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I am Nikonians

Larry CdeBaca (elcee) Interview

Marsha Edmunds (meadowlark2)


Keywords: travel, landscape, photography, nikonians, elcee

\9

I'm a life-long native of New Mexico. I live in the state's largest city, Albuquerque, population a little over one-half million. My first camera was a 35mm Olympus OM-1 film camera. My first Nikon rig was an N80 with a 24-120 Nikkor lens, purchased in 2001. My second Nikon was a D200. My current camera is a D750. 

01

Ferris Wheel
Nikon D200 | Tamron 19-35 @ 24mm | 1/500s | f/11 | ISO 100
Click for an enlargement

 

Opportunities for photography abound. New Mexico is renowned for its light and wide-open vistas. I like to shoot people -- portraits, newborns, maternity; landscapes and scenics. We have many wonderful opportunities for photography in and near New Mexico–Carlsbad Caverns, Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge, White Sands National Monument, Native American pueblos, mountains, aspens, volcanic badlands, historic sites, bicycle races, and the annual hot-air balloon fiesta, for just a few.

02

Tent Rocks Panorama
Nikon D200 | Tamron 19-35 @ 19mm | 1/250s | f/11 | ISO 100
Manfrotto 055 XPRO tripod
Click for an enlargement

 

Now that my wife Amy and I have more time, we hope to get out and visit some of the photogenic places on our bucket lists, like Bryce and Zion Canyons, Yosemite and the west coast highway.

03

Holder Hall, Princeton
d200 | Tamron 19-35 @ 19mm | 1/6 | f/13 | ISO 400
Manfrotto 055 X-PRO tripod
Click for an enlargement

 

I prefer natural light, especially golden hour and blue hour, although I have been using flashes, fluorescent lamps, hot lights, umbrellas and reflectors to modify light. As to composition, I like to use a wide-angle lens to photograph architecture and do street photography; a 28-75 is my walk-around lens for its flexibility. I also employ a 70-300 telephoto for candids, wildlife and landscapes.

04

Aluminum Overcast
Nikon D750 | Tamron 19-35 @ 20mm | 1/100s | f/11 | ISO 50
Click for an enlargement

 

I stumbled on Nikonians when the site turned up in a search I had performed back in 2005. I was looking for advice using my then-new D200 following the typical "I upgraded Lightroom and now I can't download my images." I joined because it made me feel more professional. Nikon owners … we have to stick together.

05

Christina
Nikon D750 | Tamron 28-75 @ 28mm | 1/125s | f/6.3 | ISO 100
Click for an enlargement

 

Although I initially just wanted help over that particular upgrade speedbump, I stayed around for the past 13 years for the camaraderie, and the chance to share experiences and tips.

06

Bosque Sunset
Nikon D200 | 70-300 Nikkor @ 300mm | 1/250 | f/16 | ISO 400
Click for an enlargement

 

When looking to find great subject material, as sages like co-founder J. Ramón Palacios, Ernesto Santos and others have said, be situationally aware, don't just look in the direction your lens is pointing. Look behind you, you never know what you might miss! I was able to recall the advice during an engagement reception photo session. The "all the relatives of the couple" photo had just been taken, and the group was breaking up to go back to the reception. I had relaxed, thinking I could put my camera down, when out of the corner of my eye I saw a preteen girl striking a cute pose for her relatives. I quickly raised my camera and took the shot. It turned out great.

07

Foggy Morning
Nikon D750 | Tamron 28-75 @ 75mm | 1/640s | f/2.8 | ISO 100
Click for an enlargement

 

My most rewarding time was when Amy and I were driving through the Blue Ridge Mountains, and I was able to show her how to make velvety the waterfalls we saw by the side of the road.  Amy is a quick learner, and very gracious. I know the session helped her gain confidence to start using Manual mode. She instinctively knew how to compose her shots, picking sections of the waterfalls that would be the most interesting.

08

Parq Lobby
Nikon D750 | Tamron 28-75 @ 28mm | 1/100s | f/9 | ISO 12800
Click for an enlargement

 

Amyshoots with a 14-year-old D100. Her favorite lenses are a 24-120 for its versatility, and a 35mm (50mm on her DX camera). She has the personality that allows her to get up close to her subjects. She does enjoy photography, mostly landscapes and weddings. When we shoot weddings, she handles situations that require being close to the action, whereas I like to hang back with a telephoto lens.”

