Photographers Interview: Yankee63

1.         Who are you? Please give a brief background information.

Hi, I'm Yankee63 and I'm also 63 years young. I'm a wife, mother, and grandmother. I'm originally from Connecticut, however, I lived in California for 34 years before retiring to Central Oregon (Oakland) where I live with my husband on 62 gorgeous acres in the Umpqua Valley.

2.         How long have you been doing photography?

I'm definitely an amateur and I've only been doing photography since my retirement 2 years ago.

3.         How did you start doing photography? What got you interested in it?

My daughter actually got me interested in photography. She's an avid photographer and she encouraged me to take up this hobby since I have the time now to enjoy it.

5.         Do you have special education? Did you take courses or go to a school learn photography?

I've been reading books from the library ("Digital Photography for Dummies"!) and I also get lots of help from Shotaddict.

6.         Are you specializing in a particular area of photography? What is your favourite type of photography?

I especially like nature shots and animals, but I'm finding that I take shots of just about everything because I always have my camera with me. Of course, our days trips around this beautiful state provide lots of opportunities for taking scenic pictures. My family is my best resource for candid shots.

7.         What equipment and software do you use? (camera(s), lenses, film, etc.)

I started out with a point and shoot digital camera, but I recently purchased a Canon S3 IS. Now I'm challenged with just learning about the camera and how to use it.

8          What is your opinion on post-processing, especially enhancing pictures?

If I was earning a living as a photographer, I'm sure I, of course, would be editing and enhancing my pictures. But since I take pictures purely for the fun and joy of it to please myself, I'm not so much into post-processing. I do want to take good pictures though and am striving to learn more and more about how to do that.

9.         What advice would you give someone who is interested in photography and wants to improve their photography skills?

My advice for someone interested in photography is to just enjoy it because there aren't any wrong shots - just ones that inspire you to take better pictures. Ask questions, and read, read, read.

10.       What's the most challenging aspect of photography for you? What's the best part of it?

My biggest challenge (right now) is learning about my new camera and how to use it. It even 'talks' to me! I thoroughly enjoy being outdoors with my camera because it reinforces how ever changing and beautiful nature is and how lucky I am to try to capture it in a photograph. I'm filling albums with my shots and it's rewarding to go back and 'revisit' the places I've seen through my photos. Shotaddict is to much fun for me and I'm grateful for the opportunity to share my pictures.