Interviews

Based in the state of Pennsylvania, fine art photographer Tami Quigley has a talent for capturing the essence of a diverse array of subjects. Tami incorporates her skillful observations, creative writing, and love of music into all of her wonderful pieces. With a fresh approach and connection to her surroundings, the perfect formula is provided for Tami’s stunning works. Tami has an appreciation for simplicity, savors it, and successfully conveys this to her viewers with the love of her craft.

Tami, thank you so much for sharing your thoughts and experiences with us and thank you so much for all of your thoughtful responses. You are a talented artist and someone whose work is definitely worth following. I hope to see more wonderful things from you in the future!

If you would like to learn more about Tami or if you are interested in purchasing her one of kind pieces, please visit her website. You can also follow her on Twitter and Instagram.

Can you please tell the readers a bit about yourself?

I love capturing the beauty and whimsy in nature – there’s beauty all around us, we just have to look for it in the simplest things. What I try to capture are images that mirror the magic of ordinary days in nature, wildlife, and landscape photography. I also love shooting street photography, often depicting it in an artistic way with a cool mood, as well as paintography, taking an image and interpreting it in a more artistic way. I enjoy designing creative still life images, such as when a few months ago I photographed an electric votive candle nestled in a fresh December snowfall in the yard one evening, titling it “One Little Candle,” a hope-filled image especially in this age of COVID-19.

I’m a journalist/photojournalist by profession.

Where is home?

Allentown, Pennsylvania.

After browsing through your website, I see that you have built up an extensive collection of wonderful photography. When did you first become interested in photography and how long have you been involved with it?

My lifelong love of creative writing was joined by nature photography beginning in 2009, which grew out of walking the trails and paths of eastern Pennsylvania. One day I thought why am I not capturing this beauty in photos?

That segued into making videos of the seasons, their beauty showcased in my original photos set to music by artists including Bobby Darin and Ella Fitzgerald. I began a blog, “Trailscapes,” to post the videos, and eventually launched a YouTube channel on which to post them as well. I also post my photos on my blog. Subsequently, I began posting them for purchase on Fine Art America/Pixels and promote them on Twitter and Instagram.

My photos focus on nature, landscape, wildlife, street photography, and some candids. In many cases, I am partial to black and white, monochrome, sepia, and selective color, especially because I believe they help create a certain mood in the image, often nostalgic especially with sepia.

My favorite photo captures include sweet white-tailed deer, beautiful landscapes, and some cool street photography. Photos are taken in Pennsylvania, nearby northwestern New Jersey and New York City, and the Lowcountry of Beaufort County, South Carolina.

Are you formally taught or self-taught?

Self-taught. I took two basic classes, but I’m a firm believer in learning by doing.

How did you develop your photographic style?

It’s evolved over time, incorporating some more creative processing to achieve a certain look – often artistic – or mood.

What do you hope viewers take away from your images?

I hope they come away with an appreciation of the beauty that surrounds us in our world, with a touch of inspiration and hopefully a smile!

Who or what inspires you in your personal life and work?

I’m inspired by God’s beautiful creation and love capturing that splendor in my images. I’m inspired when I’m lucky enough to get an up-close glimpse into the world of our precious wildlife, such as a fawn nuzzling its mama doe or even nursing! (as in Nurturing Nature). The coolness of street photography is an inspiration, capturing the essence of a place and presenting it in an artistic way.

I always post my photos with some type of quote, which could be from Scripture in the Bible, such as “The flowers appear on the earth; the time of the singing of birds is come, and the voice of the turtle is heard in our land” from the Song of Solomon. There are many times, such as on a trail on a beautiful summer (my most favorite of seasons!) day that I think of Psalm 46:10, “Be still, and know that I am God.”

Other inspirations are favorite quotes from writers such as Jack Kerouac (“I saw that my life was a vast glowing page and I could do anything I wanted”) and Kahlil Gibran (“Kindness is like snow. It beautifies everything it covers”), as I’m a big fan of both. I love singing and music, and frequently incorporate song titles or lyrics into the titles and descriptions of my photos if I believe the image in sync with the song. My favorite is without a doubt, Elvis Presley, thank you, thank you very much! I’ve tapped into Elvis’ lyrics many times, including from my favorite Gospel hymn, “Somebody Bigger Than You And I” as well as other favorites like “I’ll Remember You,” “Forget Me Never” and “Blue Suede Shoes.”

The quotes and lyrics can sometimes be a springboard to an image … I’ll think of them and keep an eye out for a scene to shoot that would illustrate those words.

I try to link the beauty of photography, writing, and often music together in my photos, hopefully weaving together a tapestry of these beautiful arts in an image.

What drives you to create; does it satisfy a need or passion?

I’ve always been creative, beginning with writing in childhood. That now includes creating an image that I hope others will like as much as I do.

Which is your favorite image? Could you explain the background story behind it?

It’s very difficult for me to choose one favorite! But I can say I especially love the white-tailed deer. There is a doe in a local park that I began photographing in 2012, and just by talking to her while I was photographing built up a sense of trust – I believe animals may not know what our words mean, but they know the tone of kindness. This led to her trusting me to photograph her fawns as well for the next several years, often while giving them apples which they very much enjoy! She and a few of her fawns over the years would walk right up to me and patiently stand there waiting for an apple or run over to me through the field. To have a wild animal actually recognize and trust you is an amazing experience, one I never thought I’d have. Sadly, I haven’t seen her in two years, I’m sure she has passed. But I still am blessed to photograph the deer in her family line, such as in “Cute As A Button,” which I shot of a button buck who is the offspring of one of her fawns. In that photo, he’s eyeing an apple in the snow which he then quickly ate!

Do you have any tips for aspiring photographers?

