Getting to know YOu! - Skyline

When did you get into photography?

I’ve always been a snapper.
I was always the one to have a point and shoot camera with me. Never to take creative shots, just family snaps etc.
I got more into photography around 2008/09. My main hobby then was fishing. I used to take pictures of the different species and sizes of the fish. It was during 2008/09 that some of the people I met on the bank while fishing had these zoom cameras. I was fascinated by them. The wildlife I always used to love and watch was suddenly within arms reach.
Going from a point and shoot Kodak I used to take with me, I bought a second hand Fuji finepix S5800. I was amazed at the picture quality. I could now zoom right into the wild life. Ok, blown whites and all that but I didn’t know then. I was just happy with the pictures.
Picture taken with Fuji Finepix S5800 a few years ago.


I went from the Fuji S5800 to the Panasonic Lumix FZ38. For 2 reasons really. First it would be mine from new, and second, the video quality on it. I wanted a 2in1 so I could grabs videos at a click of a button of the grandchildren.
The FZ38 was a great camera and I’'m now kicking myself having sold it.


Why the continued interest in photography?

Photography is a totally a personal thing. Everyone likes something different and everyone sees something different through the lens. What keeps me interested is simple, I want to get better at what I do. If other people should like it too that’s a bonus.
Also, I haven’t photographed everything yet lol


Your first camera?

No idea. Maybe someone can tell me? My mum said I ways always clicking away.
Me with my first camera...



I’ve had lots of different point and shoot cameras where I would send off the film to get the pictures.
First camera that I knew the name of was the Fuji Finepix S5800.


Your current kit - views?

Canon 550D - I love my camera
Canon Lens EF-S 55-250mm - This is my least favourite lens I have. I never seem to be able to find the sweet spot on it. If, or when I have the money this lens if the one I’d upgrade.
Canon Lens EF 50mm - This is my favourite lens. Keep the camera steady and it takes great pictures. One of the cheaper Canon lenses and one I’d recommend to anyone.
Canon Lens EF-S 60mm Macro lens - I really like what I’ve taken with it so far and can’t wait until the summer comes to get some close ups of insects.
Canon Lens EF-S 18-55mm - I really like this lens that came with the camera. It does a good job of everything.
Canon Flash 270ex Speedlite - The next flash up from the build in one I guess. I bought a diffuser for it and it makes a big difference. Again,, one day I’d like to upgrade this but as you all know, this photography lark isn’t cheap.
Rucksack - Tripod - Baby tripod - Gorilla pod - The Red pod (brilliant thing. http://www.yophotographer.com/page.php?t=13836 ) air rocket - remote control - this list goes on.


Your favourite subject and why?

I don’t have one. I’m a jack of all trades, master of none.


Your dream location / assignment?

I’d really like to be able to go to a premiership football game and (with the correct lenses) be free to roam around the pitch………. Failing that, anywhere hot and sunny


Kit you couldn't live without?

The spare batteries I bought for the camera.


Kit you would like to have?

One of the top of the range luxury zoom lenses


Most useless kit?

Man United away kit. ……….. Joke Phil

Hama lens cleaning pen. I used it and it smudged the lens. I then had to buy something else to clean the lens.


What constitutes a great image?

This is where I’m still learning. I’d say lighting, framing, thought, interest and timing.


An Iconic Image?

Everyone will have a different idea view here, but this has to be mine.
I got into The Clash when I was about 13 and grew up with them through my teen years.
This pictures captures the pure energy The Clash had.



The album's front cover features a photograph of Paul Simonon smashing his Fender Precision Bass against the stage at The Palladium in New York City on 21 September 1979.
Pennie Smith, who photographed the band for the album, originally did not want the photograph to be used. She thought that it was too out of focus, but Strummer and graphic designer Ray Lowry thought it would make a good album cover. In 2002, Smith's photograph was named the best rock and roll photograph of all time by Q magazine, commenting that "it captures the ultimate rock'n'roll moment - total loss of control".


Photography pet hate?

People that think you should know it all. They forget not everyone is as good as them and some are literally starting out.

Also, some look down their nose at you if you don’t have the best gear. (Both I have listed does happen).


Photography ambitions?

To be as happy as I am now with photography in the future.


Your YoP wishes?

It would be nice if everyone that posts a picture would comment (good or bad) on other peoples pictures. Doesn’t have to be everyones, just some. There’s nothing like encouragement to keep a forum going.
I also think mini comps would go down very well.


Any other passions?

I love spending time with my grandchildren. To make a young child laugh is magical, to capture that moment is priceless.
Yes I’m a young Grandad at 44, but I wouldn’t have it any other way.

Also fishing.


Take it easy,

Dave

Great interview Dave...are you STILL getting sponsored by Clarks sandals for that shot of you as a kid?

xx ( cos I am a girl and I get to! :P)

Thanks Sharon. No sponsors. So, Canon, if you are reading this........

its cooldidlio

Just looking at your article again in more detail Dave as we have all the same lenses... you use them with the Canon 500 and I use them with the 450 and the 40D. ( for those who are interested in these things)

I adore my Ef 50-250 but it is a really fickle lens on auto focus and I have read of incompatibility issues with the 500. That said, in good light and on manual it is such a beauty ( they call it the nifty 250!) and has delivered for me time and again.

Don't give up on it easily and certainly not without a really good workout to define the problem..you may just have a duff one that needs sending back.

*cough cough* 550D I have.

I'm shooting more in manual a lot now. That lens just don't wanna be my friend

Thanks Cakey for your didlio

Sorry babe..I forget the increments.

I switched my 450 ( or 400 if you want to get even! ) over to manual and am forcing myself only to shoot with it in that mode.

My 'baby' second hand 40D..well I am always aware that shutter death will occur at some point and I ADORE this camera sooooooo much that I am getting more precious about when and how I use it. I keep checking MPD and other places to ensure I could replace it because it is just beautiful...to me at any rate.

That was a really good read, thank you phil & Skyline for putting in the time

Great to read about you Sky, and nicely put together Phil.