Richard Hartley Photos

Photography as a hobby can be incredibly rewarding and diverse, offering numerous subjects and styles to explore. My specific interests are in wildlife and military planes.

 

Starting in 2020, I’ve embarked on a photographic journey that combines the tranquillity and unpredictability of wildlife with the technical and powerful imagery of military planes. This combination allows for a broad exploration of skills and techniques.

 

Wildlife Photography: This area requires patience and a keen eye for capturing the fleeting moments of natural beauty. It's about understanding animal behaviour, being in the right place at the right time, and often waiting hours for the perfect shot. The focus is on the natural environment, animal behaviour, and preserving those special moments in the wild. It’s a pursuit that brings me closer to nature and challenges my skills in adapting to different lighting, weather conditions, and landscapes.

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Military Plane Photography: On the other end of the spectrum, photographing military planes is about capturing speed, power, and the intricate details of these engineering marvels. This involves attending air shows, visiting military bases, or spotting planes during exercises. The challenge here lies in capturing high-speed subjects, often requiring fast shutter speeds and precise timing. It’s a genre that combines an interest in aviation with the technical aspects of photography, such as panning, motion blur, and capturing fast-moving objects.

 

Both aspects of my hobby require different equipment and techniques. Long lenses are often essential for wildlife to capture distant animals without disturbance, while faster lenses might be more suitable for capturing planes in motion. Both demand an understanding of photography, such as shutter speed, aperture, and ISO, to adapt to different lighting conditions and motion.

 

In summary, my photography represents a blend of patience and excitement, quiet natural settings and roaring engines, which offers a diverse and fulfilling experience. As I continue to develop my skills, hopefully, I’ll capture stunning images and gain a deeper appreciation for the natural world and the marvels of human engineering.