Enjoy the journey that photography takes you on … you’ll find your niche, whether it be in nature, a busy city sidewalk, creative photography … wherever you feel your imagination, interest, and camera “click” together in the best way. You may see sights you pass all the time in a new light, as I have, especially with covered bridges – we’re blessed to have seven historic beauties in this area, and since I’ve been photographing they have become one of my favorite subjects. And remember the words of my photographic hero Ansel Adams, “You don’t take a photograph, you make it.” So make it your own, and make the journey your own … enjoy it!

Where do you currently display your photography? How can people purchase one or more of your pieces?

My work is available on Pixels/Fine Art America as prints, gifts, and décor.

It’s also promoted on Twitter, Instagram, my blog Trailscapes and YouTube channel.

What photographic gear do you currently use?

Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX400V.

What is your favorite photography accessory?

A lens cleaner wipe is always in my bag, especially for rainy or snowy days!

What piece of equipment would you most like to get but don’t have yet?

In the future, I’d like to convert my older camera into Infrared. I’d also like to explore learning film photography.

Do you use Photoshop, Lightroom, or any other software programs for post-processing your images?

Yes, especially to process an image in a more artistic way in addition to the basics like contrast and color.

Was there a point in your journey when you started to feel really good about your work? If so, what did it feel like to get past that “tipping point?”

It was a good feeling when I felt my images were good enough on their own to tinker with in a more artistic way, the first of these I think was “Sunset Glint In The Mist.” However, I really have a special place in my heart for some of my earliest images, such as some of the white-tailed deer which may not have been as good quality but the experience was priceless!

Do you have any projects that make you look back and shake your head? What made the experience so unpleasant?

I think some of my earliest videos of the seasons … I wouldn’t say the experience was unpleasant, but my images got better over time, as they would for every photographer as he or she learns more and gains experience. But there were one or two of those early videos where I used some color effects/transitions that make me think oh what was I thinking! But it’s all part of the learning process.

What do you think the future holds for you? Where do you see yourself in the next few years?

Still shooting, learning more, and moving forward on this wonderful creative journey that is photography, one click at a time.

With a skillful eye, award-winning wildlife and nature photographer Lori A. Cash, has pursued her passion for capturing an array of stunning images of wildlife and nature. Lori can be found photographing a variety of subjects close to home in Virginia as well as through her travels. Through a variety of genres of photography, Lori hopes individuals will achieve a greater sense of appreciation and understanding of the natural world. As you browse through her photos below, I think you will agree, Lori excels at capturing the essence of a variety of subjects with her very own approach.

Lori, thank you so much for taking the time to share your vision of the beauty of the world through your words and photography and for allowing us to get to know a bit about you. You are a very talented photographer and someone whose work is definitely worth following. I wish you the best of luck with your future projects.

If you would like to learn more about Lori, please visit her website. You can also follow her on Instagram and Twitter.

Can you please tell the readers a bit about yourself?

I was born and raised in Memphis, Tennessee. I joined the U.S. Coast Guard at the age of 20 and spent the majority of my time stationed in Rockland, Maine where I began my journey into the world of photography. After my honorable discharge from the U.S. Coast Guard, I settled down in the Virginia/North Carolina area and received my bachelor’s of social work degree. However, photography has been my first love. Even as a child, I was always taking family pictures, and to this day I continue to take a lot of family pictures in addition to my wildlife, nature, and vineyard photography.

Where do you call home?

Currently, I am living in Norfolk, Virginia.

After browsing through your website, I see that you’re truly immersed in the field of photography. What is it that led you towards photography and how long have you been working in it?

While I was stationed in Maine around 1990, I was inspired by the beautiful landscapes of the state, which lead me to purchase my first 35mm SLR camera, a Pentax K1000. I began photographing the landscapes of Maine for the first couple of years before eventually being honorably discharged and relocating to Virginia. I took a wildlife photography course at a local community college in Virginia. This was my introduction to wildlife photography. In addition, this course involved several field trips to Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge on the Eastern Shore of Virginia to photograph the wildlife. I fell in love with the animals and photographing wildlife. From this point on, in the early 1990’s, I started focusing on just wildlife photography. After moving to North Carolina and living near the Outer Banks, I was able to develop and hone my wildlife photography skills and also develop a special love for bird photography. In the late 1990’s, my focus in photography was on wildlife, especially bird photography, with some occasional landscape photography. However, in 2020, right before COVID, I began experimenting with vineyard photography which grew out of my love for Virginia Wine Country and wine. From this, I started dabbling with creating digital art images and wine art images. Also, later in 2020, I began focusing on expanding my portfolio even more with adding some macro photography, especially focusing on flowers. I believe my 30 years of photography experience and my love for photography in general has given me the abilities to diversify into many genres of photography.

What type of shoots do you look forward to?

I always get really excited when I see a bird such as a waterbird, like a duck, snow goose, pelican, shorebird, etc., which is why I do really enjoy going to the beach for sunrise. It allows me to take some sunrise images and photograph the birds on the beach or in the air as well. This would be a happy place for me. In 2020, I spent a lot of time photographing the American Bullfrogs at Norfolk Botanical Garden in Norfolk, Virginia. These little frogs have really gotten me excited to go to the pond areas of the botanical garden in search of the frogs to photograph. Plus, the botanical garden is only a couple of miles from my home, so it has made the photo outings to the botanical garden very simple and easy, especially with all the COVID travel restrictions. I really believe that I may have captured some of my best wildlife images with these American bullfrogs. I love to be outdoors and in nature, so I have been spending most of my time visiting the local parks, nature reserves, wildlife refuges, and beaches just photographing nature and what I may find that inspires me that particular day.

When shooting subjects, what do you find most challenging?

