The Hunt

Simon moved slowly through the forest taking each step as carefully as possible. Each step was smooth and exaggerated in order to keep his noise to a minimum. Many years of practice seemed to pay off as several birds sang in the trees above his head completely unaware of his presence.

He considered himself experienced at his profession having travelled the world in search of new challenges. India had been his dream location and his target for today was very special to him. Its rarity meant that he kept the beast in high regard, and in his mind, close to his heart.

Continuing onwards through the dense plants he held his weapon of choice before him. Its small sight followed his eye as he swept the surrounding jungle. A crack of a plant in front caught his attention as he dropped into a crouch and waited for its source to appear. A few minutes passed as he waiting in anticipation. He kept his sight as steady as possible. He may only get one short opportunity to take the shot.

Nothing happened.

A few minutes more and he continued onwards. Insects buzzed past as they flew circles around his head, he waved a hand to clear the air but it made little difference. It was not long before he found the clue he so desperately needed. The recent footprint had be pressed into the wet mud almost perfectly. It was just another point on the track that simon had been following over the last five days. One more day was all he could afford. As he looked around for more clues he began to notice the lack of sound. The birds were silent in the trees above causing Simon's mind to race with excitement. It was close. He could feel it in every bone in his body. He moved forwards through the bushes ahead gently pushing the branches aside to keep as stealthy as possible.

Beyond the bushes was a small clearing surrounded by tall trees. The bright afternoon sunlight cast moving shadows onto a leafy ground from the branches and leaves high above.

Allowing his eyes to slowly search the clearing he finally found what he was searching for. The tiger lay calmly in the shade as its smooth fur looked immaculate despite the dirty forest floor. To Simon the whole image was perfect. King of the forest surveyed the clearing as its ears twitched to rid them of flies.

Simon allowed himself a few moments to savour his glory before placing the sight over his target. 'Perfect' he allowed himself to whisper before taking the shot.

Click.

The tiger moved quickly as it stood up and moved out of the shot in one fluid feline movement. The king heard the click and moved fast into the bushes. 'Shit' Simon cursed his misfortune out loud. In an instant his subject was gone.

Allowing the camera to drop to his side, Simon sat down heavily into the dirt. He looked up into the sky and made out the early warnings of sunset in the red sky.

His only opportunity was gone. There was no time for another picture before heading back to the publisher. On his way back he could find any number of pictures that the world would enjoy but somehow they would all lack something that few could experience. With the excitement of his experience and the heavy heart of a photographer Simon began his long journey home.