In conversation with...... Kay Wilson (AKA wilgk)

[carregwen]

Kay is the third subject in our 'in conversation' series, and the first lady! I didn't even have to twist her arm too tightly (difficult from 12,000 miles away). It was very good of her to volunteer, and I do think the least you can all do is thank her for being so brave to be one of the first - especially as she still has her learner plates on.

I'm looking for more 'volunteers'. Lurk if you want to, but you can only lurk for so long. You know how to reach me. And I know how to reach you. The on-going success of this forum depends upon the regular contribution of all members (insert guilty feeling smilie here) If you are fairly new to photography and would like to take part in a conversation but are worried that there won't be enough detail, please PM me. I can change some of the questions to make it more suitable for starter photographers. We want to hear from a range of members, not just the 'top-posters/top-photographers'.

David (from Cheshire) suggested adding to these threads a couple of shots that are of some special significance to the person being interviewed - so I have started with this conversation. Thank you for that, David.

Previous conversations are here... (but read this one first!)

In conversation with... Sean T. McHugh (McQ)
In conversation with... Steve O'Neill (Wirefox to you)

[carregwen]

⌐Image, Steve (Wirefox)

In conversation with... Kay Wilson

Name: Kay Wilson
Location: Victoria Australia
Joined CiC: Feb 2010
CiC posts: 330

Rob: Thanks very much for taking the time to talk to us today, Kay.

You’re welcome, after you asked so nicely and all the other ladies refused – what could I say? – although I am now feeling somewhat reminiscent of Marie Antoinette!

Don't worry about them - let them eat cake! Perhaps we can start by you telling us something about your general back-ground. What about your work history - anything interesting?

Well I started out as a Radiographer, then moved into Ultrasound, both of which funnily enough seem to be professions with a few who have photography as their hobby. Must be the affinity with the rules of object to film distance and need for understanding of dynamic range.

More recently I have been doing some sports admin work at our kids school, which is quite a change, but I get the privilege of doing quite a bit of the photography for the magazine & website.

And what about your family life?

Sorry to interrupt Rob – but have you offered our readers a slice of cake yet? I want them to be comfortable. OK, good. Well as he says the Bean Counter (BC) & I have been happily manacled together since 1987. The secret to our marital longevity is…ear plugs (BC snores terribly and new members if you think we don’t give advice on such subjects as obstructive sleep apnoea on this forum – think again!). We have two children the eldest daughter is our fashionista and our son is the one with an interest in photography, which I think he gets from his paternal Grandfather who was a very keen botanical photographer. Michael has had some images featured in the school’s annual art-show so we look forward to him maybe giving up the loud drum set for the quiet camera perhaps.

If you were staying in tonight, what would you choose as one of your favourite books and/or films to keep you entertained, and what you be having as a favourite meal?

At home on the telly – BC and I are keen watchers of British murder mysteries and crime shows like ‘Waking the Dead’ ‘Wire in the Blood’ and for movies, I really am a sucker for the ‘feel good’ genre – “Mr Holland’s Opus’, ‘Radio’ ‘Remember the Titans’ etc.

My favourite gastronomic pleasure is my regular Friday night – start with beer, followed by Red wine & Pizza, with some Dark Chocolate for dessert…I seem to have misplaced the form for that cholesterol test, hmmm.

OK, photography is a given, but what about other hobbies or personal interests?

I took up Karate three years ago, about the time I registered the cumulative nature of my Friday night food-fests.

Let's get on to photography - how long have you been a photographer, and what got you interested in the first place?

It probably started when BC gave me an SLR around seven years ago – but really took off when we exchanged that for the digital variety three years ago.

What type of photography are you interested in, and why?

My main passion is sports Photography because I enjoy taking pictures of things I enjoy, although I do find myself sometimes cheering or admonishing the players like the rest of the fans and get carried away and forget to take the picture. I also like the relaxing nature of sports, as well time spent quietly watching a dressage test or show-jumping round at Equestrian events. I find very enjoyable. I would also like to learn more about & become better at ‘people’ photography – outdoor portraits and candid images of people at an event, for example.

Any particular photographic influences?

