"Backlit Chicks" -- This was one of my first digital captures. I was
actually shooting other nesting birds when I noticed these feeding
egrets behind me, mostly backlit but with deep shade further behind them. I got exactly two shots off before the light changed. I used my first digital SLR, a Nikon D70, with my then-new Nikon 80-400mm VR zoom lens, shooting in RAW format, to take the shot.
1. Polly Want Some Bokeh?, 2. Captive, 3. Small Fall Fall, 4. A Small Feast, 5. Yosemite Falls by Moonlight, 6. Snowy Egret, 7. Lone Sentinel at Sunset, 8. Past
Perfect, 9. Fields of Green, 10. Pink Water Lilly on Black Water, 11. Raven Cliff Trail Falls, 12. Channel-Billed Toucan
"A Mixed Bag" -- I hope this isn't too much of a cop out, but I'm
terrible at picking favorites so I'm cheating here. This image is a
collage of images I posted last New Years' Eve and represents some of my favorites posted on Flickr during the previous year. The links belowthe collage will let you view the originals in you want to see them larger.
And then it was question time
1: How long have you been involved in photography?
I've been a weekend hobbyist for about 18 years, with some long gaps in there when I wasn't very active. After a somewhat difficult and traumatic(!) transition to digital, I've found that the new technologyhas actually reinvigorated my interest in photography.
2: Equipment you use?
I have always used Nikon equipment. I currently shoot with a Nikon D300 body and I have a half-dozen or so Nikon lenses, including a 12-24mm wide angle zoom, a 24-70 f2.8 zoom, an 80-200 f2.8 zoom (my all-time favorite lens), an 80-400 VR zoom and a 105mm macro. I also ALWAYS use a tripod, which many consider a hindrance, but it grounds me, helps me compose better and definitely helps me produce sharper images. Oh, and I've never seen a new camera-carrying system that I didn't have to try - vests, shoulder bags, fanny packs, rolling bags, back packs, utility belts -- you name it, I've tried it! I'm beginning to think that a personal Sherpa is the only solution.
3: Mac or PC?
PC for sure, but I use an Apple Cinema Display monitor so I guess I have a foot in both worlds.
4: What inspires you?
The natural world. And some unnatural things as well. Wait, that doesn't sound quite right. I think I'll stick with "the natural world." Final answer.
5: Preferred subject matter?
Nature, especially landscapes and wildlife. Lately I've rekindled an interest in macro work. I also enjoy photographing historical and abandoned structures. The only thing I don't really like to shoot is people. I admire good documentary and people photographers and enjoy seeing their work, but I learned early on that I have no talent for that. I've twice temporarily lost my sanity and shot weddings for friends, but I now understand there is medication for that so hopefully it won't ever happen again!
6: Name one thing you haven't caught with the camera that you REALLY want to capture.
I have a "life list" of places and things I want to photograph but I'm confident I will never be able to do them all. High on that list right now are the Galapagos Islands, the Svalbard Archipelago and the landscapes of Tuscany.
7: When in doubt about your art, who do you confide in?
I NEVER end up with a photograph that I am completely satisfied with and I ALWAYS have doubts about my photography. For me, photography is very personal and I tend to be my own harshest critic. I do, however, get plenty of inspiration from others (especially here on Flickr) and I always appreciate constructive feedback. One thing I've learned over the years, though, is that if you shoot to please others you will do yourself a real disservice (unless, of course, someone is paying you for your services, in which case it is your job to please others!).
8: Qualifications/training in anything? ie: Photoshop
I have taken a few photography classes or one-day seminars over the years, but consider myself largely self taught. I use Lightroom and Photoshop, but consider myself a real novice at both. Someday I'm going to learn how to use them more proficiently, but for now I'd rather spend more time taking pictures and less time in front of a computer screen.
9: Plans for the future?
I enjoy traveling and searching out great photographic
opportunities.
10: In one word, describe your photography.
Striving. As in always striving to be a better photographer.
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