The cold weather is my most challenging part of photography. I love to photograph an awesome snow goose blast off, but it is usually in pretty cold temperatures. I really do not like the cold weather even though I love to photograph nature or wildlife that loves cold weather.

What would you say your most remarkable wildlife encounter has been?

I would say that would have been over several trips to Big Meadows in the Shenandoah National Park in Virginia. Big Meadows is known for the deer being very receptable to being photographed in the meadow field across from the Big Meadows lodge. I have spent a bit of time there photographing the deer, and one summer I was able to witness and capture the beauty of a white-tailed deer and her fawn interacting with one another. It was just a remarkable encounter to be out in nature and witness the beauty of this animal.

How did you develop your photographic style?

While living on the Outer Banks of North Carolina in the early 2000’s, I began to develop my style for bird and wildlife photography by following Arthur Morris, a world-renowned bird photographer and writer, with Birds As Art. I read his books, studied his images, read his blog, purchased his photo guides, and eventually took an IPT (Instructional Photo Tour) led by Artie. The IPT was a fantastic experience, and I have learned so much about photography from Artie’s teaching in that workshop and in his other publications. I developed my style of blurred backgrounds and shooting shorebirds and other birds from the ground level based on my learnings from Arthur Morris. He has not only had a tremendous influence on me as a bird photographer but as a photographer in general.

In the early 2000’s I began entering wildlife photo contests especially ones like Wildlife in North Carolina Photo Competition. I had three of my images place 1st and 2nd in these photo contests a couple years in a row in 2006 and 2007, and that brought a lot of local attention to my photography which led to numerous images of mine being published in local publications. This success gave me a lot of confidence and spurred me to having numerous images being published including cover photos for local Chamber of Commerce guides, other local guides, newspapers and even magazines. These publications helped me to realize that my photography is worthy of publications and that I was on the right track with my style of photography with my wildlife and bird photography.

As for my photographic style with my other areas of photography such as my wine art, vineyard photography, and macro photography, as with my bird and wildlife photography, I just continue to try to keep my backgrounds clean with sharp images. In the past year as I have delved into capturing up close or macro images of flowers, I have started following Mike Moats, an award-winning macro photographer. I learned a lot from him in the same way I learned from Artie, by studying his images, reading publications and his books, and even joining his Macro Photo Club where I have watched a lot of his videos on techniques and equipment.

I really like to share the information that I have learned from my photography experiences just as both Arthur Morris and Mike Moats have. I hope to inspire young and beginning photographers in their journey in photography.

Who is the most inspirational photographer in your life?

Art Morris has not only had a tremendous influence on me as a bird photographer but as a photographer in general. I continue to follow Artie and his photography. Even this past year, he gave me a wonderful compliment on one of my American bullfrog images posted on a Facebook group in which he had commented about my image by saying, “Killer background and frog—love that water”. This comment meant so much to me as Artie has been a very inspirational photographer in my journey in photography. To me, his compliment of my frog image was like winning a photo competition or even the lottery.

How do you keep your photography fresh and how do you stay motivated to keep on learning?

I had to take a little break from photography for a few years in the late 2000’s, which also involved my not having a presence online for a few years due to a medical condition, although I did continue to take some bird and wildlife pictures and a lot of family pictures as well during this time. Then at the beginning of 2020, while visiting a vineyard in Virginia Wine Country, I became very interested in wanting to photograph the beauty of the vineyards, and this began my journey back into photography full-time. I have always loved to be creative which is why I love creating photographs. I have always in the past with my wildlife and bird photography tried to stay very true to the image that I captured in the field. However, in 2020, I began experimenting with creating digital art images out of some of my older images by using a filter effect while reprocessing these images. Thus, began for me a whole new love for doing digital art images and my wine art images, which are just photos that I have taken of wine glasses, etc., and then added filters in post processing to create a wine art image. I even created a Zazzle storefront and Fine Art America portfolio this past year to sell my wine art images as well as my nature and wildlife photography.

In my journey this past year with my photography, I have finally joined the social media channels which have kept things really fresh, motivating, and even inspiring to me.

I have always been an internet learner and love to read and keep up to date with photography online. Having my blog on my website also helps to keep me motivated in wanting to share my photography experiences with others and even in learning about all the new advances in technology with photography.

What has been the best source of information along your photography journey (workshop, online forums, classroom, mentor, etc)?

I will have to say that my internet learning, especially from Arthur Morris and Mike Moats, has been the best source of information for me about photography. I have tried the online forums in the past, but they just did not work for me. However, I really like social media and the sharing of information there with regard to images. Social media can be a really good source of information. In fact, this past year, I also created a private Facebook group for local wildlife and nature photographers that live and/or photograph in the Hampton Roads area of Virginia. This group is called Hampton Roads Nature Photography Group and is a place where I share photography-related information which makes me keep up with what is going on locally and/or nationally with photography. In addition, when members post images, I learn from their techniques and perspectives.

As I have mentioned before, I have done the classroom photography experience with numerous photography college courses which I found to be very helpful to me when I was new to photography and learning about photography. However, I do think the best learning experience comes from learning from other photographers whether it is through their social media channels, workshops, blogs, and publications.

Recently, I have been enjoying following and reading articles by conservationist, writer, and wildlife photographer, Melissa Groo and Alyce Bender, a nature photographer. It has been good to see some women rise to the top of the wildlife and nature photography realm. Their writings and photography are very inspiring to me.

What do you hope viewers take away from your images?

The first thing I hope viewers will take away from my nature and wildlife images is that they will gain a greater sense of appreciation for the natural world. I hope others will see my love for photography whether it is birds, wildlife, seascapes, landscapes, vineyards, macro, wine art or even digital art. I love to capture the tranquility of nature and wildlife and also be creative in my photography with sharing my love for wine and digital art photography.

