Intro Thread?

[SkipP]

Many thanks to Joe for the invite to this Forum!

I know little about the photography geeks:D I hang out with and thought it would be interesting to get to know each other a little better. So, in the words of The Who...who are you?

I'm Skip. Photography is the one hobby I've returned to time and again. Living in southeastern North Carolina, there is just an incredible amount of subjects in the natural world to photograph. I love it! If given a choice of what to shoot, the macro world would be followed closely by landscapes with water in them. My job, the one that pays, is at a large chemical plant where I'm a supervisor. My wife and I have two kids...one in school in Boone, NC (go ASU!) and the other getting ready to fly the coop for unknown destinations.

Enough already! Your turn...

[Rubberhead]

I've had a fascination with birds since I was little. I remember my dad taking me fishing when we were living in New Bern. I was telling him the names of the birds but I was only a 6th grader. We didn't have a birder or biologist in the family or neighborhood. I have no idea where I was learning this stuff but it was sticking.

The fasincation with birds spilled over to bugs and more recently native wildflowers. I'm a bird hunter and fisherman too.

I worked with jckegley for about 6 years so when I finally decided to get a good dSLR, he was more than willing to help me spend my money.

[Steve_E]

Hello everyone, it's great to be here. Thanks to Scott(Squatty) for the heads up on WildlifeSouth.

I jumped head first into nature photography with my sights on very distant subjects. I began photographing the Moon and the planets of our solar system with my digital point and shoot camera and telescope about 7 years ago. Since then I've made major upgrades and have advanced to imaging deep-sky objects, i.e. galaxies, nebula, star clusters, etc. There's a link to my astro image gallery in my signature if you'd like to browse when you get a chance.

Since it's not dark all the time and I had caught the photo bug I soon began photographing birds, butterflies, flowers, scenics and anything that allowed me to spend time outdoors. My true passion is pursuing and photographing the many species of birds we are blessed with here in the Lowcountry. From the year-round locals to the many migratory varieties, I'm always out there when I'm not working looking for that perfect one-of-a kind shot and in the process I'm blessed to experience the wonders that surround us here just beyond our busy lives.

I enjoy photo work done from ground level and have spent most of 2009 belly down trying to improve my technique. So if you're out shooting, watch your step I'd hate for you to stumble over me. :D

Good shootin' all.
Steve

[Randy Lawson]

Well I hang my hat between Sharon and Mc Connells in Western York County South Carolina. I have always like photography and wanted a SLR camera throughout my life but never invested in the camera. I have always been an outdoors person, hunting and fishing all my life. Since the digital age I have purchased several point and shoot digital cameras and finally bought a Nikon D50 several years ago, I was hooked . Over the last two years I have been able to expand my bag with several lens and one additional camera body. Since then I have taken a intimate look at the outdoors and totally amazed what is out there to learn about. As a hunter I really knew my game but never stopped and “smelled the roses.” Since then I have pretty much lost interested in the need to hunt with a weapon. I have taken up flatwater kayaking as a result of my love for photography as a way to get to places I would never have been able to access in the past.

My thanks to Butch A for introducing me to Wildlifesouth website last summer and to Joe K for this forum and the invitation to join.

[jckegley]

I'm originally from TN, the Oak Ridge area. My father worked at Oak Ridge National Laboratories as a metallurgical engineer. I remember him bringing home photos he took of various metal alloys with an electron microscope. Believe it or not, they were remarkably colorful and even showed the grain within the metal. Almost like abstract art. That was my first exposure to photography.

As for me, I currently live in Charlotte NC. I worked in nuclear chemistry for 8 years and switched to work in the IT world after that. I got into photography because of kayaking. I started seeing all this wonderful 'stuff' and wanted to show my friends and family. Started out with a point and shoot then went into the slr realm.

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[rpearce12]

Thank you Rubberhead for the invite over here.

My entire life, I've loved the outdoors. I have always been outside doing something. First it was sitting in the dove field with my dad and my Red Ryder. Then it moved onto the duck blind and then finally the deer stand. I had always been awed by everything I saw when I was out there, and, I have to admit, I never really got the idea of shooting a camera instead of a gun until I saw some of the pics on other websites. I had always wanted to video with my dad, but we never had a good enough camera. So thanks to all of you!

After I managed to beg my parents for an XTi and a kit lens, I never looked back. I had been given a photog class at Jack Alterman studios in downtown Charleston. I would have been severely behind where I am right now if I had not have taken the class because the camera and everything it dealt with was explained so well. Well, my bank account is empty, the family hardly sees me in the first and last few hours of the day, but the smile on my face when I'm able to watch SC wildlife in its daily routine has never been bigger.