09

Leapfrog
Nikon D750 | 70-300 Nikkor @ 300mm | 1/1000s | f/5.6 | ISO 200
Click for an enlargement

 

Larry, it has been fun spending a little time imagining being with you as you have described some of your shoots.  Thanks for the support you give to Nikonians members and for the enjoyment we experience viewing at your images.  We look forward to seeing your photography from locations on your bucket list in the near future.

You may want to visit Larry's profile.

Originally written on August 5, 2018

Last updated on November 14, 2018

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

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9 comments

Bob Brand (Bob32) on September 17, 2018

Larry, It was informative to learn of your background in photography. Lucky you, living in New Mexico with its many photographic opportunities! I have to believe that the shot of Christina was taken at the 66 Diner in Albuquerque. I’ve eaten there every time I’ve visited Albuquerque. Bob

Bonnie Christensen (BChrisRad) on September 6, 2018

Donor Ribbon awarded for her most generous contribution to the 2017 campaign Ribbon awarded for her most generous support to the 2018 fundraising  campaign Awarded for high level of knowledge and skill in various areas.

Wonderful article, Larry. So glad to learn more about you and see some of your wonderful images. I always enjoy reading your thoughtful and informative posts.

Mark Roberts (mrob) on September 5, 2018

Ribbon awarded for his support to the Fundraising Campaign 2017

Wonderful interview Larry. Thanks for sharing your story and beautiful images. I also always appreciate your help and comments on Nikonians. Marsha, your interviews are always top of the line. Well done! I thank you both.

John Hernlund (Tokyo_John) on September 4, 2018

Good stuff Larry, I'm glad that I have a chance to interact with you from time to time.

Kathy Cavallaro (Cavy2) on August 8, 2018

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

I always enjoy these articles. Thank you Larry and Marsha for the time spent on this. Larry you are always willing to help a fellow Nikonian with important tips and guidance and are a valuable and cherished part of this community!

Carol Freshley (PhotoSpydie) on August 7, 2018

Donor Ribbon awarded for her support to the Fundraising Campaign 2014 Ribbon awarded for her generous support to the 2017 fundraising campaign Ribbon awarded for her generous donation to the 2019 Fundraising Campaign

I was so excited reading more about you that I hit the submit button way, way too early. It is wonderful to see you recognized for the value you add to our community. You were one of the first to welcome me and your comments were always helpful and created in me a desire to become a better photographer. You live in a state that I dearly love and it was fun to see the photographs that you chose to share in the article. Well done. Thank you my friend. And thank you Marsha for you energy and efforts to bring us these exceptional profile stories.

Carol Freshley (PhotoSpydie) on August 7, 2018

Donor Ribbon awarded for her support to the Fundraising Campaign 2014 Ribbon awarded for her generous support to the 2017 fundraising campaign Ribbon awarded for her generous donation to the 2019 Fundraising Campaign

Aha! We now have a

Russell Whittemore (rosewood_ltd) on August 5, 2018

Donor Ribbon awarded for his support to the Fundraising Campaign 2014 Donor Ribbon awarded for his generous support to the Fundraising Campaign 2015 Ribbon awarded for his generous support to the Fundraising Campaign 2017 Awarded for his 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

Well deserved, recognition, Larry. Always look forward to your images and the creative perspective you bring to your work. I think you, Tom and I should get together for our own mini ANPAT one of these days. The desert southwest will never be the same :).

Tom Jacob (sevendayimages) on August 5, 2018

Awarded for his continuous knowledge and images sharing with community members Awarded for his win at the Best of Nikonians 2016 Photo Contest Awarded for his in-depth knowledge and high level of skill in several areas. Awarded for winning in The Best of Nikonians 2019 Photo Contest 
Winner of the Best of Nikonians Photo Contest 2020
This member has gone beyond technical knowledge to show mastery of the art and science of photo Winner in the Best of Nikonians Photo Contest 2021

Wonderful article Larry and some very nice images to go with it! Nice to 'get to know' you a bit better this way. Hope one day we can shoot native Jumping Spiders of New Mexico together :) Congraulations on the article, also for Marsha, and thanks for being around here.

G