How I Got the Shot
During my first trip to India, I saw a striking 5-foot-tall bird standing by the roadside. I was told it was a Greater Adjutant stork. The next day, I was taken to the last place I expected to see a mass population of endangered birds: the sprawling Boragaon landfill. With no prior knowledge of my subjects and limited time, I had to think fast while shooting from a stationary vehicle. I’ll never forget the smell, which clung to my gear for days. The scene was heartbreaking yet beautiful. At that moment, I knew I had to pursue wildlife conservation photography.
What I Used
I used a Canon 5D Mark IV with a Sigma 150-600mm f/5-6.3 DG OS HSM Contemporary Lens. This photo was shot from a stationary vehicle, hand held and with the camera balanced on open window. Settings were 1/320 second, f/ 7.1, 150mm, ISO 100.
About Me
I live in the Catskill Mountains near Woodstock, New York and am an emerging, full-time wildlife and conservation photographer. I got my first DSLR almost 5 years ago and have followed my bliss ever since. Nothing in my life has ever made me happier. I love shooting anything wild! My favorite subjects? I gravitate towards underappreciated, overlooked subjects. From ‘common’ species in my own backyard to overlooked ‘exotic’ species like endangered Greater Adjutants.
If my photographs educate the viewer on my subject, tell a story, arouse emotions and/or evoke change, I know I’ve done my job well.
My Photographic Journey
I spent my whole adult life pursuing comedy and ventriloquism (!), but I always had a deep love and respect for all things related to nature. Almost 5 years ago, I got a DSLR so I could make short films for my showbiz ventures. Around the same time, I got a house in the Catskills so I could escape Brooklyn on the weekends. I then found myself starting to shoot nature. Before I knew it, I was smitten with the art form of wildlife photography! I now live full-time in the Catskills, pursue photography full-time and couldn’t be happier!
NANPA and Me
I’ve been a long-time NANPA admirer, but only joined in 2019. I hope to be more deeply involved in the future. I particularly admire NANPA’s guidelines and stance on ethical wildlife photography. This year was my first time entering the showcase and I’m absolutely thrilled to be amongst such good company while raising awareness for endangered Greater Adjutants.
Learn More About Me
My NANPA portfolio is
https://nanpa.org/events/showcase/about-nanpa-showcase/2020-top-24-showcase-carla-rhodes/
You can learn more about me through these links:
website: https://carlarhodes.photography
instagram: https://www.instagram.com/misscarlarhodes/
facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CarlaRhodes