Well, I am somewhat of a photographic philistine, I’m afraid. So instead, I'll tell you from our own ranks here at CiC amongst the Ladies – Wendy’s work is inspirational. I also think that Raylee has some really wonderful images and I look forward to seeing more of her work now she has settled in with us. An inspirational historical figure is Eleanor Roosevelt – I love some of her quotes.

What do you hope to achieve through your photography - or what have you achieved already?

Well so far I have been fortunate enough to have one of my photos chosen for the cover of the school yearbook/magazine and have had one of BC and his windsurfing mates published in the local newspaper – this may be due on some part to the fact that it is a very desolate area and a dead body was found there…thus putting off the ‘real photographers’ perhaps? I also have my Basketball shots used on the websites for the local Men’s & Women’s senior division and the ‘Supercats’ our local semi-pro team.

In the future I hope for more improvement and confidence in the other genres that interest me.

What you think of CiC? Any way it could be improved? Where should it go from here, in your opinion?

I have really enjoyed getting to know everyone at CiC. What I really like is that although advice is given on ‘gear’ it never takes over and the discussion is more on what you can do with it practically, which is great. I also wonder if some of the forums with people who wax-lyrical over certain equipment aren’t perhaps afflicted with a touch of what I call ‘The Emperor’s new clothes’ phenomenon.

Getting more personal if you don't mind...what keeps you awake at night, apart from Photoshop?

You mean apart from Fashionista having a boyfriend, turning 18, being allowed to drink alcohol and drive a car?.....‘World Peace’ I guess

I have to ask this - what photographic gear do you own, and what software do you use for editing?

I was lucky enough to trade up to the sporty Canon 7D after starting with the 450D, the lenses are an odd assortment the progressive collection of which was designed around some dark indoor sports venues here. 50mm 1.4, 85mm 1.8 and 200mm 2.8. A zoom 70-200 would have been more practical than the 85 and 200 primes as zooming with one’s feet is not always practical! Or safe.

I also this year took advantage of an offer from Adobe that you could get CS5 for 80% off the retail price if you worked at a school, so now I just have to learn to use it. I also have aperture on the mac which for multiple sports images is very quick to do the basic editing required.

It's a tough one to answer, but how would you rate your photographic skills and ability?

Well compared to others, I am not at all far along the learning curve, but the encouraging bit is compared to where I started I think I have moved along a small amount.

What will the digital camera be like in 2020? And will you still own one?

Hopefully not too much change – at my age I won’t keep up!

Another tough one for you - do you consider photography to be art?

For others it most definitely is- for myself at my stage and at the sporting events, it is more about technical aspects however I do try to experiment with some more artistic type attempts while I’m there…laying in the mud getting close ups of muddy soccer balls for our ‘weather theme’ as an example, I can’t think of another reason I got so wet and muddy!

How do you feel about having your own shot taken?

As compared to root canal therapy?

What single piece of advice do you think is most useful to someone starting out with photography?

Find a subject that interests you and you enjoy taking pictures of and you will find yourself improving before you know it.

Can you give us one interesting/weird/silly thing about you that we probably don't know?

I was a tomboy as a kid who played Rugby and called myself Kevin. I am also somewhat …nope that’s enough of that.

Can we see two of your shots that mean something special to you, and could you explain why.
I haven't been around long enough to have one or two images that have important significance - and in the sporting genre they would more than likely be ones I was happy with the focus in low light or something & not interesting in a compositional or inspirational sense to anyone else.

So today I thought about the 1 thing we all seem to have in common is time constraints where 'life' demands of us when we would rather be shooting. This seems to be common regardless of if your are working full time, have kids or not - everyone has other commitments.

So....these photos are important to me and always will be, because this is my husband who has always encouraged me to pursue my interest and take the time to do what I enjoy

These shots were taken this April our first time ever away on our own for a few days without the kids.

He has been a surfer since he was about ten years old, he now sails his windsurfer more often, but enjoys both, his only stipulation with all of this photography malarkey was that I sometimes take shots of him surfing or sailing.

That's all we have time for, Kay, but I want to thank you for taking the time to talk to us. It's been a real pleasure, and I'm sure others will enjoy it.

