Hi George - As I'm a total beginner I have thousands of questions ! .... but I think the only one I can reasonably put at this time is : do you have any tips for beginners ?
I have a Canon eos 300 with EF 28-90 & 75-300 lenses.
So far i've stuck to things that catch my eye, things which I personally like : differing views of rivers, the sea on the rocks/ sand / shingle, flowers, local landscapes etc. I find it interesting how a completely different image can be made just by leaving certain things in or out.
But are there, for instance, certain subjects which are technically more or less challenging ? ..... Or are there perhaps certain subjects which foster a deeper understanding of photography in general ?
Thanks in advance ..... I'd be interested in your thoughts / comments.
I would say, without a shadow of doubt, the one thing that would improve any nature photographers pictures is simply a knowledge and understanding of the subject. When I first wanted to photograph adders, for instance, I read everything I could find about them. I went out to locations where they were and I would sit and watch their behaviour for hours on end, going back day after day and all the time learning more and more.
The same thing with fungi. I went on foray after foray each time staying with the leader to listen what were the salient features of the different specimens that were brought in. I learnt when and where each species was likely to appear and I then went out and photographed them time and time again. Each time I tried to find better specimens and improve on what I had previously taken.
Today among the various workshops I run are ones on adders and fungi and I have two books out on fungi. Incredibly on one of my agency statements received yesterday I sold a picture in the USA of a a grass snakes' head in close up showing the tongue flicking out for the most money I have ever received for a pic in my life. All I know is that it was used for advertising so please look out for it you guys in America. I would love to know exactly how it was used. I will post the image tomorrow.
This probably wasn't the answer you were looking for Carlos but until you know how your subject behaves how can you decide on the equipment, ie lenses, you need?
Thanks for your question. George
Hopefully, here is the picture referred to in my reply to Carlos.