Do you have any words of advice or encouragement for someone starting out with or wanting to improve their wildlife photography?

My first piece of advice is to learn everything you can about the style of photography you are most interested in and find a photographer or photographers whose style of photography you like and learn from them. With social media these days, it is easy to follow photographers and learn from them online. Also, practice and practice and practice taking pictures in the field whether it is at a local park or your backyard. Getting this experience of taking pictures will help you look at everything in the world from a photographer’s eye or perspective. One last piece of advice that I have learned through my journey in photography is that you do not need all the best and most expensive camera equipment to be successful and to take great photos. The great photos come within one self’s ability and vision and not the camera equipment.

What type of camera(s) do you shoot with? What is your favorite lens?

Currently, I am shooting with a Canon EOS 6D Mark II DSLR camera and a Canon EOS M50 mirrorless camera. In the past, I have had a Canon EOS 1D and a Canon 500mm lens that I used a lot for my bird and wildlife photography. However, I really enjoy photographing with my Canon 6D Mark II and my Canon EOS M50 mirrorless camera. Except for bird or wildlife photography, I always use the live view function on my cameras to take my photos of everything else, such as with my nature, vineyard and macro photography. I do have a range of lenses that I frequently use depending on the type of photography I am doing. As for my seascapes, landscapes, and vineyard images, I like to use a wide-angle lens such as my Canon 17-40mm f/4L USM Lens. However, I do find that I really enjoy using the Tamron 18-400m f/3.5-6.3 Di II VC HLD Lens for Canon EF and find that it has become a go-to lens for me with my M50 mirrorless camera. I even use this combination on my frog images and some wildlife and bird images as well.

What is in your camera bag?

In addition to my two camera bodies, the M50 and the Canon 6D Mark II, and the wide-angle lens, Canon 17-40mm f/4L, and telephoto lens, Tamron 18-400mm f/3.5-6.3, I also have a variety of other lenses that I currently use: Sigma 150-600mm f/5-6.3 DG OS HSM Contemporary Lens for Canon EF with Sigma 1.4 teleconverter, Canon 70-300mm f/4-5.6L IS USM Lens and the Tamron 70-300mm f/4-5.6 Di LD Macro lens For Canon EOS. In addition, to my cameras and lenses, I have the following other items in my camera bag: shutter releases for both of my cameras, an assortment of Sing Ray filters with Cokin P series holder and adapter ring, screw-in polarizer filters, bubble levels, Canon EF-M Lens Adapter Kit for Canon EF/EF-S Lenses, LED Light, 12-inch Translucent Diffuser and Gold/Silver Reflector, Creepstop Band, Walt Anderson Panning Ground Pod, and extra batteries and SD cards. Although it is not in my camera bag, I have a couple of tripods: Gitzo 1325 Tripod with BH-1 ball head and a gimbal head, Vanguard Alta Pro2+ 2634B100 with ball head ALTA BH-100 and even a Bogen Monopod 3249. I never leave home without a tripod when going out on a photo shoot.

What is your favorite photography accessory?

For my bird photography, it would have to be the Walt Anderson Panning Ground Pod, and for all my other types of photography that do not involve wildlife and birds, that would be my shutter releases.

How important is Photoshop or other image editing software in your final images?

I convert all my RAW images with Adobe Camera Raw (ACR) and will do some editing in Photoshop or Photoshop Elements. I often use Topaz DeNoise AI and Photomatix Essentials 4.2.2 software for when I bracket my sunrise/sunset images. The biggest part of my post-processing for my digital art and wine art images is using Smart Photo Editor and the various filters effects with that program.

Can you tell me about one of your favorite or most memorable photo shoots? What made it so great and why did you like it so much?

Back in July 2008 I visited Maine and took a tour of Machias Seal Island to photograph the Atlantic puffins. This was one extraordinary experience that I often think of. I relish the lovely memories of being in the blind shooting from various windows and of the non-stop picture taking for those couple of hours in the blind. There were puffins and razorbills everywhere you looked or anywhere you pointed your camera. The birds were right there sitting or standing on rocks, and then you had the incoming puffins and razorbills for photographing them in flight. It was just an awesome and fast-paced experience with a lot of action. On the boat ride back to Cutler, Maine we even saw harbor seals sitting on the rocks. It remains a special memory that I can still vividly envision every time I think of that day at Machias Seal Island.

Do you have any projects that make you look back and shake your head? What made the experience so unpleasant?

The only thing that I can think of was early on in my photography journey into digital photography. I was out of town on a photo shoot, when I had captured some wonderful reddish egret images. I was really excited about the potential of those images only to come to the realization that my memory card failed. As it was early on in my transition to digital photography, I had not yet learned about data recovery software. I lost all of those images from that day. It was a learning lesson in digital photography, but I still remember those images I took that day of the reddish egrets and shake my head as to what might have been.

Do you have any new projects coming up or plans to expand your portfolio?

I am continuing to expand my portfolio of vineyards, wine art, and macro photography. I plan to spend some time this year focusing on these areas of my photography as well as building up my catalogue of images of wildlife and birds. With my blog, I have been sharing the articles that I have written about photography, and I am hoping to expand my article writing to hopefully include publications with some photography and/or wildlife magazines which will be a focus of mine this year as well.

What do you think the future holds for you? Where do you see yourself in the next few years?

I am hoping to continue to share my photography journey with others through my website, social media, and blog. I am hoping that I will be able to be successful in getting some of my photography articles published in some local and major photography and/or wildlife magazines. I will continue to share my photography journey on my blog and to share the knowledge that I have learned over all these 30 plus years that I have been photographing.

