I’ve loved taking photos for as long as I can remember! I enjoy trying out different styles, but nature and wildlife photography is where my heart really is—I just feel like I’m better at it. There’s something special about sharing the beauty of the world with people who might miss it otherwise; it feels like both a privilege and a responsibility.
Hey! I’m TJ, and welcome to The Gibbons House Blog. If you’re back, it’s awesome to see you again!
My family often tells me that I was able to take straight, clear photos by the age of 4. One snowy day I was playing outside with my dad, my dad's partner, and her son. We were taking photos and they asked me to try and take a photo of them. I did, and they were all shocked to find it was crystal clear and the horizon line was perfectly aligned with the shot.
When I was finally old enough to buy my first camera with my own money, I found a second-hand Olympus—though I can't recall the exact model—and it came with two lenses. I cherished that camera and slowly began to learn the art of photography. At the time, I wasn't focused on technical details like shutter speed, ISO, or aperture; honestly, I didn’t even know what those terms meant! I was just thrilled to capture photos of the places we visited on holiday or the birds that flitted around in our garden.
The quality of those images wasn’t exactly spectacular, and while the camera played a part, I have to admit that my skills were still developing too! I can’t even say for sure if I have any of those photos saved anywhere; they might just be lost to time.
That camera died after a few years because of some form of software issue that was irreversible.
By that time, I was finally able to afford a better camera—my very first Canon: the EOS 700 D. Although it was still second-hand, the image quality was a significant upgrade from my old Olympus. That’s when I really started to dive into photography. I became eager to learn what all the settings did, how they worked, and how to take better photos. I began experimenting with manual focus and all the 'fancy' modes that came with the camera.
I instantly fell in love with how the Canon felt in my hands—the weight, the grip, and the way it operated.
And let me tell you, the battle between photography gear companies is no joke. It’s like the Android vs. Apple debate, but instead, it’s Canon vs. Nikon vs. Sony. I’m a Canon girl through and through (and for those who are curious, I definitely prefer Android over Apple!).
At first, I had the kit lens that came with the camera, along with a 200mm lens that doubled as a macro lens. I really enjoyed having that longer range, and it sparked my passion for photographing birds. I also loved experimenting with the close-up settings to capture the intricate details of insects and flowers.
Eventually, I decided to invest in a proper macro lens, which made a noticeable difference in the clarity of my detailed shots. To complement my gear, I treated myself to a budget-friendly tripod, which helped stabilize my photos and opened up new creative possibilities.
Not long after, I was gifted a lens ball, and that quickly became one of my favorite tools for landscape photography. It added a unique perspective to my shots and allowed me to play with reflections in a fun and artistic way.
A few years ago, I saved up for a larger lens and found myself torn between the Sigma and Tamron 600mm options. After diving into reviews, I ultimately decided on the Sigma. However, I soon discovered that my Canon EOS 700D wasn’t compatible enough with the lens to deliver the crisp, sharp images I was hoping for—the technology was just too outdated. What a disappointment! I ended up having to buy a new camera to match the lens.
Now, my current setup includes the Canon EOS 90D, along with the Sigma 150-600mm, Sigma 105mm Macro, and Canon EFS 18-135mm lenses. This collection works great for me! The 18-135mm lens is fantastic for landscapes and casual walks, while the 150-600mm lens is incredible for bird photography and wildlife shots. The only downside is that it’s quite heavy, making it less ideal for hikes. As for the Macro lens, it’s perfect for capturing those high-quality close-up shots that really showcase the details!
I plan to do reviews of my photography kit at some point, so stay tuned for those if you’re interested in my insights!
The world of smartphones has opened up many doors, and I bought my latest phone specifically for its great camera. The nice thing is that when I’m going for a long hike or adventure and don’t want to risk taking my camera, I can always rely on my phone. Technology has improved so much since I first had a camera phone, and most modern devices come equipped with settings and functions tailored to suit your needs.
The photo below was taken with my phone, and considering the sun's position, my old phone would have struggled with the glare. It really shows how much technology has advanced in just the past few years!
