Photographers Interviewed

You are a natural with nature and a camera...What equipment do you carry on your lens hunting?

Being "natural with nature" takes a lot of practice and observation. Going into the domain of a forest requires much thought and consideration. I always try to remember that I am the intruder. Every step that one makes across a forests ferny floor has an impact on the plants that one steps on. This might seem extreme but it is easy to crush some small tiny flower hidden in the soft moss underfoot.

I always try to plan ahead. I decide what I am going to photograph and try to envision the subject as I would like to see it portrayed. This is where I usually decide on what I feel is the best time of day, for example morning, mid-day or late afternoon. Is it overcast or raining or sunny? In the forest light levels can be affected very quickly with cloud movement or rain or snow. So it is very important to have a good knowledge of the area and its weather.

I almost exclusively work with velvia 50. I think the greens and yellows are particularly well saturated given the right exposure time. This I feel helps to bring out the rich wet greens of a variety of moss and plant life.

As far as lenses I like the 24-35mm nikkors their sharpness at f/22 I think is outstanding. I also carry along a bogen tripod and cable release. This is indispensable in obtaining sharp images. The Nikon F5 is my camera of choice. It is rugged and very reliable

Filters I feel are another important accessory. I always have a warming filter usually a 81A this helps in reducing the blue light that is always present, especially in the morning, in deep canopy. I also have a circular polarizer. This does a very good job of reducing foliage glare and increasing saturation. Although it is not always possible to use it, much depends on the available light.

I always photograph using natural light. Although flash has its place in photography, I feel it adds an unnatural look to the finished image

Oh ,my , Thoreau of the camera! What a delightful and refreshing answer or rather statement of your attitude towards nature...reminds me of what Dr.Albert Switzer might say...He even apologized to the very bacteria he had to kill in order to save his patients...(Pete, Your compassion and insightfulness are captured by your photos...Do you have a favorite or meaningful scene that you have already photographed ,if so, why?

Considering we humans are not alone on this planet, although some would have us believe otherwise, to me it is important to do my best to bring these unheard voices to the awareness of those of us who would try to reject their existence. These unheard voices can take the shape of a simple blade of grass reflected in a stream that suffers from continuous sludge run off from farms or tree stumps that are the only lingering testimony to what once existed before mans careless intrusion with nature.

Many photographers choose people as their subjects; suffering children, homeless persons or war torn countries all of which are very notable causes. The power of an image can move or cause people or governments to act or rethink policies. What people see necessitates no translation of language. I do my utmost to translate into film what I feel and see about parallel issues in nature.

Much of what I photograph has meaning to me. It may or may not have that effect on others who choose to view my work. As far as favorites I don't have any of my own, but there are some that continue to remind and make me aware of what human beings are capable of. In particular, the photograph of "Whisper", a little white pony of no distinct consequence in the equine world. Her story is something else. Found abandoned and terrified running up the freeway with her tiny foal, that later died from injuries, she was doomed for the slaughter house. Thankfully she came to reside here where she has been for many years. Suffering from a deep puncture wound her chances for survival where not very good. But with a lot of tender loving care and vet bills she has made it into her late twenties, the vet's estimate of age. This little pony is a joy to be around. She adores children and adults of all ages. She often comes by me and my big Golden retriever and just stands and nuzzles both him and me. Considering what she has come through in her inconsequential life makes me often wonder about man and how he treats his own kind

Ah Pete, How I enjoy reading and absorbing your answers! What advice would you give a novice just starting out to become a photographer?

Ask questions. Question your motifs for being attracted to photography. Do I just like taking snap shots of family or friends? What has inspired me to pick up a camera? Be honest with yourself. This I think helps to lay down the groundwork for what camera or lenses or additional gear one should start to think about.

Sometimes what starts as a casual odd roll of film can quickly develop into a full blown desire to take photographs? As your passion grows then start to add to your equipment.

Join clubs. Get involved with people who enjoy this wonderful art. There are many avid amateur and wonderful professionals from all walks of life and cultures who are both eager to share and help you along in your quest for better picture taking. A good example is the Pixiport community. Here you will find wealth of talent and expertise that is unsurpassed anywhere.

Always be considerate of the subjects you photograph. Young animals and birds can become very stressed by the doggedness of an uncaring photographer. Getting that image at any cost is not the way to photograph. Know your subject before attempting to capture it on film. Observation and knowledge of what you are going to photograph can make the difference between a snapshot and a classic awe inspiring image.

Keep our forests and streams and shores clean. I have lost count of the times I have came across discarded plastic film capsules or someone's lunch wrappers left strewn where they have ate. It is not such a difficult chore to take your garbage and dispose of it properly.

Be safe and exercise common sense especially in areas where the climate can change rapidly or where there are dangerous and unpredictable conditions afoot. Above all else enjoy the world of photography. As your skill improves be mindful of those who once like you are struggling to become better photographers. Be wiling to help and share your knowledge with others.

This is certainly a completed answer.Pete...Any beginner would do well to read and digest your vews! Is there anytime you have felt completely fulfill or satisfied emotionally and/or spiritually with the photo you have just taken ? ( off the cuff...have you ever felt guided to a scene or subject?)

It is often very difficult to see a sunrise or a sunset taking place before your eyes and not be moved. Sometimes I will come across young cotton tails bouncing around in the early morning light or a fawn struggling with its first steps. Such wonders of nature are for me what life is all about a perpetual cycle of renewal.

I have to admit I have never felt completely satisfied with any image I have produced. There is always room for improvement. There have been times when I have wandered through the forest just looking and taking in all its different inhabitants. Smelling the pungent pine sap and enjoying the very calm peaceful quiet.

On one occasion I followed a little stream for a long ways into the forest, I did not know where I would end up but strangely the end was very rewarding. Some miles along this little stream, deep within the forest I came across a waterfall that split in two. Neither charted nor by the looks of things not known too many it was the perfect retreat. The emerald green moss and the crystal clear water framed by small deciduous and towering pines it was a treasure.

After spending much of the day just resting and looking at this wonderful scene there was a definite sense of spiritual and emotional balance. The photographs I took that day I hoped would convey the serene beauty of this forest treasure.