Marc Benton dot Com

Spotlight on Steve Creek

Welcome to the new format for the Spotlight posts on User 40.0.  I wanted to get more input from the photographers I admire so evolved the article into more of a questionnaire/interview format.  I must admit the questions were greatly influenced by other interviews on the web like those at Photography Inteviews by Crash Taylor.  I’ll also admit a personal motive for these.  I benefit as much, if not more so, than the readers since I learn a great deal from them.  After all that is the purpose of this blog, to share what I learn with the community. I’d greatly appreciate any feedback on this new format, also if there are questions or areas you would like to see added.

My first Spotlight in this format falls on Steve Creek of Steve Creek Outdoors.  Steve is a Law Enforcement officer in my home state of Arkansas that has taken his experience documenting crime scenes and turned out some really outstanding wildlife images.  My wife first found Steve on the web and we’ve both been following his blog for a few months now.  I hope you enjoy his photos as much as we do.  As always, feedback is appreciated and I’m sure Steve would welcome any comments on his site as well.

Tell us a little bit about yourself?
I am a Deputy Sheriff and have been with the same department for 25 years. I have worked my way up the ranks and now hold the rank of Major. My area is supervising the Patrol Deputies and also the Detectives.  I actually got into photography from doing crime scenes as a Detective. We did not have a CSI unit until this past couple of years so each detective did his own crime scene which included photos.

Where is home?
Lavaca, Arkansas

If you could live anywhere else where would it be?
I like it here in Arkansas.

How long have you been a photographer?
I took a class 34 years ago but got into it more doing crime scenes. I liked being outdoors to get away from the stress of the job and I wanted to take something besides crime scene photos. Photographing wildlife has helped me on keeping my sanity.

What or who got you started in photography?
My mother was always taking photos when I was young so I would have to say she helped. My Law Enforcement job also helped with a lot of the tech stuff.

How would you describe your style?
I like to be up close with wildlife. The closer the better but without disturbing them.

Do you have some of your favorite wildlife images you can share with us?

What type of camera(s) and glass do you shoot with?
I am using the Canon 40D with these lens:

• Canon 70-200 f2.8L
• Canon 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 L IS USM
• 100mm f2.8 macro
• Canon 400 f5.6
• Canon 500 f4

What is your favorite photography accessory, other than your camera?
I am going to say my Digtial Holster from Think Tank. I like getting back in the woods and this thing works like a gun holster for my camera with the 400 f5.6 lens. I carry a pistol because of my job so this was a good match for me.

If you had to choose one lens which one would it be and why?
I just purchased the Canon 500 f4 and have been using it for about 2 weeks. This is an awesome lens. I just need to figure out how to carry it on my hikes.

What is your post processing software package of choice?
I use Lightroom and Iphoto.

How important is Lightroom in your final images?
Not very much for me at this time. I only do a light amount in Lightroom.

What is your most used Lightroom tool, plug-in, action set etc.?
I like the presets that you can develope in Lightroom to make what little processing I do easier.

Are you a MAC or PC lover?
Mac here for me.

Do you plan on buying any new equipment and if so what do you have your eyes on?
Just ordered a lens coat for the 500 f4 and a Lowepro Lens Trekker 600 II to carry it in. That white lens really sticks out.

What is your opinion about cropping an image?
In the past I was mainly cropping all my photos to place on my blog but I am now changing this because I am getting more request for my photos to be printed and if you crop them to much then you want have a good print.

Being an Arkansas native myself I enjoy seeing your images from the area. You’ve given me many ideas for shots I look for on my outings. What gives you ideas and inspires you to capture your subjects?
I try and look for something different than what others are taking. I took a profile photo of an Armadillo and I got lots of comments from people that stated that the only Armadillo they have seen were dead on the road so seeing a photo of one up close was cool to them. I like to get that response. I want to be in the right place at the right time to get that ultimate photo and to do this I need to be outdoors.

What has been your most memorable wildlife shot and why?
I am going to say that this occurred this past Monday. I was in Oklahoma trying to get eagle photos when this coyote came up near me and started hunting field mice. He knew I was around but did not seem to mind and even posed for photos. Coyotes are a very difficult animal to get close to and they sure don’t hang around humans for very long.

Where would be your dream destination shoot?
Yellowstone in the Fall. I have never been.

What do you feel is the most challenging thing about photographing wildlife?
It is very difficult to get everything just right. Your subject may only stay around for a moment and during this moment you better be ready.

What services do you use on the web, including your blog, to display your photos?
I started a blog years ago for my children to see what I was doing outdoors and now my grandchildren are enjoying it. I started with Blogger and it was great but I wanted more control so I am now on Wordpress which is hosted on my own domain. I also just signed up with Smugmug because people were wanting to be able to purchase some of my photos and Smugmug makes this pretty simple.

Can you share a little of how the web has affected your photography?
The exposure is great. I had some photos on Flickr and the Smithsonian contacted me wanting to use one on the show “Stories from the Vaults“. I thought this was so cool. The thing to remember if you keep all your photos hid then it will be difficult to see how your doing.

A photography website and/or blog you visit often?
I use Google Reader and subscribe to a bunch of photography blogs. A feed reader is the way to go with so many great blogs around.

While your focus is wildlife I’ve noticed many other subjects on your blog. Are there any non-wildlife images you’ve taken that you would like to share?
I took this photo while photographing waterfowl and have had several request for it.

Is there anything or anyone that you would like to photograph that you haven’t had the chance to yet?
Here in Arkansas I would like to photograph a bear in the wild. The population is growing but I have not been able to photograph one yet. One with cubs would be a bonus.

What general advice do you have for somebody who wants to pursue photography?
The internet can be a great place to learn a lot about photography. Don’t be afraid to post your photos and have people tell you what they like and don’t like, but be ready to handle the comments that are not positive. Get with someone that does the type of photography you like and shadow them and this will help in your learning process. Don’t be afraid to get on forums and ask questions.

What advice do you have for somebody who wants to pursue wildlife photography?
Taking wildlife photos is a way of life for me. I watch what I wear. I use unscented soap and deodorant. Even what you eat makes a difference. But the main thing is that you need to study the animal you want to photograph and know all that you can about them.

Where you’ll find me on a Saturday morning night at 8 a.m.?
In the great outdoors with my camera. I try and get to a location before dark and stay most of the day. A lot of photographers want take photos during mid-day because of the harsh light but I take my chance and work in the shade. A lot of animals will move between the hours of 9 and 2 from my experience.

Photographing lions hunting antelope in Africa, Angelina Jolie on a beach in Tahiti, or all-access at the Kentucky Derby?
Africa would be awesome.

Something you’re still learning?
Flash

Perfect vacation?
Alaska or an Africa safari.

What would you like to be doing in 5 years from now?
Wildlife photography full time.

Where can we see more of your images or connect with you on the web?

• Blog:  http://stevecreek.com/
• Smugmug: http://screek.smugmug.com/
• Flickr:  http://www.flickr.com/photos/screek/

Thanks Steve!

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