“Do you ever feel apprehensive?” Man, is that a loaded question! In this case, the emailer was asking about whether to buy the D5 of D500? The response for me was real simple, both. But when I first read the email, my mind wasn’t on gear, but photography. Gear to me is a slam dunk proposition, it’s a tool and like any tool, if it fits the job than I need it in my bag. But when it comes to a particular photograph, project or visual statement, I’m full of apprehension. I have it sometimes to the point to where I literally don’t sleep. And I think that if you value your craft, love being a storyteller and I hate to say it, want to stay in business, you’d best have apprehension. Oh, don’t get me wrong, I don’t like it but when you strive for the best from yourself, you’ve gotta ask yourself hard questions and some of those answers probably scare the crap out of you and that, creates apprehension!
Being a veteran of apprehension for over thirty years, I’ve managed to turn it into my favor, most of the time. It normally starts when I take on a project(s) that in the back of my mind, something says, “Don’t do it.” Some call this living on the edge or, pushing your comfort zone. I think it’s basically a combination of both and personally, it pushes my photography from within. External influences that push your photography, like paying a bill, is one thing. Pushing from within though, that’s the hard one because you’re depending on yourself to bring everything to life. There are times when this totally falls apart but from those you learn to turn into learning experiences. And the more you do that, the less life threatening the apprehension becomes to your photography. No, I’m not passed having apprehension about my photography, it’s part of everyday life it seems. I just am not paralyzed by it as much as I use to be.
Yep, you can pre-order the new Nikon gear introduced today. I’ve already contacted B&H Photo and ordered my D5 with the XQD option. Why that over the D5 – CF option? For me it’s real simple, XQD is so much FASTER and if you’re going to shoot that 12FPS with 200 frame buffer, speed is everything. I can’t wait for the first time I fill them Lexar XQD 128GB 2933x at that speed. My heart shutters just thinking about it!
And what about the D500? Yep, went and ordered one of them too! Why did a I order a DX body you might be asking? Well, for a very specific new project where a small, light, super high quality video camera will be perfect. The D500 couldn’t come at a better time for me.
And what about the new SB-5000 speedlight? Well of course, it has to go in the bag as well. Moving away from the infrared to a wireless signal is a BIG deal to me. I can’t wait for nesting season to put these bad boys to work.
One of the great joys of our work is working with kids. It has always been a priority with Sharon and I because it always puts a smile in our heart. Sometimes it’s hands on, sometimes answering email questions for a class project, and at times, it’s is as simple as this.
My name is Rachel and I volunteer at a youth center in Toronto with a
activities program for kids where we are learning about wildlife
photography this winter. The kids came across your website
http://www.moosepeterson.com/blog/category/photography/wildlife-photography/
while looking for information about wildlife photographers. We want to
say thank you for the great information and beautiful photographs you
have!
Two of the girls, Kathleen and Stephanie, did some web searches at
home together and found this page that they brought for me to see. It
is a beginners guide to wildlife photography.
hhttp://www.cctvcameraworld.com/beginners-guide-to-wildlife-photography.html
I suggested that they share this with you because it is such a great
guide for kids and other beginners! Additionally, I want to impress
upon them that by reaching out and simply asking others, things can be
accomplished that the girls might not otherwise think can.
Would you please add a link to the web page they found to your web page?
They would be so proud to see that you did, even if it’s only for a
little while, and we also think that your other visitors will find it
useful. I also don’t think it will hurt that I promised the whole
group a pizza day if you added it! Please let me know if you’d be
willing!
Thank you in advance!
Regards,
Rachel
These kids are lucky to have someone like Rachel inspiring them, and we’re all fortunate to know kids like this are out there curious and learning about our natural world. It’s a great thing!
Until the end of the year, we’re offering a 50% discount on our prints, paper or metal! We’ve had such an amazing year of print sales, we’re passing along to you the success we’ve enjoyed. Seen an image you like, web, print, editorial, give Sharon a call 661.204.1506 and you can have the print in your hands before Christmas. And if that wasn’t enough, you’ll receive a second print (in case you want to give one away) for the exact same low price. And shipping is included in all our prices! Season Greetings!
