Today we are featuring nature and wildlife photographer Rickdobson. With his images, Rick reflects the natural environment and the raw emotion of the subject he captures. Enjoy and read on!
What inspired you to be a photographer?
I have always been drawn to photography. There seemed to be something magical and very special about capturing an image and then being able to reproduce it later.
Nature and wildlife has always played an enormous part in my life. Seeing nature with the naked eye is fantastic but freezing it in an image and seeing it on my computer screen where I can examine everything and marvel at natures beauty was enchanting and mesmerizing. Being able to share my passion of nature and birds with others through my images is also very rewarding.
What was your first camera and what do you shoot with today?
My first camera was the Cannon T50. It was the camera of the future in 1984 and had automatic features simplifying SLR photography. Today I shoot with the Canon 1D Mark IV.
When someone looks at your photos, what do you want them to take away from it?
I want people to see is the natural beauty and wonderment of the subject, the detail, colours and composition.
What is it that you love about photography?
When you look at animals in nature especially birds they often move quickly about. So that it is difficult to see their detail, colours and posture. When I freeze the image in a photograph I am able to truly appreciate the amazing beauty and grace of these wonderful creatures.
What has photography done for you?
Photography has opened my eyes to the beauty of the natural world all around me. When I took up photography seriously in 2005 it changed my life. No more fishing rods no more guns. Before work, after work and sometimes when I should have been at work I was out with my camera scouring the ponds parks and forests trying to capture images of birds and wildlife. When I was not taking pictures I was behind the computer processing images.
Do you try to be conceptual or do you prefer to show the feeling behind a photo?
Being a nature photographer I try hard to reflect the natural environment and the raw emotion of the subject.
If you had to choose one lens which one would it be and why?
My favourite lens is the canon 500 mm f/4. It is one of the very sharpest lenses and when the aperture is wide open it blurs the background and creates a lovely bokeh.
What are your 3 tips for others who want to become better photographers?
For nature photography three tips would be:
1. Subject eye should/must reflect sharp catch light
2. Do your best to get at eye level with your subject i.e., reduce angle by lying on ground or standing on tip toes.
3. Shoot with the days first light or the last light or on an overcast day.
How did you achieve your social media following? any tips for photographers who are trying to get more reach?
I am not much into social media. Possibly in the future if I start exploring photographic business opportunities.
Raw vs jpg and why?
Funny you mention raw vs jpeg. For the first two years I only shoot in jpeg. I was intimidated by raw images as I thought the conversion process might be difficult and that it would add additional time to my processing. As I became more serious about my photography I realized that raw images provided more control over the outcome especially when I got the exposure or white balance wrong. In addition you just have a whole lot more data to work with if you want or need to make adjustment to your image in processing.
What do you carry in your camera bag?
Because I often do a lot of hiking to get to my subject I keep my camera bag as light as possible. Tripod, camera, two lenses and lens cleaning cloth. And of course bug repellent and water for hot days.
If you could have the gift of a great photographer who would it be and why?
To me what makes a great photographer is perspective. I would love to have the gift to create images that have a unique perspective where the composition is out of the ordinary that makes the viewer stop, linger and study the image carefully.
What is the most common mistake you see people making when shooting these days?
To me the most common mistake I observe in other photographers is when they do not take the time to consider where the light is coming from and the back or foreground in the image.
What is your dream location to shoot?
My dream location to shoot is the Arctic. It is very high on my bucket list. I can easily fantasize about the soft light on a summers moon-lit night with amazing shaped icebergs floating in a calm sea. Not to mention the incredible marine wildlife.
What is next for you? Any planned adventures with your camera?
My next trip is to the island of Newfoundland. I am planning on spending six weeks there this summer. I have been there before and there is so much to photograph whales, puffins, fishing villages, icebergs and much more.
What is your goal with your photography?
Photography is for life. You never stop learning and there are so many opportunities and subjects. I would like to keep challenging myself with perspective and to possibly create images that have a a unique style or appeal.
Thank you Rickdobson for the great input!