With an interest in photography from an early age, award-winning documentary and fine art photographer Antonio Busiello’s visual imagery focuses on capturing the relationship between humanity and the natural world. Antonio has traveled to all corners of the globe and through his travels, he has perfected the art of storytelling with his multi-dimensional approach to his craft. Through a connection to his surroundings, Antonio’s work is truly a direct extension of himself.

Antonio, thank you so much for sharing all of your thoughtful responses with us. I thoroughly enjoy the experience of viewing your work and I can’t wait to see more exceptional work from you in the future.

If you’d like to learn more about Antonio, please visit his website. You can also follow him on Instagram.

Can you please tell our readers a bit about yourself?

I am a photographer whose work mainly focuses on the relationship between man and the natural world that surrounds him. I was born in Italy and I studied anthropology at the University of Naples, where I developed a deep interest in mankind and its cultural differences. Soon after, I started traveling the world, combining and converging my studies in anthropology and my passion for nature into my photography projects. I lived in Central America for many years before moving to California then London and now in the Caribbean where I am starting a new project that involves photography workshops and environmental awareness.

Where do you call home?

I have been traveling and living in so many places in the last 25 years that it is hard for me to call home any of them. But at the same time, each and every place has left me significant meanings, and taught me so much that I feel comfortable and kind of at home in every new place I go.

How did you go about learning photography? Are you self-taught or formally taught?

Photography has always been my biggest passion. I remember the first time I held a camera in my hands, it was my father’s old Rolleiflex and I was just a little kid. I used to steal it to go take pictures of the sea or the Vesuvius Volcano. I was fascinated by the world reflected into the big top viewfinder, like a more soft and accessible reality where I could submerge myself quietly. Since that moment, my interest in photography has never dwindled. Instead, my camera has become my third eye and my filter to the world.

What is your favorite part of heading out to a new location?

The excitement about the new adventure, the research about the location. The pictures that I start to visualize in my mind and the challenge to realize them is part of the beauty that comes before the trip.

When shooting subjects, what do you find most challenging?

Everything underwater. Underwater photography is very difficult. Below, watercolors fade into a blue or green monotone color environment. The visibility is reduced and light conditions are hard. But at the same time, I love shooting underwater. When I pool out a great underwater photo the satisfaction has no comparison. Sharks in particular are among the most challenging subjects.

Who or what inspires you in your personal life and work?

Nature inspires me more than anything.

How do you stay motivated to continue photographing?

The motivation comes from the photographs themself. The pleasure and the joy to see a beautiful photo that I have shot myself that has the potential to communicate a message to the people that look at it, it is for me a great motivation to continue photographing.

What do you hope viewers take away from your images?

Emotions, curiosity, and understanding.

What advice could you offer someone who would like to change their lives and get into photography?

Photography knowledge, perseverance, curiosity, and patience. Photography is a difficult job, be technically prepared, and study your subject before shooting. Be patient, don’t rush in getting the shot, especially when you are photographing nature or people, and with a little bit of luck, you will take home great photos.

What type of camera(s) do you shoot with? What is your favorite lens?

I use Nikon equipment and Sea&Sea underwater equipment. I don’t have a favorite lens, it all depends on what I am shooting. But I have a lens that I use the most and it is the 24-70mm. Which is a very flexible lens.

What is in your camera bag?

Camera, lenses, flash, filters, batteries, a book, and a lot of spirit of adventure.

What is your favorite photography accessory?

Wireless triggering system. It makes me have total control over the flashes and the camera even from a distance.

What piece of equipment would you most like to get but don’t have yet?

10,0000 mm lens.

How important is Photoshop or other image editing software in your final images?

It is as important as the darkroom. I used it when I started photography years ago.

What do you think the future holds for you? Where do you see yourself in the next few years?

I see myself where I am right now, Roatan, a beautiful island in the Caribbean Sea. Here I am starting a new project about environmental awareness using photography workshops as a tool. I think that photography is a great tool for learning and growing. When you work on a project, you need to study your subject. In order to get realistic and honest true images of the reality you are photographing you need time to learn about it and feel part of it, that takes time and a lot of learning and that also makes you see things in different ways, helping you to grow both intellectually and socially. I have worked and traveled so much and learned so much thanks to photography that I think it is time for me to share all this and help people to have a more rich and fruitful approach to photography.

Inspiration and motivation from the natural world have laid the groundwork for Surrey Hill-based, award-winning, and published professional freelance photographer Jon Hawkins’ pursuit of capturing stunning images of a wide variety of subject matter. Jon’s work can be described as a true reflection of his appreciation for his surroundings. With a multifaceted approach, Jon carefully captures many aspects of his subjects through mindful observation. Jon’s body of work is quite diverse and his passion for photography speaks for itself.

Jon, thank you for allowing us to get to know a bit about you. You are a brilliant photographer and I believe you have found your calling in life and you undoubtedly enjoy what you do.

If you’d like to learn more about Jon, please visit his website. You can also follow him on Facebook.

After browsing through your website, I see that you have built up an extensive collection of wonderful photography. When did you first become interested in photography and how long have you been involved with it?

My dad bought me a “proper 35mm film camera ” for my 21st birthday (nearly 40 years ago!) so I was always snapping away at family weddings etc but never anything seriously… It wasn’t until around 2008 when I used to do some pest control with an air rifle, shooting pigeons for a local farmer. I would sit quietly in a wood fully camouflaged up and see lots of wonderful wildlife so I soon sold my rifle for a new DSLR.. so instead of shooting with a rifle, I started shooting with a camera, much more rewarding… I then became interested in all genres of photography from portraiture to macro… In 2010 I was offered voluntary redundancy from my job as an account manager for the Royal Mail so I took the plunge and became a professional photographer… I started with wedding photography and my lucky break came when one of the grooms asked if I did corporate work as he wanted lifestyle shots of a chain of retirement homes he was the MD for. Long story short this led to me taking on a contract for all 483 of their homes nationwide, this, two years of regular work, enabled me to invest in better kits and I’ve never looked back.

