New webinar coming up: Best of Nikonians annual review, 28-MAR-2024 4PM EST (for all members on Silver level and higher) >>> More info

X


Sign up Login
Home Forums Articles Galleries Members Galleries Master Your Vision Galleries 5Contest Categories 5Winners Galleries 5ANPAT Galleries 5 The Winners Editor's Choice Portfolios Recent Photos Search Contest Info Help News Newsletter Join us Renew Membership About us Retrieve password Contact us Contests Vouchers Wiki Apps THE NIKONIAN™ For the press Fundraising Search Help!
More5

I am Nikonians

Sarah Boser (Sarah9) Interview

Marsha Edmunds (meadowlark2)


Keywords: wildlife, landscape, macro, photography, sarah9

\21

There is something in this article by Sarah for all to appreciate – her splendid images, her journey in acquiring skills, her engaging remarks and insightful advice. 

01

Cuttaloosa Farm Mill
Nikon D5500, 18-105mm f/3.5-5.6G VR @ 32 mm f/6.3, 1/50s, ISO 100. Handheld.

 

“I live in Pennsylvania, northeast of Philadelphia where the suburbs begin to meld with the countryside. The location provides lots of places to photograph, including urban areas, woodlands, wetlands, and all manner of waters’ edges.  I like to shoot outdoors, especially at the nearby Core Creek Park and Tyler State Park.

02

Dragonfly
Nikon D5500, 18-105mm f/3.5-5.6G VR @ 105mm, f/5.6, 1/640s, ISO 250 Handheld and tightly cropped.

 

I took the long road to using a DSLR and choosing Nikon gear, and very much consider myself a beginner.  I used various auto focus cameras for decades and, with a good quality lens and a fairly solid eye for composition, I was satisfied. The simplicity really appealed to me.  Then, after a trip to Glacier National Park in fall 2015, I came home disappointed with my photos. The landscapes demanded a wider angle and deeper view than what my simple, straightforward Sony Cybershot with its Carl Zeiss lens could give.   So I took the leap and bought a Nikon D5500, which for a non-techie like me was a little like jumping off a cliff.  I signed up for a photography class, and set out this past year to learn as much as I could.  I try to shoot photographs whenever possible, and just have fun with it.

03

Chevy Truck Still Life
Nikon D5500, 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6G ED DX VRII @ 200mm, 1/125 sec at f/14, ISO 100. Handheld.

 

I like to take photographs outdoors, and love quiet landscapes.  I spend a lot of time at local parks or meandering around Bucks County’s quieter roads, looking for things to photograph.  I’ve started to dabble with birds in flight, which I didn’t think I’d be too interested in until I had some success shooting the eagles fishing at Conowingo Dam.  Now that’s a fun day out!  Mostly I’m just listening for my voice in my photos, and am interested to follow where it leads

04

Slot Canyon Waterfall
Nikon D5500, 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6G ED DX VRII @ 18 mm, f/13, 1.3s, ISO 100. With circular polarizer because I forgot to take it off. On a Feisol Tournament CT-3442 tripod.

 

I joined Nikonians last year when my husband, Bob, suggested we register for the Fall 2016 ANPAT to Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks.  He attended the Spring 2015 ANPAT to the southern marshes, swamps and beaches, and really enjoyed the trip.  While it didn’t take much to convince me to agree, I was a little apprehensive about whether my skills would be too rudimentary.  That definitely wasn’t the case.  The ANPAT really is a trip that welcomes all skill levels.  I learned a great deal from the others on the trip, and also had a great time in a stunning location.

05

Shane Cabin Windows
Nikon D5500, 18-105mm f/3.5-5.6G @ 18mm, f/8, 1/50s ISO 100. Handheld.

 

I read the Nikonians forums regularly for information, often searching the archives for threads on concepts I’m trying to learn.  I’m also inspired by the photographs other members post, and frequently look at their shooting data to conceptualize how the image was made.  I really appreciate the commitment of Nikonians members to sharing information.  It’s an engaging environment that fosters learning, and encourages both the artistic and the technical aspects of photography.

06

Coastal Maine Sunset
Nikon D5500, 18-105mm f 3.5-5.6G VR @ 18 mm, f/11, 1.6s, ISO 100 Neutral density filter (likely .6) angled for sky and water On a Feisol Tournament CT-3442 tripod

 

My tip for other beginners is to show your photographs.  Get them out of the computer and let them breathe.  The discipline of choosing and processing photographs is a great learning tool, and feedback from others, a great motivator.  That, and have fun with it!  Enjoy the ride.

07

<

Robert Bruce Ricketts Falls
Nikon D5500, 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6G ED DX VRII @ 20 mm, f/13, 6, ISO 100 10 stop neutral density filter. On tripod.

