Candi Foltz (CandisCamera) Interview
Keywords: pet, birds, wildlife, photography, candiscamera
Working with Candi on this interview I found we were about to have the opportunity to see work that had not previously been touched on in this feature – Pet Photography. As Candi also shows us she has a great interest in other areas of photography and it is a pleasure to see her work.
Candi comments, “I think with these images I have illustrated a short autobiography of my history with photography and the Nikon camera. The photos of the Iguanas and the Pug dog are a glimpse into my past when I was a pet photographer twenty years ago using the Nikon 8008n film camera. I made all the costumes myself and most of the backdrops. The other photos show more recent digital camera shots and my interest in post processing artistry.”
Candi goes on to fill out the rest of the article.
“I live in Florida with my Pug dog "China" and big Percheron horse "Zippie". My obsession with photography began twenty years ago after I took my dogs to a local Christmas photo shoot. Soon thereafter I purchased my first Nikon film camera, the N8008 (F-801) which to this day resides in my closet.
I then put together a portable studio with two umbrella lights, a remote control box and my backdrops. For fun I set it up in my house where I could dress up my iguanas on a cold day and take their pics, and do the same with my Pug dogs (and a few borrowed models). I made all the costumes and most of the backdrops. My photography name back then was "shutterpug".
Ten years later I entered the digital world with a Panasonic DMZ, but soon realized I needed something more advanced and purchased the Nikon D5300; sold it, and now have the Nikon D7100, which I mostly use with the 18-105mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR DX AF-S Nikkor for portraits and the 18-300mm f/3.5-6.3G ED DX AF-S VR lens for birds; and later bought the D610, which has the Sigma 150-500mm lens attached. I just bought the newer Tamron SP 90mm f/2.8 Di Macro 1:1 VC USD which I will indulge in as soon as it arrives.
A new universe opened up for me when I set up a ladder and feeder in my backyard, mounted the camera on a tripod and used a wireless remote control to get the cardinals, blue jays and woodpeckers in flight. I learned so much about the cameras, lenses and bird behaviors from this! I love animals and wildlife so I venture out whenever possible to "shoot" whatever I can, plus the occasional hawk or deer that passes through the property. Horses are another passion that has me capturing many horse images for myself and friends.
I came across the Nikonians site about a year ago while surfing the web and became a silver member shortly thereafter. I was attracted by the well-organized collection of insightful articles and variety of forums; my favorites of which are the Wildlife and Digital Artistry. I appreciated the willingness of members to share their technical knowledge and experiences being a neophyte. I'm constantly inspired to learn more as I continue on my personal photographic journey. And the excitement of transferring the photos from the SDHC card onto my computer screen never ends.
My advice to fellow photographers, especially those who are fairly new to the digital world, is to get to know well your camera's functions, explore, take notes, get the subscription for Photoshop CC and Lightroom (can't go wrong for $10/month), and get out and have fun with it!
Please visit my Nikonians gallery or my Facebook page, Candi’s Camera. I'm open to suggestions and constructive input.
Thanks Candi for your enthusiasm and creativity as you participate on the community and as we also see it reflected in your images. We will be watching to see more from you with future posts.
Originally written on February 9, 2017
Last updated on November 29, 2017
More articles that might interest you
G
9 comments
User on February 11, 2017
Marsha again you bring to the limelight another amazing photographer, Candi without doubt has mastered many areas of photography and what creativity she shows in these shots. Those captures of the Blue Jay and Cardinal are just spectacular and shooting them like you did is no easy matter,, well done Candi. Without question you are a great inspiration to us all. We all want to see more from you, Cheers Kip
Philipp Duffy (Nuvolari) on February 11, 2017
Thoroughly enjoyed the article and, especially, the accompanying photos. Lots of creativity there. The pug photo is priceless!
Tom Jacob (sevendayimages) on February 10, 2017
Amazing images Candi, and really nice to read the article. Those pet photography pictures really show your creativity, very well done :) Looking forward seeing more of your work, and Marsha..tops for another great article. Go Nikonians. Cheers, Tom
Marsha Edmunds (meadowlark2) on February 10, 2017
Glad you like the feature everyone. Thank you. I just do a little coordination. Beautiful work and interesting comments Candi!
Don Roarabaugh (NatureDon) on February 10, 2017
Another great article Marsha. Thanks for sharing part of your journey Candi. Awesome photos and good suggestions. Don
Candi Foltz (CandisCamera) on February 9, 2017
I'm humbled and honored to have been featured for an "I Am Nikonians" interview! Marsha Edmunds deserves a standing ovation for all the work & time she puts into these articles, thank you Marsha! And thanks to all for your comments and compliments, I really appreciate it.
Donna Knodle (dgknodle) on February 9, 2017
Excellent article of a fascinating photographer, Marsha. You are a true inspiration, Candi, with so much creativity in your photos and processing. I love the variety in your pictures and digital creations.
Dale Maas (marnigirl) on February 9, 2017
Candi, I absolutely love your work. What a wonderful eye and imagination you have. Obviously you have no problem about 'thinking out of the box'. You are a great inspiration to us all. Take Care and keep posting. Dale
Kathy Cavallaro (Cavy2) on February 9, 2017
Thanks Marsha and Candi! Candi, what fun to see your Pug and Iguana images!