What makes a Good Photography Subject?

One of my little Zebra finches

I had to think about this when I was asked the question the other day. I guess the answer is that a good subject is whatever you are interested in.

I'm interested in living beings, not just interested; fascinated.

For instance,

I can watch birds for hours, not just for their behaviour, but also as an artist, I'm looking at the way light plays on the feathers, and contrasts in the background, I'm looking at the way a bird perches, the way he tilts his head, whether the light is catching his eye, what is behind the bird and what is in front of him.

That to me is a good photography subject. I'm also waiting for that indefinable moment, to catch him doing something a little...unexpected.

Well that was unexpected!

Preening time.

I'm grateful to my parents for instilling a love of nature, for getting me to notice the things that others may not. I hope that in capturing these moments, in trying to capture the sheer beauty of my subjects, whatever they may be, I can encourage future generations to notice and to love other living beings, whoever they may be.