You are most welcome, the guillotine wasn’t as sharp as I expected.

[carregwen]

Please post any questions/comments for Kay after here.

I don't hear any thanks for Kay yet?

[dragonaxe]

Thanks Kay.
It's interesting to hear from another newbie, as you expressed many thoughts that the rest of us have too.
And I love the tip about finding what interests you, and taking pics of that...the more interesting a subject is, the less pressure you feel to compare your results to others (if that makes sense).

I would add a proviso though...I always wanted to take landscape pics, but my geography limits that quite a lot, so following suggestions from CiC, I'm trying a new style (urban decay) The subject isn't as immediately enjoyable as being out in the countryside, but once I saw it as a technical challenge (i.e using B&W...which I'd never done before), the interest has grown enormously. So it's always good to challenge oneself to dedicate some time to a new style. It never hurts to push the boundaries a bit

Oh, and I must complain in the strongest possible terms!!!! my cake appears to have been lost in baggage control, somewhere between Aus and the UK!!

thanks again

[Camellia]

Thanks Kay!

I really like the action shot of your hubbie surfing. Was that taken with the 200mm?

I'd be interested to hear more about your upgrade from the 450D to the 7D. How long was it before you felt you had out grown the 450D? How are you finding the 7D? And what lenses would you like next?

Cheers

[Katy Noelle]

Oh, thanks, Kay! This series is so fun, funny and encouraging. You give me a lot of hope. It's just great to know that you're all 'real' and not tremendously scary or intimidating or something like that.

Kate

[Clactonian]

Well done Kay, as a founder member of the flat earth society, it's good to know that there is a thriving world outside of Europe.
I'm enjoying your images.

Mike

[David]

Hi Kay - Thanks for the fascinating insight into life in the land of Oz. I'm glad to hear that there is at least one other normal person in the world who likes beer, red wine, pizza and chocolate (chuck in whisky for the perfect hangover). If you get the chance, instead of British crime thrillers on TV see if you can get hold of the original Swedish version of the Wallender series.

Cheers

David

[Dave Humphries]

Hi Kay,

Well done running the 'Rob' gauntlet for us. Now, if anyone around here is scary ....

I completely agree with you about finding a subject and concentrating on it, because practice makes perfect, more practice in one area reaps quicker rewards than spreading oneself too thinly and making little noticeable progress anywhere.

How are you getting on with CS5, I got it recently too, but have to admit that for the rapid PP turnaround needed for the PAD, I have used Elements 8 everyday so far. But I have started reading the book

Thanks again,

[ScoutR]

Hi Kay: Thanks for letting us get to know you better - you are a brave one.

I would just like to say that I think you underestimate yourself as an artistic photographer. Even though sports may be your main passion, and you are usually dealing with technical issues like light and movement, your photos always have an element of emotion and art.

I for one always appreciate when you step away from the sports arena and let us see your outdoor work. You really do have a great eye, and a unique way of expressing your thoughts with a photograph (my personal favourite is still the shot taken from the construction site looking out into the farmland, the muddy football and wheelchair basketball player are 2 others where the photo says so much more than words) and your progress with the portrait tutorial was also fantastic. You are very versatile with the camera.

Thanks again for doing the interview. It's good to know the tenacious person behind the camera a bit better.

Wendy

[Wirefox]

You mean apart from Fashionista having a boyfriend, turning 18, being allowed to drink alcohol and drive a car?.....‘World Peace’ I guess

What no body piercings or tattoos yet. She's letting you off lightly...I will have to report her to the Society for the Prolongevity of Angst to Parents. I have to go through it...I think you should to

Loved the interview by the way. Sport and art do not mix. Strenuous exercise and plimsolls cause the endorphines to attack the fuzzy things on their journey to the right side. I prescribe doubling the dose of pizza and chocs and start immediately on a course of Laura Ashley decor and cute pink cameras (it works for Rob).

Steve

[wilgk]

If you get the chance, instead of British crime thrillers on TV see if you can get hold of the original Swedish version of the Wallender series.

Cheers

David

Cheers David
I am a fan of those books - I read the first 2 early on and you may have heard reports about someone stalking the bookstores down under wtg on the release of the 3rd.