I'm definitely not an expert when it comes to manual settings, but I enjoy experimenting with them as I continue to learn. Because I have Dyspraxia and Dyslexia, I find the 'rules' hard to learn and remember. So, I take my time adjusting each setting and see what works best for the scene I am trying to capture. I often shoot in semi-manual modes, allowing me to adjust either the shutter speed, ISO, or aperture on my own while the camera takes care of the other settings automatically. I know that many photographers might label me a 'cheat' for doing it this way, but honestly, this approach works best for me. It’s how I truly enjoy my photography hobby!
I’m not a huge fan of editing photos. Don’t get me wrong—I’ll adjust the basics like lighting and shadows, and I might even switch a few images to black and white. However, I don’t enjoy making drastic edits because it takes away from the original image.
I truly admire those who use Photoshop to the fullest, adding or removing elements, completely changing scenes, or merging photos to create stunning visuals. But that kind of editing just isn’t for me. I much prefer to put in the effort and time upfront to capture the picture I envision and bring it to life. To me, it feels like the process shifts from photography to editing when images are manipulated too much. That said, I definitely respect those who enjoy editing and transforming their photos—it’s just not my personal preference!
Over the years, I’ve discovered that I enjoy photographing a wide range of scenes and subjects, including travel, landscapes, birds, macro shots, wildlife, farm animals, and even a bit of abstract art. I have fun photographing people too, and I’m happy to do shoots for friends and family. However, it’s not something I’d want to pursue as a career.
I find that there’s so much pressure to perform, along with numerous expectations and requests. When I’m photographing wildlife and various scenes, they can’t judge my work. I can capture the image exactly how I envision it, whether I want to be quirky and artistic or stick to something more mundane and cliché. There’s a certain freedom in that, allowing me to express myself without the stress of being criticized or having to meet someone else’s expectations.
There’s nothing more satisfying than watching an idea transform into a photo that truly works. When everything aligns perfectly, and the final image turns out just as you imagined—or even better—it’s an incredible feeling!
My all-time favorite photo (though there have been a few contenders, none have quite taken its place!) was taken of the River Wye in Herefordshire. My mum and I had gone for a walk on a super frosty morning with our dog. As I looked at the trees shrouded in mist and the river glistening in the cold, I envisioned the image I wanted to capture. I set up my tripod and started planning for the shot.
My hands were freezing, my toes were numb, and my breath curled in front of my face like the huff of a dragon. But I patiently waited for the lighting to be just right, adjusting the tripod until I found the perfect angle. I seized the opportunity and took several photos that day, all featuring the frost. It wasn’t until I got home and uploaded the images to my laptop that I realized the shot I had meticulously set up had turned out perfectly—just as I had imagined, if not even better! It is a photo that is proudly showcased on my wall and featured in a few of my available products!
I don’t think photography will ever be a full-time job for me, but I genuinely enjoy capturing beautiful images, and I've been encouraged to sell some of my work.
I have a variety of items available, including greeting cards, calendars, gifts, prints, and more. If you’re interested, feel free to send me a message, and we can chat! With Christmas fast approaching, what better way to show a loved one you care than by sending them a personalized card or gift?
Photography is a way that I get to spend time in nature and share its beauty with those who might not be able to get out and appreciate it, or those who simply don't notice it. My challenge to myself is to share the details of nature with people, make them smile and maybe teach them something new about their surrounding wildlife! Many of the wildlife photos are taken in my very own garden, local parks and lakes and even in the City!
Here are a few of my photos for your to nosy at, if you wish to do so!
To wrap things up, photography has become such a fun and rewarding hobby for me. I love exploring different subjects and capturing all the beautiful moments around me. Whether I’m out in nature, trying new styles, or just using my smartphone, each photo has its own story and shows my unique view of the world. I’m really grateful for all the encouragement to share my work, and I can’t wait to keep inspiring others with my images. With the holiday season coming up, why not consider a personalized gift that showcases my photography?
Are you a photographer or do you enjoy taking photos? I would love to see them! Reach out on social media and let's connect!
Thanks for joining me on this journey, and I’m excited to share more of my adventures behind the lens!
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