Judie Dunn (topper1946) Interview
Keywords: landscape, wildlife, macro, travel, photography, topper1946
It took a bit of encouragement as it often does for members to participate in this interview but Judie has proven herself as a fine photographer and it has always been a pleasure to view her posts. She sees herself as an amateur photographer as shown in her profile shooting wildlife and landscapes. Her images reflect the beauty she finds around her when closer to home as well as exciting locations she has visited. Judie is an example of what can be achieved with careful observation of the work of others, study, making an effort to get out and find great subjects, and being alert to creative opportunities.
“I have lived in San Antonio, Texas for over 25 years and fairly recently have taken photography more seriously. Central Texas is home to lots of birds and hosts many migrants each spring. I enjoy watching for the different birds that frequent the feeders and water feature in our yard. There are several places I have enjoyed going to see birds.
Aransas National Wildlife Area for Whooping Cranes and a bit south and west to see Green Jays, Warblers and many others not seen in our area. The Rio Grande Valley is a major flyway for migrating birds so we have plenty of opportunity. Big Bend National Park is a wonderful place to experience really dark skies and majestic scenery –attracting me to go again in October to photograph the Milky Way. The many bird images on Nikonians inspired my attempts.
I mainly photograph wildlife while traveling. After being in wild places, making images of animals and birds is the next best thing to bringing a piece of it home. Capturing a sense of the place visited is the next priority.
Along with the animals, images of the local plants from that area are important to me. When I can get close enough, any insect is also a tempting target.
Nikonians is one of the reasons I chose to use Nikon gear. I found the site over 10 years ago when researching DSLR cameras. I went with Nikon because of the support the website offered. The membership is well informed and so very patient with the many new users who ask questions. I have never seen a snarky answer to any question - even one which could have been found in the instruction manual. Everyone seems so very glad to help.
Nikonians is the first place I look when having a problem with my gear or trying to decide what or if I need a new piece of equipment. The wildlife forum is very active and a wonderful spot to spend some time viewing images. Seeing the suggestions on how to set up the camera for different situations is very helpful. The images posted in the wildlife forum are spectacular and looking at the EXIF data has been very helpful.
In learning to shoot just get out and shoot - knowing your equipment is really important. Get in front of the animal or bird - the eyes tell the story.
Being in the national parks and out in the really great air is memorable in itself but when we were in Grand Teton National Park and had gone down the hill to see some bison across the river a pronghorn came walking up the hill. It was so close I could almost have reached out and touched him as he passed by. I just stood still and he never even blinked seeing a photographer standing there.”
Judie makes an excellent observation about using her captures to bring the wonderful outdoors back with her when she returns home. What a great way to create a journal of adventures through photography so the experience can be relived over and over again. We so appreciate your effort in submitting your information and images for this feature Judie to encourage others by your experience and work.
Editor's note: Top image shows a Snowy Egret and not a Cattle Egret as first claimed. Edited 13-NOV-2017
Originally written on November 3, 2017
Last updated on November 29, 2017
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13 comments
User on November 18, 2017
Hi Judie: In general, your birdy shot are very nice and natural. I use the D500 as well. If the aperture make smaller as F8, you would see the feathers sharper and do not need post processing as well. Sidney
J. Ramon Palacios (jrp) on November 17, 2017
Judie, Texas birds! I live only 130 miles away from the border and have never found the time to do some birding in there. Your images are a great reminder and incentive. Thank you.
David Summers (dm1dave) on November 17, 2017
Nice article and great photos!
Chris Coteff (Chris Coteff) on November 8, 2017
The photos are beautiful. And you're right about South Texas for birding. You've done a great job capturing those feathered friends. One comment though, is that the Cattle Egret is really a Snowy Egret. And you did a great job capturing its beauty.
Jim Stamates (Jimi) on November 8, 2017
Hi Judie, excellent work! Love the Namib Desert shot. A future destination for me. What the interview did not mention is how much fun you are to photograph with. You are so enthusiastic finding your next shot. I can't wait to shoot with you again. Keep up the great work and enjoy your next adventure.
Sarah Boser (Sarah9) on November 7, 2017
Judie, your images are wonderful. They make a great argument for heading to Texas for birds photography! Thanks for sharing your images and your passion.
John D. Roach (jdroach) on November 6, 2017
Wonderful article and even more wonderful images.
judith dunn (topper1946) on November 6, 2017
Thank you so much for the kind comments. Seeing the images once home, is the frosting on the cake of being able to be out in nature.
Ray Heslewood (Hessy) on November 4, 2017
You have a variety of photographic talents. Well done Judie. Ray
kam leung (professorune) on November 4, 2017
Fantastic images Judie :) You certainly live in an area well populated by birds. Thanks Marsha for another great interview with members.
Srinivasamurthy Prakash (niknac37) on November 4, 2017
Lovely Images Judie , Well I am also heading to be 10 years in Nikonians in the month of Dec. Its been a great learning experience here in the forum. Thanks to all the wizards in here.
Lela Bouse-McCracken (owl) on November 3, 2017
Great images, Judie...very nice!! We love visiting the Texas gulf coast during migration. I'm envious of the Puffin shot..I really want to see them! -Lela/owl
Marsha Edmunds (meadowlark2) on November 3, 2017
Judy you did such a great job with this interview and images. I just wanted to add to members reading this that there are many, many members that I have contacted for interviews through Nikonians e-mail. I have received no response and have found out from a few that their computers saw the e-mail as junk mail. I have also learned that some members don't have an accurate e-mail listed on their profile so mail does not reach them. Maybe an invitation has been extended to you and you don't know it.