 

I was visiting the Kingdom of Tonga many years ago, and was out for a morning walk around its small capital, Nuku‘alofa.  There was a dark black Mercedes sedan parked near the water, which was highly unusual for an island that had very few cars at that time, and certainly not new ones.  There were two Tongan men standing along the pier wearing dark clothing and dark sunglasses—all very “Men in Black” looking.  I learned that they were the King’s bodyguards keeping vigil while the King undertook his morning exercise routine.  Sure enough, looking out in the distance on the water I saw the King of Tonga rowing.  My camera wasn’t up to the task, given the wildly reflective water and bright morning sky, so I didn’t get anything more than a couple dark silhouetted shots.  That’s one do-over I’d love to have!”

08

Loch Maree
Nikon D5500, 18-200mm f 3.5-5.6G ED DX VRII @ 48 mm, f/14, 1/125 sec, ISO 100. Handheld.

 

Sarah, you have described a journey that continues but that cannot help but inspire others in their own searching to improve their own capacity in photography.  Thank you so much for providing encouragement by your example.

09

People Watching
Nikon D500, 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6G VR @ 300mm, f/7.1, 1/60s, ISO 100. Handheld.

 

 

 

Originally written on March 27, 2017

Last updated on November 29, 2017

Marsha Edmunds Marsha Edmunds (meadowlark2)

Donor Ribbon awarded for her support to the Fundraising Campaign 2014 Fellow Ribbon awarded for her continuous encouragement and meaningful comments in the spirit of Nikonians. Donor Ribbon awarded for her generous support to the Fundraising Campaign 2015 Ribbon awarded for her generous support to the Fundraising Campaign 2017 Awarded for her in-depth knowledge and high level of skill in several areas.  Awarded for winning in The Best of Nikonians 2019 Photo Contest

Lethbridge, Canada
Team, 13831 posts

More articles by Marsha Edmunds

More... More...

21 comments

Danny W. Burdick (burdicda) on April 10, 2017

You've got "the eye" for sure...and I am very impressed with how you've taken all those "slower" lens right up to the edge... Beautiful photography shows us the beauty inside you that you share with us here makes us all strive to achieve that in all our work. Thank you for sharing...

Sarah Boser (Sarah9) on April 7, 2017

Dale, thanks for your comments. Good catch on the D500. Yes, there's been a bit of NAS. I really like the D500 and absolutely love its kit lens, the 16-80mm f/2.8-4.0. We're in Utah right now and I had a chance to try that combo out at night. Really like it! I loved your story about your cousin being named "Woman of the Year" in Tonga. I hope you got a chance to see some of her photos. It's a beautiful area.

Dale Maas (marnigirl) on April 5, 2017

Donor Ribbon awarded for his generous support to the Fundraising Campaign 2014 Donor Ribbon awarded for his very generous support to the Fundraising Campaign 2015 Ribbon awarded for his generous contribution to the 2017 fundraising campaign

Well Sarah, you are an inspiration to us all. It is obvious that you have taken the dive with both feet!! Some wonderful images to go along with your excellent inputs. Noticed that the last image was taken with a D500. Have you already fallen into the Nikon Acquisition Syndrome (NAS) sickness ;-). As a side note. My cousin was a free lance travel photographer and visited the island of Tonga. The king took a liking to her and named her 'The Woman of the Year' in Tonga. Not sure how much competition there was but we always had a good giggle about it. Keep up your wonderful attitude Sarah, it is catching!! Take Care, Dale

Sarah Boser (Sarah9) on April 1, 2017

Ian, thank you for your kind words. I really appreciate your feedback, and also the inspiration from the photos that you post. Markku, so nice to see your smiling caricature here! Thanks for your support. Thanks also for your sense of humor on the ANPAT--way fun. Bob says hi. Bill, thanks for your in-depth feedback. I appreciate the comments about the waterfall. I didn't shoot it at different shutter speeds. I took this shortly after learning to coordinate the use of tripod/filter/longer shutter speed, so flexibility wasn't in my repertoire at that point. I pretty much clobbered the photo with a r-e-a-l-l-y long exposure. Overkill, I know now. These waterfalls are more than a day trip's distance, need a weekend really, so it will probably be a while before I'm back. I'll definitely try different exposures next time. There is room in those rocks to bring up the shadow areas, as you've suggested. I've played around with it a little since I first processed this pic--also done with very basic lightroom skills. I'll look into that some more. Thanks for all the suggestions. I really appreciate it.

Bill Fleming (Sojerz) on March 31, 2017

Sarah, I'm southeast of Philadelphia in the coastal plain of south jersey and without all of the NE PA interesting relief. You are very talented with a great eye for composition. I especially love your farm mill, chevy truck, and shane cabin photographs. I'm also wondering if you shot the water falls at higher shutter speeds and without the "waterfall effect"? I think that effect sometimes looks "supernatural" in such a natural setting. The rocks in the vicinity of the falls look like they would be awesome if you brought up those shadow areas (note: this comment is coming from a geologist) and let the water take on a more natural state or possibly just freeze it with a high shutter speed - the water fall effect highlights wouldn't be quite as dominant then. Best, and keep up the great work.

