I'm a hobbyist photographer - born in New Zealand - I work throughout Asia and I am currently living in Singapore. I have focused on wildlife and pets as I'm rather shy at asking people if I can capture them! Recently I have been begun taking photos of older people - particularly those less well off in Asian countries like the Philippines and then returning at a later date with a large framed print. This is just so rewarding, they are often poor and I feel I'm capturing them for future generations.
What kind of photography do you most enjoy?
I really enjoy wildlife and animal photography. I have always loved animals and hope that by taking photos of them, especially in amusing or interesting poses I can encourage people to love and respect them. Living in Asia, where poverty is not unusual - the animals are often mistreated or neglected so I try to capture their beauty in the hope it will help to improve their lives. I can watch an animal for hours - my recent snow monkey series was taken over 4 days in freezing conditions.
How long have you been a photographer?
I started in my teens but then stopped for career and family (this was prior to digital). I started with a Minolta and then my first digital camera was a Canon Powershot approx 8-9 yrs ago. I am a big Canon fan now and have progressed a long way since that first Powershot.
What got you started?
I really started just capturing some travel shots - I was thrilled with the composition but not the photo quality - so I upgraded to a Canon 20D, then a 5D and now I have 2 bodies Mark 111 1D and 1DS.
What inspires you?
For me, it's God! I am amazed at His creation. The earth is filled with such incredible design... amazing colors, shapes and patterns.
What are your photography goals?
To take that WOW capture - I will know it when I do! One day I want to print a book of animal shots with white backgrounds so their beauty stands alone. I have a love of blown out backgrounds and as it's so difficult in the field it keeps me very challenged. I've started to work on it but have a long way to go.
How has BetterPhoto helped you attain them?
I really gain so much benefit from looking at the stunning captures here at BP. I've never been a fan of reading all the technical books - but rather I've concentrated on studying the work of great artists.