[Will Stuart]

As I post to this thread, I am the rookie in the group.

My outdoor interests may have originated with a pair of 2-volume sets of large, green, thick books published by the New York State Museum. One was New York State birds, the second New York State wildflowers. They sat in a large bookshelf in our upstairs hall and on long winter days I would lie on the floor, flip through the pages, and wonder at the colorful photos and illustrations.

I grew up in a rural farm community in upstate New York and spent my teenage years outdoors. I would fish in the spring, "frog" in the summer, hunt in the fall, and trap (mostly muskrat) in the winter.

I taught biology in the 70's and 80's including some electives, one of which was botany. Most biology in those days was molecular...per the required curriculum....and there was little time for descriptive/field biology.

When microcomputers arrived in the early 80's I got sidetracked teaching programming and ended up as a software developer. My IT career led me to the Charlotte area in the late-90's where I did applications and database development for First Union/Wachovia.

When I left the heads-down, cubicle world in 2007 I was determined to go back to my roots, expand my knowledge of the God-given wonders of our flora and fauna, and share some of my journey through photography.

I am active with our local Audubon chapter, a member of HAWK, a chapter of the NC Wildllife Federation, and a member of the North Carolina Native Plant society. I am currently completing a native plant certificate program at UNC Charlotte.

[dddenton]

I was born, raised and still live in Charlotte, NC. As a kid, my parents introduced me to Wild Kingdom, Marlon Perkins, National Geographic, Jacques Cousteau, and many others. Mom was a birder. It all stuck.

Photography started early too, but primarily as a way to share travels with friends and family. A little less than 2 years ago, I went to a Nat Geo photography seminar, got my first digital SLR and that was it. The whole game changed.

Despite my best efforts - I still haven't won the lottery so travel is sometimes limited. To fund my habits in the interim I work at Duke Energy providing online support for the Event Planning group.

For me, photography is a way to express the love I have for new places, animals and the natural world. It's been great connecting with others who share my passion. There are some really, really talented folks on this forum and I look forward to learning from you!

[DebCamPhoto]

I joined this forum today and just now realized how new it is. Just a few weeks. I think that's great!

I have been an avid photographer for over 25 years. I started out in the 80's shooting nature type stuff mostly, then married and had 2 kids which turned my "focus" on photographing to my kids. Then they reached an age where I felt I could leave them if I wanted to go out shooting and not have to worry. I got my first dslr 4 years ago and that's when my love for nature photography really took off.
I live in Maryville, Tn. (Blount County). It takes me about 20-25 minutes to get to the Great Smoky Mountains and 40 to get to Cades Cove. I enjoy all kinds of outdoor photography. Wildlife, Landscapes and all things in nature. Cades Cove is perfect for all of these. I visit the cove 1-2 times a week and never tire of going. There is always something different and interesting to see. I enjoy looking at other photographers work and learning from them, and I also enjoy sharing what I find with others. I too have not won the lottery...lol, so most of my work is limited to the Smokies. Yellowstone is a dream destination for me. I'm glad to be here...

[Paul Wilkinson]

I am originally from West Virginia. I shot film for many years but got away from it and still have a bag of undeveloped film. When I moved to Pinewood S.C. I began fishing Lake Marion and was amazed at the wildlife that was so different from what I was used to. About the same time I discovered Digital and have been spending money ever since. Photography gives me an excuse to travel to some great paces,spend time outdoors and meet great people. I have had the pleasure of shooting with many of you. My day job is an art teacher for grades kindergarten through second grade. WildlifeSouth is a great site and I check it regularly to see whats new. That's how I found out about the forum. There are so many amazing photographers on this site that one cannot help but learn by being part of it. Thanks

[NCBobD]

Bob Decker. Originally from Indiana I move to North Carolina in 1997. I spent 16 years as a SCUBA instructor,10 of those at Olympus Dive Center in Morehead City. I currently work as a wedding & portrait photographer (rddeckerphotography.com), a beach portrait photographer (photosatthebeach.com) and maintain a part-time job in sales. I really don't remember a time I didn't have a camera of some sort in my hands... as a child of adult.

I enjoy avian, wildlife and nature photography, finding it very challenging. I used to hunt, primarily upland game birds, but got away from it years ago. I grew-up camping and hiking so outdoors activities are just a natural extension of the things I love. When it comes to nature photography I have a lot to learn. I recently launched a little blog-site about NC outdoors recreational opportunities and to share some of my nature photography (carolinafootprints.com).

Glad to be here and looking forward to learning and growing.

