“Being in nature and photographing birds is the most effective remedy I may ask for.” -Anita Couchman, photographer
Our latest featured photographer is Anita Couchman from Northern California. We found Anita’s stunning photographic work after she submitted a stunning picture of Brown Pelican N38 as a part of her current blue-band report back to Worldwide Hen Rescue.
Anita is a California native. She was born and raised within the Central Valley on a small household farm. Through the years her household grew apricots, peaches, and almonds. She left the farm to pursue a level in psychology, graduating in 1976 from Bethany College in Scotts Valley, California.
After marriage to Tim in 1978, they later moved to Aromas, CA, the place they raised their two daughters. For a few years Anita labored as the client for Toque Blanche (Chefworks), researching and buying cookware, cutlery, tabletop linens, and all method of kitchen provides. Having retired in October 2024, she now has time to get pleasure from her six grandchildren and pursue her love of pictures.
Query: You’ve so many effective hen pictures, what are a few of your favourite species to seize photographically?
Reply: I reside within the Monterey Bay space which offers a tremendous alternative to see not solely year-round but in addition migrating species. Selecting a favourite hen is like selecting a favourite little one. That being mentioned, amongst my native favorites are the Brown Pelicans, egrets, Nice Blue Herons, terns and people tiny Allen’s Hummingbirds.
Q: How did you get your begin in pictures?
A: I don’t keep in mind a time in our house when there wasn’t a digital camera. As a baby we took many journeys to Yosemite, leaving in the dark so my father may get the right image of Yosemite Falls simply because the morning solar was hitting it. I realized the significance of capturing the “proper” mild from him.
I like being in nature and recording what I get to see. Through the years I’ve photographed landscapes, together with sunsets and lighthouses, and through my hikes I’ve photographed wildflowers within the springtime. But it surely was solely after COVID 19 that I started photographing birds. I used to be touring to get my vaccination (it was early on and the vaccine was not available domestically) and we determined to cease on the San Luis Nationwide Wildlife Refuge close to Los Banos, CA. The remainder is historical past. That journey opened up a whole new avenue of pictures for me.
Q: What are among the challenges you face in your hen and nature pictures generally?
A: Birds are birds…they’re all the time on the transfer. Their location is all the time altering, particularly if they’re migrating. It’s essential to be taught as a lot as potential about their habits, then regulate your location and/or time of day to extend the probability of getting the specified photograph. Lighting is crucial and understanding how your particular digital camera and lens seize mild will make you a greater photographer. Due to this, I all the time shoot in guide mode and just lately have been working with excessive ISO settings that are actually accessible.
Q: We all know nice pictures is greater than huge identify model tools. However that being mentioned, what lens may you not reside with out and why?
A: Getting as shut as potential to the topic will all the time lead to a greater photograph. Having a protracted lens is crucial, however for me it must be one I can carry once I’m mountaineering. My go-to lens is the Canon 100-500mm f4.5-7.1 L IS USM
Q: In the event you may give starting nature photographers only one (or two) bit of recommendation, what wouldn’t it be?
A: Study your digital camera and lens. Work with one lens till you’re feeling snug with it. Take plenty of pictures, and be taught out of your errors. Being a hen photographer is greatest completed alone (be taught to be quiet and affected person).
Q: What hen photograph initiatives are you engaged on sooner or later?
A: I’m working with Jenny Clendenen on A Hen within the Coronary heart, a espresso desk ebook that includes my pictures and her essays, a few of which had been just lately shared by the Elkhorn Slough Basis. We hope to see the ebook printed in late 2025.
Q: Who’re a few of your favourite photographers? (full names and URLs are useful)
A: Ansel Adams: https://www.anseladams.com
Frans Lanting: https://lanting.com
Q: How has working in nature enhanced your life?
A: Being in nature and photographing birds is the most effective remedy I may ask for. I get to go away the stress of life behind and concentrate on the hen, the digital camera settings, and being within the second. It additionally offers me with the chance to share what I’ve witnessed with my mates. It’s my need to encourage individuals to get out and see the surprise that’s simply exterior their again door. For many who aren’t cell it’s my hope they may vicariously get pleasure from seeing the sweetness in nature I’m in a position to share.
Q: Your picture of the Brown Pelican N38 is phenomenal. Have been you in search of blue-banded pelicans? How did you find out about our pelican banding program?
A: I had gone to Level Lobos in search of Brown Pelicans in breeding plumage. I don’t usually overview pictures whereas taking pictures as a result of in doing so that you typically miss the “excellent” shot. Returning house and reviewing the pictures, I seen the banding on the pelican. It sparked my curiosity and I wished to know its historical past. I merely did a Google search and Worldwide Hen Rescue’s Hen Banding Applications was close to the highest. I accomplished the kinds on the positioning and included my photograph. I’m so pleased to now see the historical past of N38 BRPE.
You’ll be able to see extra of Anita’s pictures work right here:
Web site: www.anitacouchman.pictures
Instagram: anitacouchman.pictures
