John Roach (jdroach) Interview

John is a regular member at Nikonians, first signing up back in 2009 and has participated on multiple ANPATs over the years. Always being very supportive, helping other photographers improving their photography, providing gear and post-processing tips & tricks while sharing his own photographs.

You probably have seen some of John’s excellent images at Nikonians, several of which have won our Best of Nikonians contests, and inspired others to reach new heights. He is shooting a mix of landscape, architecture, wildlife, travel and detailed work, such as flower macro photography

In this interview we will learn a bit more about John and how he approaches his photography and finds inspiration. We hope you will find it interesting!

Over to John:

I am a former US Navy senior enlisted man and Vietnam Veteran, business executive with an engineering, business degree and MBA. Having worked as a Project Manager in the Nuclear Power Plant Instrumentation and Controls Industry for many years, I retired as a Director of Operations in Hospital Facilities Operations.  

For the last six years I have lived in the Richmond, Virginia area where we moved when my wife retired.  Prior to that I lived around 40 years in the Chicago and Milwaukee area.

After retiring at the age of 65 (I'm 79 now) photography turned into my foremost passion and thanks to plentiful shooting opportunities here in Virginia, I have added nature and wildlife photography to my interests. There are many great locations around the James River and the eastern seaboard letting me study and capture Eagle, Osprey, Herons and many other forms of wildlife.

Since I bought an FM2 back in 1980, it was natural for me to pick a Nikon as my first DSLR as well, a D90 in 2009.  Shortly after I had purchased the D90, I discovered the Nikonians community and immediately found it to be a welcome resource for learning, sharing and interacting with other Nikon camera folks.  I became a Platinum member in short order so that I could take advantage of all that Nikonians offer and to support our wonderful and friendly community.

There was a period on my photography journey when I mainly focused on the gear I used, owning several different Nikon DSLR's. Now it is more about how to create a compelling and memorable image in whatever genre I choose, and my primary interests are landscape, flower, travel and wildlife. Having a great passion for artistry helps me create my monochrome images, as well as various painterly points of view.

My Nikon Df, D500, an IR-converted D90, as well as my Z6 are used frequently.  A Fuji X series camera, sometimes with a Nikkor lens via adapter, comes in handy as well. For post processing I am mainly using Adobe Lightroom and occasionally Photoshop along with a wide array of other software tools being applied in the creative process.

While being involved with many venues for sharing and learning photography, I consider Nikonians my home.  I value it for the friendships, interaction, the occasional Annual Nikonians Photographic Adventure Trips (ANPAT's) and most importantly for the inspiration I get from fellow members.

Having evolved from a fledging beginner to an advanced photographer has been possible through my consistent involvement with Nikonians.  Many Nikonians, too many to name individually, have helped me on my path by answering questions, offering critique and sharing their own, inspiring work.  It is that body of work that I've sought to emulate while developing my own personal style and point of view.  Daily I look forward to see a few new ways of “seeing” from fellow members.

My single piece of advice comes from having seen many Nikonians evolve, to discover a greater understanding and appreciation of what photography can be, how to see light and create images reflecting what we want to show others, to see through our own eyes. 

“Be open to possibilities through study, practice and experiment with the light.  To do this, continue to learn the art of seeing, be true to yourself, become familiar with your camera and capture the light frequently even when you don’t feel like it.  Then share what you learn; teach others.  Like any art form, the challenges are sometimes enormous and can be hard to overcome, but the rewards are limitless.” (jdroach)

I have so many wonderful memories of shared experiences, meaningful images captured, shared stories, laughs, silly moments, wonderful places around the world as well as my solitary day trip adventures at all different times of the day.  I have made many mistakes, but also have received many rewards as well as recognition and “Awards”.

Perhaps, though, one of my most memorable experiences goes back to my first ANPAT in 2011.  We had gotten to Bryce Canyon anticipating seeing the beauty of the Canyon after being in Zion, Red Canyon and Cedar Breaks.  However, it was pouring rain the night we arrived, and the weather forecast for the next day was pretty gloomy.  Overnight the rain turned to snow and the next morning the sun occasionally shone spectacularly upon the canyon with wonderful clouds, splendid light and a glistening snow.

This landscape made it possible for me to capture one of my favorites, “Bryce Canyon and Trail” below.  Learning how to use HDR I was able to create an image which gave me the confidence to know it's possible to capture many more wonderful things with my camera. Key is to practice, to be patient, to listen and to learn from others about the range of possibilities I have in “capturing the light” and creating art with my photography.

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It is always a pleasure reviewing your work, John.  Your work reflects your motivation to get out in all seasons and times of day in search of the extraordinary.   We appreciate your willingness to participate in this feature.  It must have been a challenge to choose these few images from the myriad you have in your collection -- Thanks! Marsha.

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