And find some Feathered Friends

What part of First Coast do you reside in now, and how long have you lived there? 

I live in St. Augustine, in the World Golf Village area and I have resided here for 11 years.

Why did you get into photography? 

Photography is a wonderful way to document, share, and express. I think initially I got into photography because I liked to take and share photos, but over time it became a passion. For me now, it’s more of a creative and artistic expression. I like to share with others what I see through my lens. I tend to focus on things in nature that really catch my eye, and I often find things that people overlook or don’t even notice. Bringing attention of that beauty to others can be very rewarding.

How long have you been shooting? How do you feel you’ve evolved since you started? 

I’ve always enjoyed taking photos but it became more of a passion about 7 years ago and I started a photography business officially in 2022. Since starting my photography journey, I have really seen changes. In the beginning, it was fun and I just snapped everything I saw. I was an amateur and had a lot to learn! Over the years, I have learned so much through other photographers and I have practiced, practiced, practiced … that makes perfect, right?  I’ve seen my photo style and habits change right in front of my eyes!

Tell us about your photographic identity. You know you as a person have an identity that fundamentally makes you who you are. Tell us about that as a photographer: 

I guess who you are relies a lot on what you do. I take photos of birds, wildlife, and nature, so I guess my photographic identity lies in all things nature. I often refer to myself as a “bird” lady and say things like “talk birdie to me” because I highly enjoy birds. I like to birdwatch, read about birds, share bird photos, look at bird photos, listen to bird sounds …you get the idea. When I first started to take photos it was a hobby and I was an amateur, as it became a passion, I considered myself a photo enthusiast. Now, even though I have a photography business, I don’t really consider it my profession because I don’t make a living off of it. However, I do guess I see myself more as a “professional” as I grow and learn more and become better at what I do.

Tell us about the gear that you’re using. Please give us a list with reasons why you chose it. Please be descriptive. We want to know how it helps you translate your creative vision: 

I shoot with a Sony Alpha 7iv, a mirrorless camera. My go-to lens is the Sony 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 GM OSS. It is a remarkable setup for birding and more! Reasons for my choice: the Sony name, lightweight, great overall performance rating, great autofocus and stabilization, which are very helpful in bird photography. 

Natural light or artificial light? Why? 

Natural light always! I want my photos to look as natural as possible. I am taking photos in Nature, so natural lighting makes sense. The beautiful sunlight highlighting a bird’s feathers, for example, accentuates the natural beauty, colors, and textures. I especially love the early morning light, perfect for flower photography, landscapes, and wildlife. 

Why is photography and shooting so important to you? 

Photography is important to me because it allows me to show some creative expression. When I am out in nature and taking photos, I feel at peace, and I’m happy. It is the best place to be in my opinion. I really enjoy being amongst the trees, the birds, the bees, and even the alligators. Photography is not just a hobby; it is pretty much a way of life for me. I think I would be lost without it! I guess I also like photography because it is a way to document what you see and share it with others.

What made you want to get into your genre? 

I have always loved animals and nature throughout my life. I first started taking photos when my husband and I would go for walks and explore where we live (so much to see and do in Florida). I began my journey by blogging for fun. I used to be teacher and I like to write as well, so I used my love for writing and added in my new love for taking photos and created a simple blog online. I did that for a few years until the passion for photography really ignited … then it sort of took over! At that point when I bought a new camera and started my business, my focus was more on birds and wildlife, and the photos, not blogging about adventures. I also have a passion for the little things as well such as butterflies, flowers, and bugs .. I hope to learn more about macro photography in the future.

What do you think is the most important component to producing great results? (camera, lens, light, editing, location, artistic vision, etc.)? 

Honestly, I think first and foremost, you have to have the desire or passion. Anyone can snap photos, but if you are passionate about it, the results are going to be more amazing. Secondly, I think having an “eye” for it is important. You have to know how to look at what you are taking a photo of artistically and be able to create a composition that is appealing. Lighting matters, leaving out clutter, being on eye level with your subject (birds), showing some of the setting with your subject, etc. These are just some of the factors I include in having the “eye”. Sure, camera and gear do matter, but even those with the simplest equipment can take amazing shots and those with the most expensive equipment can fall short.

Where is your favorite places to take photos?

I have many, but locally, my favorite places include Anastasia State Park, Matanzas Inlet, the St. Augustine Alligator Farm, Washington Oaks Gardens State Park, Princess Place Preserve, Guana Reserve, and a few parks by the St Johns River.

What is the goal of your photography? (A business, just to share on social media, gateway to adventure, etc.)? 

My goal in photography is to share my love of nature! I take joy when others like my photos, share my photos, and purchase my photos. I do have a business, but it’s not about making money, its simply a means to be able to share my work with others.

What is the best way for photographers to network? 

I personally like Instagram. I have a huge network of photography “friends” on IG. It is a great way to share your work and receive/give feedback to one another. I have even met several friends through IG and we do meet-ups sometimes.I also participate in a few photography groups on Facebook, as well as participate online with Photocrowd, a community of photographers, where you can share photos and enter contests. I have also participated in a few photography workshops and hope to do more in the future!

Do you shoot with your editing style in mind, or do you edit based on the shot that you got? 

Interesting question … I definitely try to shoot with the photo in mind, meaning what I see is what I hope comes across in the photo. I am not a huge editor, but that being said, I do use Adobe Lightroom to do a few edits to my photos. I only edit when necessary and my biggest edits are cropping photos, slightly changing exposure, contrast, and occasionally I might remove an object from a photo (but very seldom). I think the best photography is being able to share a photo straight from your camera. Your eye, your camera settings, and your timing all say a lot about your ability. I’m not knocking “editing” because some people are so artistic, and I think that is a style of art on its own!

What advice would you give someone who has just picked up their new camera on how to get started?

First thing I did was watch some videos and the second thing I did was get a few lessons on basic photography and settings from a local professional photographer. Then, I would just say, get out there and practice and share your photos with others, and be sure to look at photos from other photographers you admire!

If you had a question you would like to ask another photographer, what would it be? 

Yes, how do other photographers manage all their photos? How do they store photos digitally and save backups of their photos? 

What’s the best thing for you about living on the First Coast? 

It is a beautiful place to live, to explore, and to spend time outside! From the beaches to the river, the parks, preserves, and gardens, to your own backyard … there is so much natural beauty all around us to enjoy!

Is there anything else that you want to tell everyone? 

My favorite time of year is nesting season in the spring and early summer. I especially love hanging out in the rookery at the St. Augustine Alligator Farm. I love to take photos of all the breeding, mating, and nesting birds. It’s a fabulous time of year! If you visit there during this time (February-July), you might see me there, because I go weekly! Last year, I was one of the ten winners in their photo contest.

How can we see your work?

https://www.enchantingfloridaphotography.com/
IG – enchanting_florida_photography

See the recent article by Kristina Tips for Bird Photography

• About the Author
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Glenn Shuck

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.

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