Originally posted by Tom Lusk A couple of points:
"I think Marc Langille would have something to say about that Tom"
First -I think Marc is one of the very few Pentax photographers that can produce decent wildlife shots with his equipment. But note that his best glass cannot be purchased anywhere - not available for sale - he bought his prize lenses before they were discontinued or shortly thereafter.
Besides, I don't think Marc makes his living as a wildlife photographer.
It really doesn't matter! It's a given that Nikon and Canon (for wildlife work) are the obvious choices - too many to mention. So I choose to handicap myself...
Side note: Art Wolfe was a judge at VLF one or two competitions ago - (if others don't know who he is then I suggest you search online). Art stated (to John Martin, Executive Chair of VLF) that it was the toughest and fairest competition he's ever been involved with as either a competitor or a judge in the last 30 years. They thought that 4 of my images are good enough to be published in their latest book. Two taken with Canon (two 3rd in class placings), two with Pentax (1st in class, 2nd in class placings):
Valley Land Fund Contest Winner
FWIW, I was the lone person using Pentax.
Most people may not know this fact: the majority of people don't make their living as a wildlife photographer - they do workshops, field trips, may have some income from stock images etc. to supplement their income. Ever look at those field trip prices? Most are quite expensive.
I guess I can make "decent wildlife shots": I did pull in an order for 15 8x10 images to decorate a new cabin being built, and more to come. Last month was $1K from photography... and I'm not full time, nor am I really trying to promote myself in any way.
Originally posted by Tom Lusk Finally : "As far as no Pentax taken shots in the exhibition, it's just a microcosm of the real world." Here's another hint that Pentax is not in the wildlife photography business -
Photo Critique Forums
NPN is one of the best wildlife photography sites on the net, (not just a microcosm, or if it is just one of many where Pentax is not represented) and has many of the best wildlife photographers in the world posting in the galleries, along with amateurs of all levels. There used to be one Pentax shooter (me).
What does that say about Pentax?
That means that I am now the lone NPN Pentax shooter?? I have been an NPN member for over a year and a half. I haven't submitted to the macro critique forum for a while, due to time commitments. I noticed your link is to the Avian Critique forum? Some nice shots Tom. BTW, all photo critique forums delete entries over 35 days old. I guess that means my images have no value now, because I am not submitting to the critique forum(s)...?
What others may not know is that is only a part of the entire site - here is the Membership Websites Directory:
Nature, Wildlife and Landscape Photography Resource
NPN Online Magazine will be publishing an article that I am writing. Four images are to be submitted with the article - two will be with Pentax, two with Canon...
Regards,
Marc
Last edited by Marc Langille; 11-01-2008 at 07:30 PM.
Reason: typo