Aug 02 2010

Beautiful, Buzzing Natural History from Rob Sheppard

Category: Multimedia & Video, PhotographersEthan G. Salwen @ 9:02 am

“In terms of a still image, the bees just looked like a brown splotch on a brown background — not interesting at all — but the video that I captured was truly amazing.” This is what Rob Sheppard told me about an image-making experience he had a few months back while exploring the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area. He shared this as an example the value of using HD-DSLR video to better share nature.

At the time we talked, I had to trust Sheppard that his video captures were amazing. Now, thanks to his new “Buzz” video, we can all enjoy Sheppard’s great hi-def video of digger bees in action. Amazing, indeed — especially the fantastic close-ups!

This is wonderful natural history storytelling, well conceived, excellently executed. It fits in perfectly with Sheppard’s expanding goals as an image maker. As he said: “I want to focus more on creating natural history pieces.”

Sheppard, the editor-at-large of Outdoor Photographer, told me that technology is only a means to an end. He explained that the reason he is so excited about HD-DSLR technology is that it will help him with his greatest passion: exploring, sharing and helping conserve the natural environment.

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Jun 14 2010

Rob Sheppard Sheds Light on the Natural Value of Video

Category: Multimedia & Video, Photographers, Photoshop & LightroomEthan G. Salwen @ 2:39 pm

“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. Continue reading “Rob Sheppard Sheds Light on the Natural Value of Video”

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