Have you met Dave?

[Dahlia Ambrose]

This time around we learn a little more about Dave – @pentaxfan

• Tell us a little about yourself and your photography journey.

My wife Carol and I live in a small rural community outside of Eugene Oregon. Both recently retired. We’ve had a vegetable garden for as long as I can remember but last year we “focused” on putting in a butterfly garden. Many pollinators around the world are declining in horrific numbers. I was unaware until just two years ago that the population of the Monarch butterfly in the United States has plummeted drastically. Most studies show that Western Monarch butterfly numbers have fallen by 97% in the last 30 years. Other than photography this is what I am passionate about and barbecuing on the front porch.

I discovered an interest in photography about 1978. I was given an Olympus OM1n as a Christmas gift from family members who all chipped in and I carried it with me pretty much everywhere. I thoroughly enjoyed capturing slices of my life at the time as my friends and I skied, fished, hiked, camped and generally had a lot of fun in the outdoors around a small town in Wyoming where I grew up. The town was small then. Not so much anymore. I thought, wouldn’t it be great to be able to take pictures for a living.

In 1980, I began taking photography classes at an art school in Denver Colorado. Eventually moved back to Wyoming and got a job at a photo lab. One of the greatest perks of my job was going up to the roof a few of times a day to retrieve rolls of film from carrier pigeons. A photographer working for one of the float trip companies would photograph a raft full of tourists as it was shooting the rapids in the Snake River Canyon about 25 miles away. They’d strap a roll of film to the pigeon and send it on its way. We’d have 4X6 photos of the rafter’s adventure for them to purchase by the time they got back to town.

I worked at two different photo labs over the next nine years. One in Jackson Wyoming and one in Seattle Washington. I eventually got tired of the hustle and bustle in Seattle and moved to Oregon to help my mother on a farm after my father passed away.

Over time my interest in photography dimmed but never completely faded away. I had a Canon Powershot while I worked on the farm but in 2015 decided to buy a “real” camera. A DSLR. But which one? So many choices. My internet connection was dial-up. I was on AOL. My cell phone was a $40.00 flip phone. I had no need for a better phone since there was no cell service at the farm. Being technically ignorant I was concerned about getting a camera that was too advanced for my farmer’s brain to understand. Living and travelling around the Pacific Northwest I also wanted a camera with some protection from the weather. Was leaning toward Nikon but at the time weather resistance wasn’t available on their lower end cameras. But then I discovered the Pentax K-50. An entry level DSLR with weather resistance. The Beatles used Pentax back in the day so I jokingly told myself that if it was good enough for the Fab Four, it was good enough for me.

After receiving the camera I was happy to learn that Pentax kept their K mount throughout all these years. I could go on eBay and buy some really nice old Pentax glass all the way back to the 70’s, even earlier with an inexpensive m42 adapter, most selling for less than $75.00.  And since Pentax cameras had IBIS (in-body image stabilization) even the older lenses would benefit. I’ve since upgraded to the K-70 and K1 Mark II.

As it turned out my apprehension of understanding computer run cameras was all for naught. Learning to use the features of a DSLR was much easier than I had feared. One thing I have learned for sure. Being film or digital. 1980 or 2020. Light behaves the same today as it did back then.

• What is the best advice you have received so far regarding photography?

Strictly photography advise. Keep at it. Shoot a lot. Look for the unusual angle to shoot from. Pay attention to the back ground. Learn to understand the histogram. For general advise I love this quote from Mark Twain. “The secret to getting ahead is getting started.”

• How do you maintain inspiration?

This is not always easy for me. Looking at other photographers work and thinking “Wow! I’d like to be able to take shots like that” is probably what helps keep me inspired the most.

• What is your favourite subject to shoot & why?

Anything nature related is my favorite subject. Have always loved being outdoors. From the Cascade mountains to the coast of Oregon. Even the yard around my house offers up plenty of photo ops for me.

• Do you have a favourite type of photography?

Recently my interest has leaned toward close-up and B&W photography. But I’ve really been wanting to wander off the beaten path for some landscape photography. Soon I hope.

• How would you describe your photographic journey to date?

Off and on. After about a twenty year hiatus from photography I did have a bit of a learning curve to overcome as I stepped into the digital world. After five years since I purchased my first DSLR I am still learning. But am having quite a lot of fun doing so.

• Are you currently involved with any photography projects? If so, what?

I am not.

• If you could only use one camera/lens combination for a year, which would you choose?

I would choose my K1 II attached to my HD D FA 28-105mm. I love the ergonomics and build quality of this full frame body and the lens I consider to be a jack of all trades, master of none type of lens. It’s a perfect combo for my style of photography.

• What is your favourite image right now?

The B&W of our dog Cider that I use for my avatar. He’s reached the age where he won’t be with us much longer so that may always be my favorite image.

• Is there a photographer that inspires you?

Ansel Adams. There are so many beautiful landscapes I see from contemporary photographers but remembering names is not my forte. Many beautiful photographs to inspire can be found right here in Light Stalkers.

• What is your biggest challenge when it comes to photography?

Being technically challenged I’d say that improving my editing in post production is my biggest challenge.

• Is there anything specific you intend to learn or improve in your photography?

