Showcase 2019 Birds, Judges’ Choice: Ruby-throated Hummingbird Catching Gnat © Laura M. Eppig.
Bio:
Laura M. Eppig is a mostly self taught Nature Photographer who learned on slide film in the late ’80’s. She was invited to join a Camera Club in order to learn Bird Photography and was mentored by 3 of the founding members. While Laura shoots the majority of her images close to home, she has been known to travel far afield in search of certain elusive subjects, specifically Owls.
Laura finds that she can combine most of her interests through photography. Hiking and bird watching are two of her passions that nature photography encompasses. Macro photography is one of her special interests, especially shooting insects and spiders. Library Exhibits, as well as other types of displays, and Photography Classes keep her busy in addition to photographing whenever possible.
Your Name: Laura M. Eppig
Title of Your Winning Image: Ruby-throated Hummingbird Catching Gnat
About your winning Showcase image:
1) How I Got the Shot
Every year I go Upstate,NY to my sister in laws farm to shoot her Hummingbirds because she has a beautiful garden just for them. I take a photographer friend as it’s a long drive, and I like to share the wealth! For this shot, I was watching a male Ruby-throated Hummingbird perched on a Hazelnut tree. It was a very still, humid day, so there were gnats swarming around the tree and I knew he would lift off soon. My thought was to get him in the air with his throat glowing and wings tack sharp.
2) What I Used
I used a Canon EOS 7D Mark II, Canon EF 500mm f/4L IS II USM + 1.4 X III, RRS Versa 3 Tripod with a Wimberly Head. Camera Settings were: Exposure Mode Manual, Spot Metering, Aperture 5.6, 1/1250 sec was the Shutter Speed, at ISO 640.
I processed the Raw image in PhotoShop using my regular basic workflow.
3) About Me
I live in Bay Shore, NY, which is on Long Island. I’m a very enthusiastic hobbyist now that I’m Retired. I’ve been shooting Nature Photography since the late 1980’s when I joined a Camera Club in order to learn Bird Photography. My favorite subjects are Ducks, Owls, and Raptors.
4) My Photographic Journey
I’ve loved Nature, specifically Birds, since I was a kid. I wanted to learn how to photograph the Birds at my feeders and joined a camera club to that end. That first club had 3 guys in it that were accomplished photographers, and they “adopted” me, teaching me photographic building blocks that serve me well to this day.
My interest continues to grow as I strive to improve my technique, and therefore my images, while trying to raise awareness of Natures beauty and how fragile it is.
5) NANPA and Me
I’ve only been a NANPA member for 2 years, and have not been recognized before. Nor have I served NANPA in any capacity yet. I have, however, held every office in local camera club hierarchy, at one time or another.
6) Where Can People Learn More About You?
More of my work can be viewed at: laurameppigphotography.smugmug.com and on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/lme1304
My NANPA Portfolio is: https://nanpa.org/portfolio/laura-m-eppig-2019/ .