I’ve now ‘retired’ from wedding photography and now focus on portraits, dogs, horses, and corporate work such as headshots, products, and interiors. I donate most of my wildlife images to the Wildlife Trusts for use in their marketing, magazines, cards, and calendars.

Where is home?

Ash, Surrey, UK.

In regard to marketing, how much of your time do you dedicate to social media? Do you use any special programs or services?

I try to post on Facebook, my own page plus local groups once a day to keep my profile up and this is where a lot of my private commissions come from. I also use Instagram and occasionally Twitter.

What is your favorite part of being a photographer?

Meeting, visiting, and getting access to varied places and people I would never have dreamed of.

What is the most challenging part of being a photographer?

Trying to meet my own high expectations on every shoot I do… I never want anything to be just ok.

What type of session do you look forward to the most vs what type of session you most often do?

For paid jobs, dogs and horses are my favourite… I also quite like being left alone to do interior shots in a nice property…And wildlife is my passion, I love to spend time on my own in the middle of nowhere waiting for my quarry to show.

What has been your most memorable session and why?

Too many to mention .. most of them are close encounters with wildlife.

What drives you to create; does it satisfy a need or passion?

When I’m out and about I’m always composing images in my head.

What has been the biggest source of inspiration in your work?

The natural world is my biggest inspiration and trying to capture it in an image.

What is your favorite part of heading out to a new location?

The excitement of not knowing.

How do you keep yourself motivated and your photography fresh?

Every day I’m either running or walking in the woods…The different seasons, wildlife, and landscapes I come across always inspires and motivates me to take more photos.

What do you hope viewers take away from your images?

Enjoyment.

What is your best photography tip?

Keep pressing that shutter…take more, not less.

What type of camera(s) do you shoot with? What is your favorite lens?

Canon…1DX and 5Dmk4’s…lens for portraits 70-200mm and for Wildlife 100-400mm.

What is in your camera bag?

Two cameras, 16-35mm, 24-70mm, 70-200mm lenses, two flashes, batteries, CF cards, cleaning stuff, remotes, a squeaker (for dogs.)

What is your favorite photography accessory?

Photographer’s Ephemeris App, (tells you when and where the sun & and moon will rise and set at any location.)

What piece of equipment would you most like to get but don’t have yet?

A fisheye lens.

How important is Photoshop or other image editing software in your final images?

Very… I shoot in RAW and use Photoshop to lift shadows and boost colours.

Was there a point in your journey when you started to feel really good about your work? If so, what did it feel like to get past that ‘tipping point’?

Never have… I still have a bit of an “imposter syndrome.”

Do you have any projects that make you look back and shake your head? What made the experience so unpleasant?

Wedding photography… although all my clients were delighted with their photos, I never enjoyed it.

What do you think the future holds for you? Where do you see yourself in the next few years?

Who knows… hopefully I’ll be happy and healthy and still making a few bob from taking photos.

With sixty-plus years of experience under his belt, photographer Joe Anderson’s work can be expressed as nothing short of inspirational. Joe can be described as a citizen of the globe and enjoys capturing the many facets of beauty of the world during his many travels. Through his lens, Joe has the ability to capture and convey his enthusiasm for his subjects and their relationship to their environment. As you browse through his photographs below, I think you’ll agree that he’s quite an accomplished and skilled photographer.

Joe, thank you so much for sharing your experiences with us and thank you so much for all your thoughtful responses. It’s not every day we get a behind the scenes view of such an engaging and talented artist.

If you’d like to learn more about Joe, please visit his website. You can also follow him on Instagram.

Can you please tell the readers a bit about yourself?

Going into the Marine Corp right out of high school I worked my way up to becoming a KC 130 tanker refueler flight instructor. While in the service I attended The University of Southern CA and received a Master’s Degree in Electrical Engineering. After getting out of the service I decided to go for a degree in Mechanical Engineering and received my Masters from Cornell University.

I started my own manufacturing company “Essex Tool and Die Company Inc.” shortly after college and retired in 1997 from a very successful and enjoyable business life.

It was after retirement that my wife and I started traveling. We went to Sweden to meet my cousins and ended up buying a home and living there for ten years. We have traveled all over Europe, Iceland, and Canada just to mention a few places.

Returning to the States to enjoy our great-grandchildren we ended up in Eastern Tennessee. After four years there we got antsy to hit the road and see the States so we sold our home and bought a 40’ Tiffin Motorhome. We have been on the road for eight years now and enjoying every minute of it with no regrets.

My photography has been self-taught and as we travel I do one or two-day workshops, showing people how and where I obtained the images I have immensely enjoyed capturing.

As we have traveled all over the States, several times now, I am able to find new things to photograph even at the same places I have been at many times.

What we have been doing as we travel is volunteering for the US Fish and Wildlife Service on Refuges. It gives us the opportunity to get out and see things that the general public doesn’t see.

Where is home?

You could say that our home is where the motorhome stops for the night!

What type of camera(s) do you shoot with? What is your favorite lens?