[rkemmerlin]

I've lived in SC all my life. I work as an environmental chemist at a federal facility near Aiken. Been in this field for going on 35 years now.

In 1998 I was looking for something to do in my time off and decided that I needed a new camera. Then I saw an ad for a nature photography course being offered at a local college and decided to give it a try. The instructor became a great friend and after knowing him for a while and several upgrades in equipment later I was totally hooked. Then I got involved with the Carolina Nature Photography Association, and things really got out of hand. Met a bunch of great photographers and friends including several people here.

I shoot mostly birds with some landscapes, macro, & wildflowers thrown in.

Joe has done a great job with this website, I'm proud to be part of it.

[Detoff]

Well, I suppose I'll put the horse back in front of the cart and introduce myself... I'm Jamie, I call the Bozeman Montana area home. I love the outdoors, hunting and fishing of course, but more importantly to me is enjoying them responsibly and respecting the outdoors as a resource to be shared. I took up photography about 6 years ago with a Minolta point & shoot, I didn't know what I was doing, and the photos more or less sucked... but I enjoyed it and rapidly figured out that equipment was a limiting factor... I eventually progressed to the DSLR stage, and though I still don't know what I'm doing I sure enjoy it... Oh... "y'all" are likely wondering how someone from the wild West ended up on a Southern forum... Well, It's Scott's fault :D... Actually I know him and a few others on here from other forums, but more importantly my Mother lives in Chapel Hill, NC, so I do in fact have direct ties to the south :D... There you now have the cliff notes version.

[jckegley]

Well, I suppose I'll put the horse back in front of the cart and introduce myself... I'm Jamie, I call the Bozeman Montana area home. I love the outdoors, hunting and fishing of course, but more importantly to me is enjoying them responsibly and respecting the outdoors as a resource to be shared. I took up photography about 6 years ago with a Minolta point & shoot, I didn't know what I was doing, and the photos more or less sucked... but I enjoyed it and rapidly figured out that equipment was a limiting factor... I eventually progressed to the DSLR stage, and though I still don't know what I'm doing I sure enjoy it... Oh... "y'all" are likely wondering how someone from the wild West ended up on a Southern forum... Well, It's Scott's fault :D... Actually I know him and a few others on here from other forums, but more importantly my Mother lives in Chapel Hill, NC, so I do in fact have direct ties to the south :D... There you now have the cliff notes version.

Ah, Montana... on of the last great wild places in the lower 48. Good to have you Jamie.

[hTr]

Hello, I'm Orginally from Minnesota and Still have Family in Minnesota and Wisconsin. I moved to Alabama in 1989 and fell in love with the weather. I'm Retired from the electronic industry and have a Horse Ranch and Raise Border Collies Dogs. I Started taking pictures 2 years ago and Got Hooked on Outdoor Wildlife. Mostly I like Raptors but I am a Open Opportunity Photog and Shoot what I see. I hope you will look in on my postings!! This is me at Guntersville Dam:

http://i153.photobucket.com/albums/s212/hTr_02/MyPic.jpg

[jckegley]

Hello, I'm Orginally from Minnesota and Still have Family in Minnesota and Wisconsin. I moved to Alabama in 1989 and fell in love with the weather. I'm Retired from the electronic industry and have a Horse Ranch and Raise Border Collies Dogs. I Started taking pictures 2 years ago and Got Hooked on Outdoor Wildlife. Mostly I like Raptors but I am a Open Opportunity Photog and Shoot what I see. I hope you will look in on my postings!! To see the Face at Guntersville Dam:


Great intro and good to have you. Now we have someone who can keep us up to date with the goings-on in Alabama.

[hTr]

Great intro and good to have you. Now we have someone who can keep us up to date with the goings-on in Alabama.

I'll Try Joe, Thanks.

A recomedation that I feel would be a great Add to this Forum is a Sticky for Each Member to put a Picture of themself. It is really nice to put a Face with a name!!

[WSAdmin]

Officially stickied...

Say a brief piece about yourself and include a photo of yourself if you wish. Previous members who have already replied to Skip's post can edit their reply and add a photo should they desire.

[jckegley]

I'll Try Joe, Thanks.

A recomedation that I feel would be a great Add to this Forum is a Sticky for Each Member to put a Picture of themself. It is really nice to put a Face with a name!!

Good idea Gary.

I edited my orginal post and added my photo.

