Like many people, I began taking snapshots as a child using ‘point and shoot’ film cameras. I got my first serious camera, a Canon AE-1, in December 1980. I bought this camera to record my kids’ childhoods. The AE-1 did that job well, and also survived my time in the military traveling the nation and the world. For 30 years, however, the mode dial never moved from ‘Auto.’ Looking back, the results are interesting in spite of my limited knowledge and effort.
I went digital in 2004, after using my wife’s digital ‘point and shoot’ on a trip across country. I had a printer dock and really thought I was big time! A couple years later, I decided to get serious about my photography and upgraded to a Canon EOS 450D (Rebel XSi). Shortly after, I bought my first serious zoom lens, a Canon EF 70-300, and started to look at subjects farther away. I took my first photography class – basic composition – in 2009. I graduated to a Canon EOS 60D camera with a Tamron 150-600 lens to reach those really far away subjects, then moved on to a Canon EOS 7D Mark II. As my skills got better, I purchased my first full frame sensor camera body, a Canon EOS 6D Mark II.
In the last couple years, I went mirrorless with a pair of Canon EOS R5 bodies, although I occasionally use my lovely bride’s Canon EOS R6 camera body . I am slowly upgrading to RF lenses, but still use a couple of the EF lenses with an adapter. I rely on a Canon RF 24-240 f/4.0 as my workhorse lens. For bringing wildlife closer, I love my Canon RF 800 f/11 lens. Midrange duties are handled by my Canon EF 100-400 L series lens. Going wide is no problem for my Canon RF 15-35 f/2.8 L series lens. For getting up close, my Canon EF 100 f/2.8 L series Macro lens makes it happen.
I originally called myself The PHOTOROGR Project: A Journey in Creative Photography, because this truly is a journey for me. I have since dropped the Journey in Creative Photography even though I still learn something every time I pick up my camera and look through the view finder. I was trained as an engineer and am also a retired military officer. Initially, my greatest challenge was to think outside the rigid logical thought processes that served me so well and include the abstract concepts of light, shadow, color, and composition to the technical knowledge needed to make images successfully. As I learned the basics of the exposure triangle (aperture, shutter speed, and ISO), I began to see the world a little bit differently – making the available light and compositions work for me.
I am mostly self-taught, relying on books, some online learning, and a network of wonderful mentors and friends to improve my photography skills. My preferred subjects include classic automobiles, steam locomotives, landscapes, and wild critters, among other things.
Thank you for joining me on this journey. I hope my images are pleasing and look forward to hearing if I was successful.
PHOTOROGR
Very cool Rog. Enjoyed!!!
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Nice start Roger. Looking forward to the updates.
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I am always amazed by the perfection of your pictures. Truly jealous of your abilities. Keep up the good work!
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Roger, awesome page. Your pictures inspire me to go out and enjoy the beauty of ever day life! Thank you. Looking forward to more of your pictures!!!
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Thank you so much Roger for choosing to follow our adventures in sailing and photography. Love your images of critters!
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Great photos and blog Roger. Thanks for the follow. I look forward to following your adventures in photography. 🙂
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Roger,
I got a Nikon Coolpix S9900 a couple of weeks ago. 30x zoom, 16MP. It’s 95% of what most folks can do with an D-SLR. ISO adjustable, aperature and speed selectable. I have my Nikon D7100 with Tamron 150-600 lens and the S9900 here in Hawaii. The S9900 weighs about 5 pounds less and clips on my belt. Need a tripod or monopod for long zooms because you can’t hold it steady enough. Obviously the 7100 gathers more light and zooms quicker but I will definitely take it when the SLR is not convenient. Whale watching on Thursday, hopefully a good head-to-head comparison.
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Good afternoon!
Just a quick note to say how much I enjoyed looking at your photographs and reading some of your blogs! I’m an amateur photographer myself, only have time for it part-time, but really enjoy it nonetheless.
Wishing you peace and love this Holiday weekend!
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Beautiful photos, sir! Very impressive works. Perhaps some pics of classic corvettes are now in order? 😉
Still have those pop-rivets…
Your buddy Dave
P.S…how but them Hawkeyes!
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Thanks Dave – I see you’re still delusional and confused, and getting meaner! LOL!!
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