Have you met Wendy?

[Dahlia Ambrose]

This time around we get to know a little more about Wendy, @wendyp

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

o Where do you live? 

I was born and raised in the UK, lived several years in Germany, and now reside in the USA.

• How long you have had an interest in photography?

I consider myself a novice photographer, especially among the experts at Light Stalking! As a teenager I was asked to model for a local professional family friend but being far more interested by the magic that went on in the Dark Room, I think my interest in cameras began then. One Christmas I was thrilled to receive a Polaroid Instamatic, but I never had the time or financial resources to pursue much beyond that.

• What got you interested in photography? How would you describe your photographic journey to date?

Then three years ago, for a significant birthday, my hubby took me to fulfill my “bucket list wish” of seeing the Northern Lights at the Aurora Borealis Observatory in Norway. I went armed with an I-phone and video recorder, which were sadly inappropriate for the task of recording such an amazing experience. The resident photographer kindly gave me an introductory lesson in night shooting, accompanied me into town the next day to the local camera store, and set me up with the basics for astrophotography. After the first session I was hooked.

I then completed a basic photography course at the local college and was half-way through the intermediary course when Covid-19 struck. Everything closed down in our area so that’s when I decided to join Light Stalking. I’ve learned a great deal over the past two years, yet still need educating in Lightroom, Photoshop, and other post-editing skills.

• Hobbies & interests?

As a “recovering academic” I still spend a lot of time reading and writing. I love dance, poetry, music, gardening, painting, and sailing. Photography has kept me sane throughout the pandemic.

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

The best advice my night-school instructor gave was – “learn the basic rules of photography and then break them!”

• How do you maintain inspiration?

I’ve really enjoyed being a part of this on-line community and find the weekly challenges very stimulating. I don’t think I’ve missed an opportunity for posting in that forum since I joined.

When seeking inspiration I take a walk outside in the neighborhood, sail on our local lake, or hike around a new nature trail. There’s always something fascinating that I haven’t shot before.

• What is your favourite subject to shoot & why?

I’ve always been captivated by the constantly changing moon. I have hundreds of shots of her in various guises – and no two are exactly alike.

• Do you have a favourite type of photography?

Astrophotography is my first passion although I enjoy taking wildlife and landscapes too. I also like dabbling in macro and portraits because I’m happy to try everything and see where it leads.

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

I write Historical Fiction (under my own name and others) so I’m always on the lookout for photos to illustrate my daily blogs and book websites. At the moment, I include a lot of “public domain” illustrations but hope to eventually replace these with my own original photographs.

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

My go-to is the trusty Canon EOS Rebel T7 with the standard 18-55mm lens (but for Astro I love the Tamron SP 150-600 mm zoom).

• What is your favourite image right now? 

I took this moon shot (above), inspired by the famous NASA photo of the Earth from space (below)

• Is there a photographer that inspires you?

I’m often drawn to images intellectually, as well as aesthetically, so every photographer who makes me pause and take close notice of their work inspires me in one way or another. I find much to appreciate in the old Wild West shots taken by Edward S. Curtis; the clean simplicity of Klaus Axelsen’s astrophotography is very appealing; and I am drawn to Annie Leibovitz’s strong female portraits.

I’m perhaps most in awe of the images sent back by the Hubble Space Telescope, in particular the picture “15,000 Galaxies” where the star-studded sky captures the infinity of space:

Each dot is an entire galaxy. How mind-blowing is that!

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

Post-production work. I find it hard to follow on-line tutorials because many of them start from a level of understanding and skill that I don’t yet have.

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

Everything that I don’t yet know. And I would like to join a local astrophotography club for night adventures.

• If people want to follow more of your work where should they go?

I’m more accomplished as a writer than photographer I’m afraid, so the only links I can offer are to these websites:

• Wendy K Perriman
• Fire On Dark Water

• Provide links to 3 or 4 of your favourite images

• Anything else you would like to add about yourself?

I’m generally shy and like to fly under the radar!

cc: @admin

Here is a list of our members who were featured in the past if you would love to read. I have attached a link to their profile and their interview.

Diane Wehr   @albirder : Introducing Diane Wehr

Tobie   @tobiepsg : Introducing Tobie

Rob Eyers  @reyers   : Introducing Rob Eyers

Duncan Stewart  @falxy : Introducing the Falx

John Thompson  @nikon-nut : Introducing Nikon nut 

Valery  @valeryp  : Introducing Valery

Tom Dinning  @tomdinning : Introducing Tom Dinning

Christina Brown  @Chrissiebee : Introducing Chrissie Bee

Bobbie  @bobbie : Introducing Bobbie

Gordon James  @gordonjames : Introducing Gordon James

Chris Pook  @chrispook  : Have you met Chris Pook?

