Animal Kingdom (invite only): Enlightenment Through Photography / Discuss

kaleidoscope    says:

Finiky is one of the most inspiring photographers in the wildlife arena on all of Flickr. She is also kind, witty and protective of the beautiful creatures she encounters. Their welfare and free enjoyment of their habitat is always uppermost in her mind and if you browse through her sets, you will find dozens of examples of her respect for their well-being. Enjoy!!
Finiky ~ Enjoy the Journey



1. How long have you been involved with photography and
what does it mean to you?

I dabbled in photography in high school, even had a shot from a local basketball game make the front page of our small local newspaper. I then grew away from it and with a keen eye on digital cameras wondered if they would ever reach a high enough ‘quality’. They did and through a suggestion of a friend, I resumed photography. As I say next to my cat, I love my Nikon most. Now I try to use my lens to educate about the nature around us. In a suburban area, where people are always busy, busy, busy, they rush by and may not see the duck or Great Blue Heron or Osprey.



2. What, or possibly who, inspires you most?

When I resumed photography I thought perhaps I would become a ‘street’ candid type – in the moment - photographer and began visiting a local pond to practice and re-learn taking photos with my DSLR camera. :-D Well, we know what happened, don’t we. I found I had a passion for nature and or conservation. Thanks to Ernie the Duck. I love being outdoors, with my gear, watching and learning from wildlife. I love being able, even more, to be lucky enough to capture a photo from time to time that shows a magic moment.



3. Your photo stream at Flickr is one of the best there and
we wonder if you have a favorite photograph, one you feel
describes what you do best?

Well, I don’t know about being one of the best streams on Flickr, but yes, I do have favorites for different reasons. One photo I might like due to the subject matter and another that shows technical skill.

I Don't Care How Mom Does It www.flickr.com/photos/kim/508595786/in/set-72157600279961... and more recently, Speed Racer www.flickr.com/photos/kim/2253949174/ Plus, a couple that I’ve never published.





4. Is there one thing you would like to capture, but
haven't?

Hmmmm, I want to capture most things I see. :-) Since I love nature and waterfowl, there are a few specific ducks I would love to capture. I would really love to capture a raptor capturing its prey (aside from my Osprey catching fish shot), elephants in Africa, bears in Alaska.



5. Your best photographs. Luck? Skill? Or a little of
both?

Both, and lots and lots of patience. :-) The great thing about photography is the ability to gain new and better skills with each shot. For me, at least, that is part of the process.

Ernie


6. Is there a story behind any of your photographs that you
would like to share?

How could I not share Ernie's story? :) For those needing background, he was a duck at a local pond near where I live. The first time I saw him - I loved him. I called him Ernie and the rest is history. He was extremely smart and clever. The local people loved him as well. His Flickr family loved him too. I have a book (Blurb) I am working on to mark the anniversary of his passing. (early May) We Love Ernie Club www.flickr.com/photos/kim/sets/1735811/



7. Have you ever thought of becoming a professional
photographer, one who takes on assignments or does
photography for a commercial purpose?

Sure I have. Since I have a full time job, breaking into the taking assignments and etc. is difficult for me. I am trying to find a place where I could showcase some of my nature and bird photos. But as I said, time is always an issue with me - as in not having enough time to do everything I want. :-) I do work closely with Ducks Unlimited to promote conservation via photos. Some of my waterfowl have been used for U.S. Government calendars and brochures.



8. If you could travel anywhere for photography, where
would it be? What would you hope to photograph?

There are places I want to go; Alaska, Africa, Scotland, Bears, Birds, Lions, Elephants, Sharks, Dingoes, Turtles, and green, brown, grassy, desert, sparse, treed, wind swept land.



9. I notice you occasionally share a day with friends who
share your passion of wildlife photography. Have these
friends changed anything about what you photograph?

Nothing has changed about what I photograph, when I am out with a friend. How I shoot might change depending on the circumstance. :-) Last fall out with Nikographer [Jon] www.flickr.com/photos/-jon-/ he was driving and I could photograph some birds from the passenger side and while sitting in the car. Also when scouting for Eagles or Osprey we look out for each other. Same when we met Rivadoc4 flickr.com/photos/80355852@N00 near the eastern shore. Also met tammyjq41 at the zoo recently www.flickr.com/photos/tammyjq41 I think much depends on one's shooting style too.



10. Can you tell us about yourself and list favorite books,
films, music, food, etc.?

Hum.....I've been thinking about this question for several days.
Books: Jane Eyre

Films: Contact, Braveheart. I am sure there are others, but I really am not a film person or go to the movies type of person. Last time I went to a theater was in 2003. I saw Seabiscuit. Before that it was in 1997 - Titanic. :-D

Music: anything. Pop, rock, country, alternative, heavy metal, classical. What I listen to largely depends on my mood or what may pop up from my iTunes play list.

Food: homemade mashed potatoes, peach cobbler, tomatoes off the vine, coffee and coke :-)




11. What equipment do you use and do you have any advice to
share with others just starting a photography hobby?

Better equipment means that it might be easier to get a nice shot while the person behind the camera - with the "eye" - is mostly responsible for making a great photo.

Point and shoot cameras can produce great photos, where most people get frustrated is with shutter lag and sometimes low light settings. Testing the DSLR world, I would recommend going to a local camera store and renting a camera and lens.

That way if you feel like you want to invest further then it’s a matter of deciding what camera and lens. If you really feel like you don't want to pursue the DSLR world, then returning the rental is cheaper than trying to offload a new camera :)

Start by photographing things you like and things you know. I think it helps to build confidence and makes the learning more enjoyable. Ask questions and I've learned so much by reading some of the forums here on Flickr.

Nikon D3
Nikon D200

Nikkor 300mm f2.8 D
Nikkor 80-200mm f2.8 D
Nikkor 200mm f4 (micro)
Nikkor 60mm f2.8(micro)
Nikkor 50mm f1.8
Nikon TC 20E II
tripod, monopod, backpack, rocket blower, extra batteries



Thank you, Kim, for sharing with us your beautiful images and a little bit about yourself. :)
Originally posted at 11:44AM, 16 February 2008 PDT ( permalink )
kaleidoscope edited this topic 3 months ago.