A Sailors Dream
Hey Ronny, so cool to meet you. So tell us in what part of First Coast do you reside now and how long have you lived there?
We purchased our home in December of 2020 in Lincolnville of Saint Augustine, FL
What do you do?
I appreciate you asking me about myself and what I do. I guess I’m just one of those guys that found something late in life that I think I’m pretty good at and invest a lot of time doing this now. I’m a very lucky man.
What has been your career in life so far?
I joined the Navy in 1982 and retired in 2006 as a Navy Chief Petty Officer. I moved back to my hometown of Gainesville, FL and was employed by the Navy ROTC program at the University of Florida for over 15 years where I retired a second time from the Navy. I have always been in administration and customer service roles in the Navy. I am a proud Navy Sailor and my dream has come true. My wife and I just love St. Augustine and we couldn’t live in any better place today.
What is your favorite part of the First Coast to photograph?
I seem to cling to taking sunrise and sunset photos however, I also like taking pictures of nature, birds and people. St. Augustine has so much history and items to photograph. What a perfect place to retire and enjoy taking pictures.
What type of equipment do you use?
For distant photography or to reach out and touch a subject, I use my Canon EOS Rebel with 250mm lens. For a wider view and I normally use my Samsung Galaxy S10+ cell phone.
How long have you been part of the hobby?
I’d say about 45+ years. I begin in Highschool in the mid 70’s video recording our high school football games for tv. I borrowed a friend’s dads canon camera to take pictures of birds, entered a contest and won first place to be disqualified because I put a border on the back of them unaware I wasn’t supposed to do so. This was my high school era. I always have had a camera and while in the Navy and overseas took a lot of photo’s. Back then photography was expensive and now that it’s digital, I can shoot many photo’s and pick the best one for show.
Do you do any type of planning before you head out to take photos or do you just wing it?
I like to plan and get up early for sunrise photo’s but I also like to wing it. When I see something that stands out and catches my eye, I photograph it. My cell phone is always with me and does a pretty good job of capturing those special moments.
Are there any constants in your photography, if so what are they? (ie. subjects, editing, lens, etc.)
My favorite is Sunrise and sunset. There needs to be other items in the picture, however. Clouds, objects, people, animals or something else. I do some editing on a lot of pictures but some are natural and don’t need touching up. I like to call it my darkroom since we develop our photos now digitally and with various applications.
How would you describe your style of photography?
Hum…. I’m not sure how to answer that. Maybe bright and colorful and active.
Do you edit your photos right after your shoot or do you let them sit for a while?
It depends on what I’m shooting with. If my cell phone camera, maybe right away but if my Canon, then that requires me to download to my computer first.
Where is your favorite place (or type of place) to take photos?
I like the beach or the ocean. Sailboats in the water catch my eye. Bridges have a big spot in my heart. Animals and birds also give me a lot of excitement photographing them.
If you could live in any decade (with your current photographic gear), which one would it be and why?
There is no time like right now. Since I am retired now and have more time to take photos, I can’t imagine there being any better time.
What photographer (current or historical) do you draw the most inspiration from?
I don’t really follow or have a photographer I have followed before. I guess I am just on my own in that aspect.
What do you think is the most important component to producing great results? (camera, lens, light, editing, location, artistic vision, etc.)
I believe there must be structure or many subjects to capture a good shot. The sun alone is not enough. There must be other items like water or buildings, bridges, or people etc.
Is there a ritual that you use to get into a creative zone?
I don’t have a ritual unless it’s the time of day for sunrise or set.
What outside (non-photographic) influences (if any) shape your photography?
I guess people admiring or giving credit for my work is my drive to do more. Making others happy is a big plus.
What advice would you give someone who just picked up their new camera on how to get started?
Take a class. I did in High School. It’s very easy to not understand the subject you are shooting. For instance, don’t cut their head off in the shot. Capture everything if you can.
What is the goal of your photography? (A business, just to share on social media, gateway to adventure, etc.)
My goal is to have fun and hope others appreciate what I see and shoot. If someone wants to purchase a photo, I usually sell it but for very little to cover my costs. I just love to know it’s hanging up on someone’s home and that I took it. Heartwarming knowing this.
Do you shoot with your editing style in mind, or do you edit based on the shot that you got?
I don’t even think of editing when I shoot. Hopefully, I won’t need to edit. Sometimes after the shot and I view it, it might not look as good as the naked eye gave me so then I like to beef it up a little sometimes.
Do you prefer to photograph alone, or in a group?
I always photograph alone or with another person but have never been in a group to photograph. We would all have the same pictures then and it wouldn’t mean as much to me.
How do you feel like social media has changed photography and do you think it’s a good or bad thing?
Social media is a great way to share and show your work. I am positive about it. I don’t have to hang my art in stores or places I may have to pay to show it. I may do this at some point but for now, I just like putting it out there. I would hope someone would ask about printing or purchase and not print and display or try and sell my art. That would be like stealing and I couldn’t imagine what I would do if I found my art hanging in a store someone else was making money off of without my approval.
What is the best way for photographers to network?
I guess in social media groups like “I Love St. Augustine, FL” on Facebook. This way you get to not only send your photo’s but also see that art of others.
Do you enjoy books? If so, any specific genre?
I don’t read a lot of books and I don’t purchase them very often. I have read some in the past but really don’t have the time to do that. I have a hard time sitting still for a long period.
What is your favorite photographic accomplishment?
Probably the time in High School where I entered the contest I won and was disqualified. I really need to think about doing this again now that I’ve retired and have more time.
If you had a question you would like to ask another photographer what would it be?
Did you take classes or courses on your camera? I would love to know my camera better and not always shoot automatic. I’m very fortunate to have the autofocus and adjustments.
What’s the best thing for you about living on the First Coast?
There is so much to photograph and natural art. I just love St. Augustine and always have. I never thought I would live in such a beautiful town.
Is there anything else that you want to tell everyone?
I guess I would tell everyone that like having served my country for 40 years, those thanking me for doing this would feel the same or get the same feeling if more people appreciated my work. I get a lot of appreciation already but you have to wonder how many people that don’t click that like button or make a comment and move on after viewing the photo. I believe we as photographers strive for that like button or comment as it gives me more energy to go and do more. It tells us they approve and appreciate what we are doing and sharing with others.
How can we see your work?
I post on my Facebook page for friends and family to see and also post publicly on Facebook in some group pages. My favorite is “I Love St. Augustine, FL”
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Glenn is the founder and publisher of First Coast Life. He is also a wonderful storyteller. Born on the 4th of July, he spends his spare time taking his camera and exploring everything beautiful this region offers with his rescue dog Callie by his side. He loves meeting new people and capturing the many beautiful moments and amazing local stories that showcase the true spirit of the area.
One Response
Always a pleasure to see Ronnie’s images.