The Weekly September 3, 2023

Thank you for allowing me to be part of JCC.  I’m excited to meet everyone and to learn all I can.  For introduction purposes, I am Mary, and a transplant from New York. I work at a corporate law firm in the litigation department as a legal secretary, and was able to transfer to our Jacksonville office in 2022.  I started photography with the Coolpix P900 about 4 years ago and was/am in love with that camera.  I dabbled in taking pictures at the dog park while I was there with my own little love (Sally Girl).  During covid we were locked in pretty tight in NY.  Our offices in Manhattan shut down, which left me stir-crazy in a shoebox of an apartment.  I had heard of a Bald Eagle nest and decided to try to find it, which was a successful venture.  There, I met 3 wonderful ladies holding their very large cameras and lenses, along with tripods and other equipment.  I felt like I stepped into a scene from the Terminator!  Anyway, I was intrigued to learn what they had.  They showed me their pictures and I was amazed.  One photographer in particular, Nancy, told me I was not going to get the shots I wanted with the camera I had.  She suggested a few cameras and told me where to get them, along with lenses.  Still, I was happy just being near the nest and watching these beautiful birds.   The Bald Eagles provided a comfort I didn’t even realize I needed during covid.  Watching Bald Eagles train 3 juveniles from being small fuzzy beings to strong, instinctive and bold hunters was mind blowing.  I did some research on various cameras as Nancy had suggested and bit the bullet – I purchased the Nikon D850 along with a Tamron and 2 smaller Nikkor lenses.

The camera arrived about a week later and I RAN to the Bald Eagle nest in the hopes of seeing Nancy or one of the other helpful ladies.  She showed me some helpful settings.  Another woman, Jill, gave me tips on how to photograph Bald Eagles specifically so the heads don’t wash out, etc.  I’ve always dabbled in the arts, whether it be on a canvas or performing on stage as a singer.  Photography, however, is new!  It has room for personal growth, artistic perception and endless experiences.  My heart belongs to Bald Eagles and wildlife in general, but I also love scenery - a simple cloud or dark storm rolling in.  One day I’ll learn how to grab the color of the moon!  I also enjoy shooting candid pictures at events, whether it be sports, performing arts or a baby crawling on the floor.  Action!  I am passionate to learn all I can, and I am very much looking forward to JCC and a new journey through the lens!