“I love exploring the natural world,” Rob Sheppard shared with me enthusiastically when I interviewed him regarding the best ways photographers can approach video and multimedia. That was the same day I talked to Ian Shive and touched base with Tony Wu on the topic, and Sheppard’s comment about exploring nature was by way of explaining his openness to embracing video.
You see, for Sheppard, imaging technology — whether still, video or multimedia — is simply a means to an end. And for Sheppard, that end is about exploring nature, and then sharing his experiences with others.
If you’re not aware, Sheppard is a highly-respected nature photographer, writer, educator and the editor-at-large of “Outdoor Photographer.” He’s been helping educate still photographers for decades –30 books, hundreds of articles and seminars galore — and his intense focus on still imagery made his incredible enthusiasm take me by surprise. Silly, silly me.
Video for Life
During the hour we talked, Sheppard shared a wonderful breath of technical and creative insights. At the end of our call, I asked Sheppard what message he would like to share with nature photographers who might be hesitant about exploring the possibilities of video and multimedia. His beautiful response:
“To me, on a very personal level, nature is important. And I think nature needs our attention. People look at the natural world as place to extract things, but the entire natural world is part of a whole, and when we don’t respect nature it causes problems for nature, and for people as well.
“There are so many photographers that are doing such a phenomenal job about getting the word out about nature, going beyond simply making pretty pictures. But these people still only reach a fraction of the public.
“If every nature photographer started using photography for more than making a pretty picture to put on wall, and were to say, ‘Let me share this with the world,’ then nature would get much more of the attention it needs.
“Video is a way of making the natural world come to life. Video is a way to show off the wonders of nature in a way that can help make people care. Video brings things to life in way that still photography just can’t.”
What’s Up with the Lightroom Video?
Although Sheppard has been shooting lots of video and working on his video editing workflow, he hasn’t yet posted any videos staring Mother Nature to YouTube. When I asked him about this, he seemed slightly embarrassed (”Yeah, I really need to get to that.”) This made me feel seriously embarrassed.
I hadn’t meant to pressure Sheppard. (With the work this guy churns out, I can’t imagine how he ever sleeps, let alone keeps such a positive spirit.) My intention was simply to check if Sheppard had a reason (as do some photographers) for not wanting to post videos to the YouTube platform.
Not at all, Sheppard told me. He’s eager to post to YouTube, and will be doing so when time allows.
Having stumbled upon this fantastic Lightroom video tutorial by Sheppard before our interview, I share it here because 1) it truly rocks at explaining “Better Skies with Lightroom,” and 2) it let’s you hear Sheppard’s friendly, knowledgeable and encouraging voice in his own voice.