In a message dated 3/10/01 2:08:23 AM Pacific Standard Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED]
writes:
<< Dan Scott asks:
> So, what do you shoot? And why that?
>>
There is no way I can be as poetic as Glenn. That is a tough act to follow.
I shoot primarily animals and scenics. My graduate education centered mostly
on the study of small to medium sized mammals so many of my subjects are
things that many people rarely see or at least do not pay much attention to
(mice, squirrels, rabbits, etc.) but I am not beyond taking photos of
antelope and deer and I have an extensive collection of slides from zoos.
The scenics are generally taken when I am studying the animals or when I am
on vacation.
Fortunately my career affords me some opportunity to photograph both
subjects. I say "some opportunity" because my primary responsibility is to
study the animals so I cannot generally wait around for the best light or for
that critter to come out of its burrow. As a museum curator, part of his job
is to learn about my state and its natural history. I can then interpret
what I learn for the public. As an example, recently, my boss and I gave a
public program on rare and endangered plants and animals in the state of
Nevada, USA. Most of the habitats shots were taken by us. The plant photos
were all hers. Unfortunately, I had to borrow or buy most of the animal
slides. Not only are these critters, by definition, rare and, therefore,
difficult to find and photograph but there are ethical and legal
considerations regarding getting close enough to them to get a good picture
(this could be considered harassment).
It is not at all unusual for me to loan my photos to our exhibit artist so
she can get the feet right on some animal she is depicting. A few of my
shots may go into a new exhibit we are preparing and others will likely be
used in the future. I will continue to use my slides of more common animals
in my public presentations.
The other aspect of my photography is more documentary. Most of you in this
group have experience with friends and/or coworkers saying something like
"Let's get the guy/gal with all the camera gear to take the photos." This is
both by design and because I generally have a camera around. I am frequently
the person with the camera at parties and public functions that many people
try to avoid but later seek out to see the photos of other people. Before I
moved from Texas, I was fortunate enough to photograph two or three releases
of formerly sick dolphins back to the wild. Now I frequently document
projects around the museum. I have photographed buildings being constructed,
exhibits being made, and an archeological dig that occurred in our parking
lot [A pile of coin dies for the Carson City Mint was found. [If you are
"Coin Enthusiast" and want to know more contact me off the list.] These
types of shots frequently make it into the museum newsletter. The coin stuff
became an exhibit.
Yes, we have a professionally trained photographer on staff. He takes all
the studio shots and does all the B&W reproductions but he is also
responsible for exhibit design and construction so I sometimes fill in for
the more impromptu stuff I have described above.
I also take promotional and documentary photos of him teaching martial arts
classes. Its would be difficult for him to get punched by women and
manhandle police (he can get away with this in this venue) and take the
photos at the same time. Actually, I am complemented he thinks enough of my
photography to ask me to do this.
To keep this too long note somewhat on topic -- Yes I use Pentax gear. If
any of the list's participants are going to be near Carson City, Nevada, USA
(western Nevada) feel free to give me an email. Like may locals, I am not
terribly familiar with the "touristy" stuff to do but I can tell you where
the museums and camera stores are and maybe give you ideas on a few
photographic locations. I know very little about Lake Tahoe, the casinos, or
the brothels.
Sorry about the length. I know I am too dxxm wordy.
George Baumgardner
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