[Harv]

I'm here as a result of an invitation from Steve, who has become a good friend through our association on a couple of other forums, Pixel-Shooter and P.O.T.N. Being a moderator on P-S keeps me pretty involved there and I try to keep up a reasonable activity level on P.O.T.N. I really don't know how active I can be on this forum as well and still leave time to get out and shoot. :)

I'm also not sure what I can really bring to Wildlife South as I rarely get any further south than Southern Ontario in the Great White North (a.k.a. Canada). While Steve is crawling round on his belly wearing shorts, I can be found out shooting while bundled up in thermal underwear and an Arctic Parka. My last time out shooting the temperature was minus 23 degrees. The time before that it was minus 17 degrees and the wind was blowing at around 35-50 miles per hour. It kept knocking me off balance and after about 20 minutes, I quit. Such is life this time of year in the 'Land of Ice and Snow'.

For the record, I shoot primarily birds but occasionally step into other venues.

Thanks for the invitation, Steve.

[Steve_E]

You're very welcome my fiend, it's a pleasure to see you here. You bring great skill and knowledge to any wildlife forum. Us southerners(I can call myself one after 30 years, I reckon) are envious of the many northern species of birds you so artfully capture. I understand how there's only so much time to dedicate to this hobby but I sure hope you'll stop by as often as is allowed.

[artsnimages]

artsnimages / Jim Flowers (My friends call me Dizzy)

http://i166.photobucket.com/albums/u115/dizzyduck69/MyImage2.jpg

Lets see, Where do I start? Originally from Texas, now I'm lost up here in Yankee Land near Gettysburg Pennsylvania and have been since retiring from the National Geographic Society and magazine 9 years back give or take! At present I have a small home based Family and Commercial Photography and Graphic Design business called Arts N Images.

The photo bug first bit me while serving in the US Army Aviation Corp in Germany back in the early 1970's with the purchase of my first Canon SLR. It was purely a hobby at first. I was into Aviation as a Army CWO and Fixed Wing/Helicopter Pilot. I flew 3 short tours in Viet Nam as a Medical Evac Pilot / "Dust Off". I then returned to finish my education at the Univ of Oklahoma with a BS in Meteorological Science with an Aviation minor. I took a few jobs flying everything from Twin Otters to Bell Jet Ranges and ended up back in Bell 212 with PHI flying the rigs on the Gulf Coast. I quickly learned that landing on a 50'X50" pad on the side of a "Jack up" in a 35 kt breeze was more dangerous than dodging small arms fire from the ground in SE Asia.

To make a long story short, I started flying aerial photogs and became more interested in the commercial aspect of this craft. I ended up taking a few classes from a local college (Univ of Houston) and decided to give this a whirl at least part time. One thing led to another and I eventually partnered with a previous client, Frederick Boswell to run the commercial end of his business.
We also formed a Photo Lab and hired folks to keep our work afloat and fast.
Fred was primarily a Wedding and Portrait Photog and I was knee deep into the Industrial and Commercial end serving primarily the Petroleum Industry.
I did everything from Executive Portraiture on 8X10 sheet film to shooting sunrises on the Gulf Rigs with a Linhoff aerial camera. We also shot flight sequences (air to air) for a few major airlines with a Panaflex camera and a snorkel from a Lear 23. Ah, the good old days!

In mid 1980's the Petroleum Industry and the economy of Houston took a nose dive putting an end to all the easy and over inflated oil money that was available to keep me in nonsense. Fred decided to move to California and I took a job in Washington DC with a Lab that was owned by an ex-Disney animator to do technical photography work on a prototype camera. At the same time I worked on a part time project for the National Geographical Society on Bob Ballard's Titanic story. Again, one thing led to another and I was offered a full time position with the Society in the Lab and eventually with Pre-press and Printing and Engraving. It was a wonderful position working directly with NGS photogs and various departments in getting the magazine to press month after month. I did everything from sitting at a color workstation to marking up color, edits and catching cartographic errors.

Of course all good things come to an end or at least change with the Society offering a lot of us so called "old timers" buy-outs and early retirements after being taken over by folks more interested in profits than quality. Oh and yes...Cheaper Labor!

So here I sit, enjoying my little business and being able to shoot the things I want with no pressure or deadlines. This nature stuff is a hobby and has become a passion! I'm not that great at it but I'm having fun! When I don't have a camera in my hand you will find me with a fly rod at a local stream in pursuit of Trout. I'm an avid fly-fisher and fly-tyer.

[Steve_E]

Ahh, a man that likes to get down and dirty to get the shot. My kinda guy. Thanks for the background info Jim, sounds like life is good.

Here's the only shot I have of myself, just a profile but believe me that's plenty. :D

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y67/Nighthd/Bird%20Photography/Gear/stevebio1.jpg