I started taking photos early in 1955 using my parents’ 1930 Kodak 50th Anniversary Brownie 120 Film Box Camera. Developing all my own film “after it was dark outside in my parent’s kitchen” I knew then that I was hooked on photography. I went through several film cameras before switching to Canon’s DSLR when they came out. I have several Canon cameras and lenses but I would say my favorite is my Canon 1dx MK ii camera with a Canon 400mm 2.8 Version iii prime lens attached and coupled with a Canon 2x Version iii extender giving me 800mm of tack sharp images. On my Induro CT314 tripod is mounted a Feisol UA 180 Gimbal head. As well as the lens being attached to the Gimbal head I have a 7” Lilliput Monitor and a Rodeo Mike. At times I also attach a Canon 580 flash and Better Beamer to obtain a faster shutter speed.

What is in your camera bag?

My camera bag is plural, to say the least, I have several.

How important is Photoshop or other image editing software in your final images?

I am not a user of Photoshop, Lightroom, or any of the other software that most people are familiar with. Many years ago I bought a simple software for $19 called Smart Photo Editor and it is all I have ever used. I tell people in my workshops that the photo is in the camera and not the software. I would much rather spend my time in the field rather than hours behind the computer screen. For the most part, I spend less than two minutes on a single image, crop it if need be frame it, and sign it, done!

Do you have any favorite images? Could you explain the background stories behind them?

With well over a million photos taken it is hard to say what my favorites are. It is more so the memories that I have that are associated with the image. Seeing and helping a beginner to photography is most enjoyable.

The image above is a good example of being in the right place at the right time.

This Sandhill Crane was so close that I didn’t need to crop the image and caught him just as he picked up a piece of corn.

Another image I love was of this young owl that couldn’t even fly yet and looking very puzzled while waiting for its mother to return.

I enjoy this image because I love waterfalls. This one in particular because it is a great place to sit and relax for hours on end and just look and listen.

This photo was special because I was able to see this rare Florida Panther in the wild.

It was taken in the Florida Everglades. There are only about 110 in the wild.

It’s not very often that you will see a Crocodile in freshwater. It was taken in the Florida Everglades.

Do you have any projects that make you look back and shake your head? What made the experience so unpleasant?

The only unpleasant experience that I can recall having over the decades of pushing the shutter button was the time I was in the Sierra Mountains of California in the winter at 12,000 foot in the snow almost to my waist and falling having my Canon 180mm macro lens hit the ice-packed snow, jamming the threads on the end of the lens. Lesson learned: always keep your lens hood on the lens.

Was there a point in your journey when you started to feel really good about your work? If so, what did it feel like to get past that ‘tipping point’?

I guess the point in my life when I started to feel good about my work was when I started to receive blue first place ribbons for my photos in various State contest. Then when I started selling my works I knew they would hang on someone’s walls for years to come. I found one of the best places to sell photos was to interior decorators. My wife and I also had a greeting card business which we did very well.

What is the inspiration for your photography?

The one thing that inspires me to keep photographing is the thought of getting that “one in a million image”.

How do you choose what you are going to shoot?

When I go out to photograph I go with the same idea I plant in all my workshop photographers’ mines. That being said, “There is a photo in everything you look at you just have to look for it”.

When shooting subjects, what do you find most challenging?

Birds are probably the most difficult things for people to master but bring great enjoyment once you tackle it.

Do you have any words of advice or encouragement to someone starting out with or wanting to improve their photography skills?

Advice that I always give in my workshops are as follows:

The first thing that I tell them is how I spell photography. It is spelled “patience”.

Always remember that a picture is something that anyone can take an image or photo is a form of art.

Don’t just stand in front of something and take the shot (such as a waterfall), look at it from several different angles. I will tell people to even get down on the bellies and see how different things can look.

I have sat for hours waiting to get some images or returned day after day.

If we are somewhere for a few days and I see a trail through the woods or a field I will put out my trail camera to see what has been using the trail. You will be surprised by what you can capture on a trail camera. This will help you to get great photos if you and your camera gear are in a small portable photo blind close to the trail. Your trail camera will tell you the time of day the animal traveled, what direction, and much more.

What do you think the future holds for you? Where do you see yourself in the next few years?

My future plans are to keep on looking for that once in a lifetime image as long as I can still get around. I did a TV series for Animal Planet a couple of years ago and am working on another TV series right now.

Life is like a Camera, Focus on what’s Important

Develop from the Negatives, Capture the Good Times

And…If Things Don’t Work Out

Take another Shot.

With an early connection to the natural world as a child and now as an adult, wildlife and nature photographer Paul Abrahams effectively captures the beauty of his surroundings. Paul can be found photographing a variety of wildlife and nature close to his home just outside Epping Forest, England as well as through his extensive travels throughout the UK. Through these travels, Paul has captured an array of extraordinary and captivating images. I believe this is conveyed through Paul’s creative approach as a highly-skilled photographer. As you browse through his images below, I invite you to take a moment and share in reconnecting with nature through the lens of a man with extreme talent and a true passion for what he does.

Paul, thank you so much for sharing your experiences with us and thank you so much for all your thoughtful responses. You have given the readers an opportunity to glimpse into the mind of a person who has a deep appreciation and true respect for the natural world. I believe you have found your true calling and undoubtedly enjoy what you do.

If you’d like to learn more about Paul, please visit his website. You can also follow him on Instagram.

Where is home?

Just outside Epping Forest, England

What inspired you to be a photographer?

As a child, I grew up with a love of the natural world and as an adult, I realise the awful situation we have got that world into and what that now means for our children. In my lifetime, we have lost over 60% of wildlife through our own impact and the UK, where I live, is one of the worst places for biodiversity decline in the whole world.

I believe that’s the result of our society becoming totally disconnected from its natural environment and I hope that through my photography of UK wildlife I can help reconnect others to that which we all depend upon.

Are you formally taught or self-taught? And what has been the best source of information along this journey (workshop, online forums, classroom, mentor, etc)?

