Lela Bouse-McCracken (owl) Interview

Lela Bouse-McCracken is a very special lady; not only has she directly helped us establishing the friendly environment we now enjoy here in the Nikonians Community, she is also an artistic, active photographer with a very rich portfolio.

The first years as head of moderation in the community was not easy for her, but her intense postings (over 4,000 in two years), combined with creating a set of internal moderation policies, helped the team around her to grow and to this day provide the friendly environment we so often take for granted.

She brings finely crafted artistic images as well as a clever wit and a willingness to contribute; both to the Nikonians Community and to individual members. Members really can make a difference by what they bring to the community, with the spectrum of talents they possess, and Lela is a clear evidence of this. Over to her.

“Ponca City is near the Kansas border in north central Oklahoma where we live on a wooded ridge right outside of town. Just over the hill lies a city lake so there are ample opportunities for me to practice wildlife photography. However, I would rather be shooting along the south Texas coast or in the Colorado mountains, and if at all possible, we visit both places at least once a year. 

I found the Nikonians Community through a search engine many years ago and joined on the 25th of June 2002, just a couple years after the community had launched. At the time I was looking for information on this amazing, new digital camera that was out and that would accept my favorite Nikkor lens, the 35-70mm f/2.8 AF.

The D100 was announced at the PMA in February of 2002, and it was a sell-out with long waiting lists at $1,999. At the time I was shooting a Nikon N90 film camera, but the draw of digital pulled me in and I have never looked back since. I knew immediately that the Nikonians Community was a group of friendly, helpful photographers who had one thing in common: They were all thrilled about their Nikons! I loved having the chance to help the team for a few years and learned so much while doing so, it was a great opportunity!

When I finally decided that I needed a tripod, I wanted it to be the right decision for my equipment, without unpleasant or expensive changes. After consulting the community members and staff, I purchased what they recommended; a Gitzo 1227 tripod with a Markins Q-Ball ballhead, which I’m still loving and using, without problems or regrets.

The bottom line is that I trusted the people in the know and I haven’t regretted it for one second. When I joined the community I had no idea what a 'quick release plate' was, so it is no surprise that it is my favorite piece of equipment!

Since I shoot a lot of birds and wildlife I really wanted a longer lens. On the recommendation of several members, I have recently moved up to the Nikon D500 and a Nikkor 200-500VR. Wow! I’m just getting to know that combo and looking forward to giving it some real workouts in the field. The Nikonians Community has made my photography journey fun and exciting! 

This place is my only source when I want information on equipment purchases and the depth of information provided by members regarding all aspects cannot be beaten. Plus the site is so active, that any questions will be answered promptly and with the utmost courtesy; regardless of your own comfort level with your equipment or shooting questions, you can be assured that you will be treated with regard and answered in a respectful manner. 

Do you want to get that milky, smooth look when shooting waterfalls? Bob Tomerlin (drjimbob), Nikonians Moderator Emeritus from Maryland, USA (R.I.P.) suggested to me to shoot waterfalls in cloudy, or overcast weather so that a longer shutter speed can be achieved - I will forever be grateful to him for that advice! 

I’ve had several shooting experiences that I look back upon with a fond memory, but the most memorable would have to be when we were in a 'bear jam' in Yellowstone. I had yet to add a bear to my portfolio, so I jumped out of the vehicle and went after my shot. After getting a few shots off, I heard a nearby park ranger on his loudspeaker say 'You must be at least 100 yards from any bear!' Oops, my bad!  But, I did get a shot or two."

It is always a great pleasure to see the images you post Lela, and with your new kit it is our hope that we will see even more images from you in the near future. Your photography clearly demonstrates the high quality of images that is possible to achieve with a variety of Nikon cameras, highlighting the elements of the expertise and the eye of the photographer in creating fine images.

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