Meet Ben Babusis, a nature photographer from Issaquah, Washington whose passion is capturing the most dramatic landscape and wildlife images from around the world. He lives and works as a radiologist in Issaquah, Washington.
Ben Babusis
BEHIND THE LENS
1. Amateur or Pro?
- Semi-Pro.
2. Describe your feed in 3 words.
- Nature, Light, Drama.
3. What’s in your toolbox for taking and editing photos?
- Currently use a Canon 1DX digital SLR and a variety of Canon lenses from 14 to 500mm.
Download directly to Lightroom 4, an amazing piece of software, and do minor touchups and printing from there,
only rarely employing Photoshop CS6. Use Snapseed for Instagram processing.
4. What is Instagram for you?
- I had barely even heard of Instagram a few months ago, until a friend (see question 7) suggested I check it out. Now I use it multiple times a day, it's a little addictive! But besides all the sharing of wonderfully creative photos, I was surprised to find such an engaging community of people who are passionate about photography and are so supportive of each other.
I have met in person and traveled with a number of IG'ers now and that has made it even more rewarding.
5. Who and/or what inspires you?
- I am inspired by amazing photographic captures, regardless of who took them, how much experience they had, or how "just lucky" they were. A photo stands by itself. I try very hard to separate the photo from the photographer. I think some of Ansel Adams photos are garbage, and some snapshots taken by a kid with an iphone are amazing. When I see something I really like, I try to emulate it in my own work.
6. What is your best advice to a fellow photographer?
- For nature photographers, be out there before sunrise and stay until well after sunset, those are magical times. Be very critical of your images. Display only your very best work. Return frequently to your favorite places. Bad weather can yield some of the best images. Never stop learning.
7. Who is your favourite photographer on Instagram?
- I have many favorites, but I must single out Mahesh Thapa @starvingphotographer as being particularly influential. He is not only a great friend, but his amazing work has motivated me to take better pictures myself.
8. Best photography secret?
- It's not about the camera!
9. Things you want to be better at as a photographer?
- Aerial photography. I fly helicopters and remote controlled aerial vehicles for fun and want to get my camera up there more often. It's a unique and beautiful perspective from above, and I think it has potential in nature photography.
10. How much time do you spend on photography?
- Not nearly as much as I want. Hope to work part time some day and devote more time to outdoor photography.