[Klickit]

Thanks for giving us a deeper insight into your life and mind, Kay. I'm always interested to know what drives different photographers to do what they do.

[Donald]

Excellent interview Kay. Good on you. And, as Rob said at the top, this isn't (and must never be) just about the top posters.

The insights of newer members can be much more meaningful, insghtful and, for all us, more informative and instructive, because all the ideas about why you got into photography and what you want to get out of it are fresher and in the process of being developed and refined.

[RonH]

Thanks Kay for sharing.

[Peter Ryan]

Well done Kay, a good interview. Know we know more about you you will have to call by the markets on day and say hi. I will now be able to recongnise BC and Fashonista so know its time for you to come out from behind the camera. Call in some time.

And Rob, I think the links to previous interviews is a good idea.

[Shadowman]

I have a question for Kay.

Do you ever feel the need to explain your photography? Your two selections are pretty explanatory, at least to me, the first could very well be an informal portrait and the second sports photography. Have you ever been questioned about your choice of subjects, was there a particular meaning in the figure displayed, etc?

[wilgk]

I have a question for Kay.

Do you ever feel the need to explain your photography? Your two selections are pretty explanatory, at least to me, the first could very well be an informal portrait and the second sports photography. Have you ever been questioned about your choice of subjects, was there a particular meaning in the figure displayed, etc?

Hi John & everyone
Thankyou all for the warm reception, as you could tell it was with not an insignificant degree of trepidation that I did this


John
I don't think I have had to explain things - you are correct here my husband was meant to submit photos of himself for his 20 yrs celebration with the 1 (American!) company - he wouldn't so I did it for him!

Another of my favourites is one for similar reasons - not because it showed any particular technical skill or artistic merit, but it was taken when I was offered the chance to photograph an International Basketball game here and 'access all areas'. There were 2 games, 1 wheelchair Basketball and then the regular one.
The real photgrapher from the local newspaper only arrived during the 'main game'

I felt that was a bit disrespectful and the wheelchair athletes deserved equal time...it turns out others agreed with me, no-one else was allowed the vantage point I had up in the roof.......
So I remember that lesson when I see this picture......but of course it is not conveyed by my photography, which doesn't matter really.

sorry I think I explain things better after my evening glass of red - here is that picture anyway.



Thanks again & we look forward to Rob's next victim...doesn't hurt a bit!

[Shadowman]

Hi John & everyone
Thank you all for the warm reception, as you could tell it was with not an insignificant degree of trepidation that I did this


John
I don't think I have had to explain things - you are correct here my husband was meant to submit photos of himself for his 20 yrs celebration with the 1 (American!) company - he wouldn't so I did it for him!

Another of my favourites is one for similar reasons - not because it showed any particular technical skill or artistic merit, but it was taken when I was offered the chance to photograph an International Basketball game here and 'access all areas'. There were 2 games, 1 wheelchair Basketball and then the regular one.
The real photographer from the local newspaper only arrived during the 'main game'

I felt that was a bit disrespectful and the wheelchair athletes deserved equal time...it turns out others agreed with me, no-one else was allowed the vantage point I had up in the roof.......
So I remember that lesson when I see this picture......but of course it is not conveyed by my photography, which doesn't matter really.

sorry I think I explain things better after my evening glass of red - here is that picture anyway.



Thanks again & we look forward to Rob's next victim...doesn't hurt a bit!

Kay,

Thanks for the additional information and photograph. I sometimes think of the photograph as a short story, there did appear to be something personal in the first photograph of your husband, his glance into the camera and the fact you chose to display this particular photo, but we the viewer have no way of knowing the connection between subject and photographer and we are left wondering what was the artist's intent. It's not necessary to share those revelations every time we display our work, sometimes it can be conveyed in a title or a series of shots, but it (the added wonder of what does it mean) does make for more interesting photography.

[Donald]

Was my favourite when first posted up in a competition thread some time ago ... and I still love it. A brilliant sports/action picture. Legs of the umpire/referee are are irritating distraction, but the power of the image is still there.

Was trying to find the thread in which I made comment about the ball needing to be visible in a picture featuring ball sports. Well, here's the evidence!