I don't do many posts in text format, so I thought I'd write a short post about my photography and getting outdoors locally, and some of the things that tickle me. I hear a lot of banter and rivalry among photographers and birdwatchers about all sorts of things that make me chuckle inside. Things like why does that person only sit in that hide all day? Or why does this person only take pictues of that species and not go here or there to get this or that species? Why does so and so not get rid of that camera or lens and get this one? The list of criticisms and issues is endless. So here is my view on some of those issues. Firstly my photography is in its infancy. I am not an expert of either photography or birds. I have come a long way in a short time though. I owe a lot to those who have inspired me or guided me. Andy Sharp, Graham Catley and Mandy West to name just a few. The list is endless because most people have some knowledge of value to share. I love being outdoors taking pictures of birds. I am in my element on local ground because there are still many species I have to find and photograph locally. It's the thrill of getting a shot of a bird locally that gives me great satisfaction. That's not to say that everyone should be sat in a local hide or in a local wood as I often am. No, different people have different interests and some enjoy or need to chase species across the country because they make a living from it, they have no suitable habitat nearby or simply because they want to. The best of luck to those people and I hope they get to see or photograph the species they go for. It's about enjoying what you do. I enjoy what I do and hope others do the same. I have spent a lot of money on camera gear, but I enjoyed it just as much years ago with my point and shoot camera, taking rubbish photos of the Marsh Harriers over Far Ings when they first returned to Barton after a long period af absence. I was captivated by their beauty and was instantly hooked on watching Harriers. I returned there many times and watched quietly, I even introduced others to the birds' presence. That was the spark that lit a small fire of interest in me which slowly but surely grew within me. But not everyone has the money or time, or good fortune as I have had to warrant spending vast amounts of money to persue their hobby or interest. I try to encourge people who are starting out, as others encouraged me. There are plenty of things to photograph in the wild, in a local park or on a local pond for those starting out. This brings me to the in the "wild "subject. I get nothing from photographing captive subjects. Thats just the way I feel about wildlife. Yes I get a thrill from seeing a rare Hawk or Owl on someone's arm, but when I point a camera at it, the thrill is just not there like it is when I photograph birds in the wild, it's just not my thing. I know there are valid reasons for having birds in captivity and thats not to say anyone else shouldn't photograph it; if you get pleasure from it, then go for it. To me however, it's about being outdoors, photographing and watching wildlife as often as I can given my current working restraints. If I miss a species because I didn't know about it or because I'm at work, of course I'm disappointed. But I just carry on and hope I get it next time. I take the occasional trip to places where species are that don't exist locally, but I love getting back on the local patch where I'm content for now with many unfulfilled goals. So my message here is enjoy what you do at the level you feel happy, with the gear and time you can afford, and respect other peoples level of interest and goals.