Erik Fransman  @erik-fransman : Have you met Erik Fransman?

Gary Zerbst  @garyzerbst  : Have you met Gary Zerbst?

Allen Furst  @3pco : Have you met Allen Furst?

Jim  @Mistyisle : Have you met Jim?

Frogdaily  @frogdaily : Have you met Frogdaily?

Robert Apple  @robertapple : Have you met Robert Apple?

Steve Matten  @stevematten : Have you met Steve Matten?

Cornelia Acorn  @corneliaacorn : Have you met Cornelia Acorn?

Gray B  @grayb : Have you met Gray B?

Dahlia Ambrose  @dahliaambrose : Have you met Dahlia Ambrose?

Patrick @patrickw : Have you met Patrick?

Dave  @pentaxfan : Have you met Dave?

Peter  @peternowak : Have you met Peter?

Beaky @ozride : Have you met Beaky?

Graham Hart @diripics : Have you met Graham?

Daniel Krueger @drkrueger22: Have you met Daniel?

Jasenka @jasenkag : Have you met Jasenka?

Astaroth @astaroth : Have you met Astaroth?

Joanne Van Praag @vanpraag : Have you met Joanne?

Leanne Cleaveley @leannecleaveley : Have you met Leanne?

David Chesterfield @dchester1001 : Have you met David?

Patricia Garrett @PAToGraphy : Have you met Pat?

Beth @loki : Have you met Beth?

Elin @elax : Have you met Elin?

Greg @glegg : Have you met Greg?

John @johnteate : Have you met John?

Paul @paul-3 : Have you met Paul?

Charmaine @joubie : Have you met Charmaine?

Aurimas @aurikami : Have you met Aurimas?

Rose Marie @rgatscha : Have you met Rose Marie

[Patrick]

Thank you so much much Dahlia another good one 🙂

Hi Wendy , Thank you for taking the time to share some of your photography life so far and it is very clear in reading you really do love the night sky and beyond , The universe is a beautiful thing and outside of photography i am addicted to watching the science and the wonders of our Universe in the many great documentaries found on YouTube.

Once again i much appreciate that you shared a few words and for sharing some of your beautiful photos with us here at Ls .. I wish you well on your photo journey and look forward to seeing many more of your photos as we go 🙂

[Wendy P]

Many thanks for your kind words, Patrick. It’s folks like you who make LS a great space to belong!

[Dahlia Ambrose]

You’re welcome Patrick 🙂

[JasenkaG]

I enjoyed reading this interview! It was nice to learn more about you, Wendy. Also, I’m really glad that you like our weekly challenges and that you participate in them regularly.

[Wendy P]

Thank you, Jasenka. Some of the weekly challenges have really stretched me and I have learned a great deal in the process! There are some very talented LS photographers in our forum and I love how everyone is so friendly, helpful, and willing to share their craft.

[Patrick]

@wendyp

You most likely know about this but just sharing if you are not aware 🙂

Five major planets to line up in rare planetary conjunction from Friday

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-61910977

Hope you can see that links content  , good luck if you have a go at getting a few shots 🙂

[Wendy P]

I was aware, but many thanks for the notification. I’ll post anything interesting that I manage to capture!

[Patrick]

All good 🙂

[Federico Alegria]

Getting to know more about other Light-Stalkers is always a pleasure, great interview and thanks for sharing all these details with us Wendy!

[Wendy P]

I appreciate your interest, Federico. It’s always fun learning more about the people behind the avatars!

[Pat Garrett]

@wendyp What a delight to learn about your journey and your talents. Very inspiring.

[Wendy P]

Thanks, Pat. Your comments are most appreciated.

[Rob Wood (Admin)]

Great to know more about you @wendyp – It’s certainly great to have you in our little community. 🙂

[Wendy P]

Thanks Rob. I’m happy to be here.

[Rose Marie]

I enjoyed reading about what motivates you Wendy. I love your favorite photos and am inspired by your interest in astrophotography, an area that is very challenging for me.

[Wendy P]

The most challenging thing for me, most of the time, is the cloud covering that creeps in at night in our area. I didn’t get one clear shot of the five major planet lineup – despite going out at dawn for five mornings! Luck has a lot to do with success in astrophotography!

[JasenkaG]

Great to get to know you better, Wendy. I really like your landscape shot in the list of your favorites – it’s really sublime!

[Wendy P]

Thanks, Jasenka. The storm was a few miles away but with a clear view and great night lighting. These unusual conditions have not been replicated since!

[Author]

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