Amateur Photographer

Reader Portfolio

Spotlight on readers’ excellent images and how they captured them

- Oddy Barber, Peterborou­gh

About Oddy

Oddy is a call handler at a GP surgery. More of her images are on Instagram at @oddybwildl­ife

Favourite subjects

Wildlife photograph­y. It lets me get out in the fresh air and de-stress from my job. I like street photograph­y too and photograph­ing street art/graffiti.

How did you get into photograph­y?

At an early age I inherited my father’s 35mm Mamiya/Sekor camera, and at about 18 I went to night school where the process of developing film in the darkroom got me hooked.

First camera

Praktica BX20 with 50mm lens.

What do you love about photograph­y?

With wildlife photograph­y I love the fact I never know what I am going to see.

Current kit

Sony RX10 IV. I love it. I occasional­ly use my Sony A77 with Sigma 105mm macro; I have a problem with my left hand after surgery five years ago so can’t hold the weight of big lenses.

Favourite accessory

My Black Rapid camera strap.

What software do you use for editing?

Lightroom and Google Nik. Also Topaz Denoise and Sharpening.

Where do you find inspiratio­n?

I belong to SheClicks on Facebook and other members’ posts give me ideas. I am friends with a few photograph­ers who run workshops so I see what they are offering. I also check out travel firms that offer wildlife holidays.

Favourite photograph­ers

Victoria Hillman; Steve and Ann Toon

Favourite photograph­y books

One is Success with Wildlife Photograph­y by Steve and Ann Toon. I emailed Steve one of my first photos asking for advice and he replied saying he was trying to find a kind way to let me down on my image but explained he was impressed by it, which boosted my confidence. Also, Forgotten Little Creatures by Victoria Hillman.

Favourite tips

Don’t be frightened to make mistakes. Also have fun and from time to time put the camera down and enjoy the beauty of what you are photograph­ing.

About your pictures

In 2022 I got to go to two places from my bucket list; the Isle of Mull in Scotland and Lake Kerkini in Greece, which were amazing experience­s.

?? ?? 1 I’m Behind You 1 We all know the usual puffin image so when this puffin sat in front of me on the cliff top on Lunga, it presented me with a different perspectiv­e. Sony RX10 IV, 220mm, 1/2500sec at f/4, ISO 500
1 I’m Behind You 1 We all know the usual puffin image so when this puffin sat in front of me on the cliff top on Lunga, it presented me with a different perspectiv­e. Sony RX10 IV, 220mm, 1/2500sec at f/4, ISO 500
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?? ?? Incoming 4 This white-tailed eagle on Mull was coming in to take a fish off the water which are provided by the tour. I am amazed I managed this as I don’t like boats and this was bobbing up and down, which made it difficult to focus. Sony RX10 IV, 105mm, 1/1250sec at f/7.1, ISO 800
Incoming 4 This white-tailed eagle on Mull was coming in to take a fish off the water which are provided by the tour. I am amazed I managed this as I don’t like boats and this was bobbing up and down, which made it difficult to focus. Sony RX10 IV, 105mm, 1/1250sec at f/7.1, ISO 800
?? ?? 5 Peek a Boo 5 In Finland, I was sitting on the floor beside the bird hide and he popped up right in front of me. Such an adorable red squirrel and he wasn’t fazed by me. Sony RX10 IV, 220mm, 1/400sec at f/4, ISO 400
5 Peek a Boo 5 In Finland, I was sitting on the floor beside the bird hide and he popped up right in front of me. Such an adorable red squirrel and he wasn’t fazed by me. Sony RX10 IV, 220mm, 1/400sec at f/4, ISO 400
?? ?? Beautiful Bill 3 This dalmatian pelican on Lake Kerkini was off from the group so it allowed me to hang over the edge of the boat with my camera just above the water level to get this shot, and I managed to get all its bill in! Sony RX10 IV, 110mm, 1/800sec at f/6.3, ISO 400
Beautiful Bill 3 This dalmatian pelican on Lake Kerkini was off from the group so it allowed me to hang over the edge of the boat with my camera just above the water level to get this shot, and I managed to get all its bill in! Sony RX10 IV, 110mm, 1/800sec at f/6.3, ISO 400
?? ?? 6 Whatcha Lookin At? 6 I photograph­ed this otter on the Isle of Mull. I spent nearly an hour watching him go in and out of the water – an experience I won’t forget. Sony RX10 IV, 2200mm, 1/100sec at f/10, ISO 500
6 Whatcha Lookin At? 6 I photograph­ed this otter on the Isle of Mull. I spent nearly an hour watching him go in and out of the water – an experience I won’t forget. Sony RX10 IV, 2200mm, 1/100sec at f/10, ISO 500
?? ?? Reflecting 2 We had gone out at 5.00am onto Lake Kerkin. The mist was hanging in the air and as the sunrise came up it gave a lovely diffused light which worked wonders for capturing this dalmatian pelican and achieving this very calm and peaceful piece. Sony RX10 IV, 40mm, 1/200sec at f/8, ISO 400
Reflecting 2 We had gone out at 5.00am onto Lake Kerkin. The mist was hanging in the air and as the sunrise came up it gave a lovely diffused light which worked wonders for capturing this dalmatian pelican and achieving this very calm and peaceful piece. Sony RX10 IV, 40mm, 1/200sec at f/8, ISO 400

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