Being technically challenged I intend to improve my editing in post production.   Also have been wanting to go to the coast and work on long exposure photography.

• Provide 3 or 4 of your favourite images that can be displayed with the interview

CC:  @admin

[Patrick]

Thanks so much Dahlia great work 😉

What a lovely read Dave thanks very much for all the lovely details about the pigeons you included , so nice to know more about you my friend i get inspired a lot by looking at your nature photos and other works.

Once again thanks very much for the fascinating read mate it’s been great getting to know a little more ;).

[Dave Watkins]

Thanks mate. 🙂 I am very thankful for all the kind words you’ve expressed about the photos I’ve shared here on Light Stalking. I’ve enjoyed looking at the work you have posted here as well and look forward to seeing more in the future. Take care my friend.

Dave.

[Peter Nowak]

Great interview Dahlia. It’s very pleasant to know more about forum member. Thanks Dave for sharing your photographic journey.
And story about pigeons transporting a roll of film is hilarious !!! 🙂

[Dave Watkins]

Hi Petr. The pigeons wore little chest packs that held one roll of film. Looked pretty funny. 🙂

[JasenkaG]

It’s always fun to read these interviews! Thanks Dahlia and Dave.

[Dave Watkins]

Fun to write them too. Thanks for commenting. 🙂

[Graham Hart]

Thanks for sharing your story Dave, the pidgeon adventure will be hard to beat! I’m also a Pentax fan (I use a K5) and as I learn more about the caper I’ve come to realise just how good they are. I love all four of the pics you posted here. I hope Cider is doing OK but take more pics of him while you can my friend.

[Dave Watkins]

Thanks Graham. 🙂 I wish I had known about the K5 series before I bought my K50. I’ve heard nothing but good about them. Built like a tank.

I remember the day not too long ago when you told all of us here at LS about the passing of your canine buddy. It’s with a heavy heart I pass along the news of Cider joining him exactly two weeks ago. Even up to the last evening he was with us he did his best to patrol the fence lines as he did for so many years protecting our goats on the farm. R.I.P. Cider.

[Dahlia Ambrose]

Sorry to hear about Cider’s news Dave. R.I.P Cider

[Dave Watkins]

Thanks Dahlia. Carol and I appreciate that very much.

[Patrick]

Knocked me for six reading , R.I.P Cider

So very sorry Dave 🙁 lost for words mate.

[Dave Watkins]

Very kind words Patrick. Thank you.

[Graham Hart]

That news gives me a heavy heart Dave. So sorry to hear about Cider. I think my Maggie knew her time was imminent and I also think she was ready for it, she was old and infirm. Hope Cider leaves you with as many happy memories as my Maggie has for me.

[Dave Watkins]

Thank you very much for your sentiment Graham. Cider is once again running free with no aches or pains. Carol and I are happy for that. I believe it’s difficult for any of us to find the words to express our feelings at the loss of a loved one. Furry, four legged family members included. They enrich our lives so much that it is devastating to say good bye. But we have the memories. That’s what sustains us. Thanks again Graham. 🙂

[Rob Wood (Admin)]

Love it. Good to know more about you @pentaxfan. And some great shots too!

[Dave Watkins]

Thanks Rob. I feel lucky to be able to participate in LS. You’ve created a wonderful site.

[Rob Wood (Admin)]

Thanks, Dave. It is the people that make it a great place for our hobby. 🙂

[Federico Alegria]

Whoa! That’s more than 40 years of being in love with photography, what a joy mate.

That’s a really interesting insight about Pentax, I have two a Super-ME and a K1000 (which I inherited from my grandfather), and they are still in pristine conditions. I use them to explain the mechanics of th shutter and the aperture to my students by the way.

I’m really enjoying these deep dives @dahliaambrose, thank you so much!

I’m really sorry about Cider Dave… Jeez this has touched me. I always like watching and commenting on his photos, I remember having the pleasure of mentioning him sometimes in the wrap-ups… I’m really sorry.

[Dave Watkins]

Hi Federico. Someday you should run a roll of film through those cameras. I’d bet you’ll like the results.

I well remember you mentioning Cider in your wrap ups a time or two. Always brought a smile to my face. Thank you. He was a great dog and we have plenty of fond memories. And thanks to you and Light Stalking his photo has been seen around the world. What better memorial could there be?

[Beaky]

Thanks Dahlia and thanks Dave, great interview and I love your advice mate! I will take some of that on board 👍

[Dave Watkins]

Thanks for spending the time reading the interview and commenting. Looking forward to seeing your road trip pics.

[Pat Garrett]

I enjoyed “your story” so much, Dave.  Very sorry to read about Cider. I remember commenting on him  and his portrait.   I started out w Pentax – K20, K100 and had a K3 and K5 before switching. My grandson uses my K5 now.

[Dave Watkins]

Thanks Pat. We miss Cider a lot but we had 12 great years together. Many memories. Good to hear you passed along your K5 to your grandson. I’m sure he’ll get a lot of good use out of it. Have heard nothing but good about the K5 series.

[ElinL]

Thank you for a great interview Dave and Dahlia. It is always interesting to get to know more about Forum members. So sorry about your loss of Cider Dave.

I love your work, to my eye your PP is pretty advanced. Lovely shots you share here – the BW rail photo is brilliant.

[Author]

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