5 had set in when at last a small side road appeared. Using a technique known as "the quickstep", I made my way to a semi-hidden spot. It would have to do. It was about this time that a vehicle slowly made its way down my road. It was occupied by a couple I'll call Earl and Maude. Deep in my heart and to my horror, I know for an absolute fact, that this conversation took place.

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Warren Williams has been doing photography for over 25 years focusing mainly on Nature and wildlife. His work has been published in several magazines, including Outdoor Photographer, Outdoor Oklahoma, Oklahoma Today, and Persimmon Hill (the magazine of the Cowboy Hall of Fame). Several of his photos have also appeared on calendars by Smith-Southwestern. Warren is an active member on Photo Migrations and would also invite you to visit his website located at: Warren Williams Photography - Images of Wildlife and Nature.