My fascination
with nature began when I was about 8 years old. It was about this time
that I picked up my first dandelion and gazed at it with utter
amazement. It was also about this time that I began to watch
television shows such as "The Underwater World of Jacque Cousteou" and
"Mutual of Omaha's Wild Kingdom" I learned about nature from what I
saw on TV.
My mother bought me my
first camera when I was around 10 years old. It was an inexpensive 110
camera and I can recall being intrigued by it. I took pictures of
friends and family but I wouldn't say I was "hooked" on photography at
that time. It was something to do, something to pass the time away. I
don't think I really got into photography until my son was born. I
took countless photos of him as an infant. I was also a student at
East Stroudsburg University at this time. East Stroudsburg is
located in the pocono mountains in Pennsylvania. There were beautiful
trees and scenic landscapes everywhere. There was also an abundance of
frogs, insects and other critters around. This is when I became really
fascinated with photography. I wanted to capture what I saw on
film.
My photographic "paintings"
consist of more than just nature and wildlife photos. I also like to
take pictures of cityscapes. I shoot things that I know will sell, but
I also shoot things that I like and are appealing to me. I think this
is one of the keys to photography. You have to really enjoy what you
are doing.
I like to share my pictures
with people but I also like to tell folks how I got the shot. I have
no secret formulas or tricks up my sleeve. I do my best to share
whatever information I have acquired. My photos are simply the result
of years of study and personal assignments. I run tests and take
careful notes which makes it easy when I head into the field. My
exposures for the most part or predetermined and I have an idea or
what to expect before I pick up my camera.
I use Minolta cameras and lenses and I usually use Kodak film.
I read up on my subject before I go out to shoot. Its easy to
photograph an insect or animal when you know what he likes to eat,
when he is most active etc. I must admit I have a special fascination
with butterflies. Most of the information I have learned about
them has come from the book Butterflies Through Binoculars. Again, learn about your subject and
anticipate its actions. This is the only way to nail the
shot.
I admire the photographic
work of several people. I like the pictures of John
Shaw, and Galen
Rowell. Of course
for black and white I love the work of Ansel Adams. These are folks who have been shooting for
years socan learn a lot by picking up one of their books.
Photography today is a
somewhat spiritual endeavor for me. It allows me to record some of
God's handiwork, to document some of His creatures and flora. I don't
get to shoot as much as I would like as I am currently a student at
Eastern
Baptist Theological Seminaryin Philadelphia, Pa.
But I do get out as much as I can. My goal when taking a picture is
for my viewer to literally smell the flowers or hear bees. I want the
person to feel like they were there with me when I took the picture.
It's serious business for me, a lot of time and effort goes into
it.
Marc Freeman - Natural Photographer
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