Markku Leiniö (mleinio) on March 31, 2017

Great photos, nice article! Totally a moment of "hey I've met her!" when reading the weekly newsletter :-)

Ian McNicol...aka Scotty. (Scotty45) on March 31, 2017

You are an inspiration to all us Nikonians Sarah. Great work Marsha. I enjoy your articles.

Sarah Boser (Sarah9) on March 30, 2017

Kathy, I'd love that. I'll pm you.

Kathy Cavallaro (Cavy2) on March 30, 2017

Awarded for her continuing willingness to keep on learning and to share her knowledge with others in the Nikonians spirit Awarded for her in-depth knowledge and high level of skill in several areas. Ribbon awarded as a member who has gone beyond technical knowledge to show mastery of the art a

Nice article and lovely pictures Sarah and Marsha! I very much enjoy this feature. Since we're practically neighbors Sarah, we should plan to get out and shoot together sometime.

Sarah Boser (Sarah9) on March 30, 2017

Thanks John, it was nice to meet you at ANPAT as well. Bob says hello.

John McGarry (jtmcg) on March 29, 2017

Donor Ribbon awarded for his generous support to the Fundraising Campaign 2014 Awarded for his high level skills, specially in Wildlife, Macro & Landscape Photography Donor Ribbon awarded for his generous support to the Fundraising Campaign 2015 Awarded for his win at the Nikonians Best 2016 Photo Contest Ribbon awarded for his generous support to the 2017 fundraising campaign Ribbon awarded for his generous contribution to the 2019 Fundraising campaign Ribbon awarded as a member who has gone beyond technical knowledge to show mastery of the art a Winner of a Best of Nikonians Photo Contest

Hi Sarah, Great article and images. It was nice meeting you at ANPAT. My regards to Bob. John

Marsha Edmunds (meadowlark2) on March 29, 2017

Donor Ribbon awarded for her support to the Fundraising Campaign 2014 Fellow Ribbon awarded for her continuous encouragement and meaningful comments in the spirit of Nikonians. Donor Ribbon awarded for her generous support to the Fundraising Campaign 2015 Ribbon awarded for her generous support to the Fundraising Campaign 2017 Awarded for her in-depth knowledge and high level of skill in several areas.  Awarded for winning in The Best of Nikonians 2019 Photo Contest

It was such a pleasure working on this with you, Sarah. Your images demonstrate your vision and talent. Your commentary was very courageous and illuminating. You document your passion for photography and I so look forward to see more of your work.

Sarah Boser (Sarah9) on March 29, 2017

Thanks for all the positive feedback and encouragement. This is a great community, and I really appreciate the Nikonians spirit! Thanks also to Marsha for this series. I have really enjoyed reading the interviews you've done, and appreciated the opportunity to be interviewed as well.

Dean Phelps (deanphelps) on March 28, 2017

Hi Sarah, Great article, story and beautiful photos! I don't get to log on as often as I would like, but I was so surprised when I saw this today and that we actually know each other (kind of). Dean

User on March 28, 2017

Thanks Sarah for letting us into who you are and how your journey with photography has unfolded. Many people will be inspired from your captures . Keep posting Sarah as we all want to see more. Kip

Jim Orsetti (jorsetti) on March 28, 2017

Good path, keep going! Best Jim

Richard Luse (DaddySS) on March 28, 2017

Donor Ribbon awarded for his generous support to the Fundraising Campaign 2014 Ribbon awarded for his generous support to the Fundraising Campaign 2015 Ribbon awarded for his generous support to the Fundraising Campaign 2017 Ribbon awarded for his generous contribution to the 2019 Fundraising campaign

Thanks Sarah for the wonderful story and inspiration.

Albrecht Granzow (GiantTristan) on March 28, 2017

Very nice article and beautiful images.

David Summers (dm1dave) on March 28, 2017

Awarded for high level knowledge and skills in various areas, most notably in Wildlife and Landscape Writer Ribbon awarded for his excellent article contributions to the Nikonians community Donor Ribbon awarded for his very generous support to the Fundraising Campaign 2015 Ribbon awarded as a member who has gone beyond technical knowledge to show mastery of the art a

Thank you for sharing Sarah. Your work is outstanding!

Thomas W. Sprunger (Melman59) on March 27, 2017

Ribbon awarded for his win at the Best of Nikonians 2017 Annual Photo Contest Ribbon awarded as a member who has gone beyond technical knowledge to show mastery of the art a Winner of the Best of Nikonians Photo Contest 2020

Very interesting article Sarah with some fantastic images. Thanks for sharing your story. Tom

Donna Knodle (dgknodle) on March 27, 2017

Ribbon awarded for her very generous support to the Fundraising Campaign 2017

I loved your article, Sarah, and it was a great way to get to know you better. You've made a wonderful journey into photography and you quest to learn more about it is quite evident. I agree with your assessment of Nikonians and how so much information is gladly shared among the members. It's a great place to learn no matter what your skill level may be. I know it's also helped me a lot. Your landscape shots in this article are just excellent and I hope to see more of them from you. Please post more of them for us!

G