I bought my first DSLR about three years ago and I’m pretty much self-taught since then. Throughout a career in graphic design, I’ve worked very closely with many excellent photographers which have proven extremely beneficial and given me an eye for a good picture as well.

When shooting subjects, what do you find most challenging?

Birds in flight, getting away from people and 4 am starts!

What would you say your most remarkable wildlife encounter has been?

The first day I went out with my camera I went straight in at the deep end to catch a local kingfisher I’d regularly spotted along a stream within Epping Forest.

I completely failed at that and anything else with the exception of my first ever encounter with a mink. As I was testing out firing my camera remotely on a tripod aimed at a perfect kingfisher perch he swam right past me. I fumbled at the camera before missing all opportunity of a shot as the mink climbed onto the bank on the opposite side, went behind a fallen tree, and disappeared.

I thought that was it but then I noticed its tiny feet moving in a small gap running along the underneath the tree before eventually coming to the end, poking its head out and staring at me intently. Without taking its eyes off me, it then brought out the rest of its body and walked to the edge of the stream to get closer to figure out what I was. Then it got into the water and actually swam across to the bank I was laying and looked directly into my lens from point-blank range! Looking slightly confused about the situation, it then returned exactly the way it came, shooting me quick looks over its shoulder to make sure I wasn’t trying anything funny.

I didn’t manage one single shot!

Location and weather conditions seem to be a crucial aspect of a successful photograph. How do you handle these unpredictable factors?

Extreme weather and locations can add so much to a picture in the right circumstances. When you’ve struggled to the top of a snowy Scottish mountain through wind and hail and you eventually find a Mountain Hare just sitting there because that is just how it lives its life, it’s really quite a humbling experience – and that’s exactly what you’ve got to try and show in a photograph.

How did you develop your style?

Not sure I have one!

What is your favorite part of heading out to a new location?

I was unbelievably untravelled before I got into photography and I’ve loved experiencing some incredible parts of the UK since but travelling to new locations raises a lot of obstacles when it comes to wildlife too. I’m sure all wildlife photographers know the wildlife on their doorsteps – where to find it, when and everything else that helps gets great shots, and that knowledge is priceless. Turning up somewhere completely new you often have very little to go on no matter how much you research. But talking to locals and discovering what each place has to offer slowly becomes one of the best parts and then when you eventually get what you’ve come for it’s worth all the hard work you’ve put into it.

Share with us your favorite image and why.

My favourite shot is my running badger picture. It’s quite unusual, you don’t often see badgers running at full speed and especially at eight in the morning. It’s got a nice story behind it too which I’ve written a blog about on my website.

Do you have any tips for new photographers who want to take better wildlife photographs?

The subject should always be the most important consideration. Research and be respectful of the life you are imposing yourself on – be aware of the laws for protected species and cause as little disturbance as possible.

Learn your fieldcraft – spending hours waiting out with nature, joining wildlife in its natural habitat gives you an understanding of their lives and gives you a connection with both your subject and its environment which will come through in your photography.

Leave nothing but footsteps, take nothing but photos, and just love what you’re doing.

And stay away from AUTO mode!

What photographic gear do you currently use?

Canon EOS 5D IV. Canon 600mm f/4 ii, 100-400mm ii, 105mm macro & 24-70mm. 1.4 & 2x extenders too.

Am also very excited about the R5 at the moment…

What is in your camera bag?

Because the 600mm is quite a weight to carry, I travel as light as possible. I try and just use a leg bag with an extender or two, a spare battery, and a very thin folded up camo sheet I can make a DIY hide with when needed.

What is your favorite photography accessory?

Love my leg bag but I recently got a red dot sight for helping tracking birds in flight which is my current favourite (when I’m using a tripod, it’s like being in a gunner seat in the millennium falcon – what’s not to like!)

What piece of equipment would you most like to get but don’t have yet?

Canon EOS R5 – that autofocus!!!!!

What are your thoughts on raw images vs images that have been worked on (photoshop)?

I shoot all my images in RAW so I have total control. I don’t mind a bit of light tweaking – as long as you’re not turning a blackbird into a flamingo I guess it’s ok!

Do you have any projects that make you look back and shake your head? What made the experience so unpleasant?

My first photographic trip was a disaster. I drove for about five hours to stay in a truly awful hotel before realising I’d gone at completely the wrong time of year to catch anything remotely successfully. The following day I drove a few more hours to a new spot where I was catching a boat the following morning. So I camped for the night – through a thunderstorm, my inflatable bed punctured and my tent leaked. I left at 4 am to get the boat and after a day of standing around through delays it ended up being canceled.

I gave up and went home after that but it taught me a lot!

Can you tell me about one of your favorite or most memorable photo sessions? What made it so great and why did you like it so much?

Photographing wild boar in the Forest of Dean. After several failed attempts and countless hours of frustration, just before I was about to leave on my last trip I was finally rewarded with much more than I hoped when I was surrounded by a whole bunch of humbugs (piglets) which are so far the most gorgeous things I’ve managed to photograph.

I’m not sure if it was adrenalin but I actually started shaking uncontrollably which messed up an awful lot of shots!

Or

I recently photographed the incredible Snettisham Spectacular in Norfolk, England, where thousands of wading birds got pushed off the mudflats by the incoming high tide causing incredible displays that are just jaw-dropping. The sound of a thousand birds flying just a few feet above your head is simply unforgettable.

I took more photo’s in just a few hours here than I have anywhere in the country.

Do you have any new projects coming up or plans to expand your portfolio?

Currently planning a mammoth tour of Scotland and its islands for a landmark birthday next year – I’m not saying which one!

Do you see yourself as a photographer many years down the road?

Oh for sure. I’ve not been going long, I’ve so much to learn and I’ve never been so at peace with anything in life than I have through my photography.