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Interview with Captain James Shadle
James Aaron Shadle (a.k.a. “Darth Vader”), the CEO and Co-owner of Birdphotographers.net, bought his first camera on layaway in 1975 - and he’s been hooked on photography ever since. James has lived in or around Valrico, Florida his entire life where he currently resides with his wife of 34 years. When he’s not busy taking other photographers out for daily workshops on his boat, the Hooptie Deux (a customized tri-toon with 1800 watts of stereo amplification), you can find him hanging with his family and doting on his first grandchild, Chase.
James let me choose the photographs that accompany this interview – many of them are my personal favorites of his. You can view more of his incredible images here on BPN where he has several photo albums or over at his website, “Wild Florida.” Now let’s get to know our illustrious leader a little bit better!
What make/model of equipment do you use on a regular basis?
I’m a Nikon Guy. I’ve owned and used D100, D1X, D70, D2H, D200, D2X, D300, D700, and D7000. I work for Tamron, so all my macro and short/fast zooms are Tamron lenses. I also own and use a Nikon AF-S 600mm F4 and a Sigma 300-800mm F5.6.
What editing software do you use?
Nikon Capture NX2 and Photoshop CS5.
Do you only shoot digital or do you also shoot film/slides?
I am 100% digital after years of shooting slide film.
What classifications of photography are you primarily known for or interested in?
I’m primarily known as a bird photographer; however, I feel I’m more than competent in the areas of Macro, Landscapes, and what I call ‘Abstract Nature’.
When you’re not out photographing one of your primary interests, what else do you enjoy photographing?
My Grandson…and I think the water drip setup I’ve just assembled will be fun.
Would you say your biggest strength lies in your technical skills with the camera, your artistic expression, or your post-processing skills?
I’ve been called an extraordinary example of a person who possesses higher levels of both right and left brain function. That being said, I really feel it’s a combination of the technical and artistic that is what works for me - certainly not my post processing skills! I much prefer to get it right in camera.
Do you conduct any classes, seminars, or workshops?
I sure do and I love it. I provide one-on-one photo workshops all year round and am currently booking for Spoonbill season, 2012 (beginning next February).
Have you ever been published? Won any awards?
I’ve been featured in:
· Florida’s Monthly Magazine as one of Florida’s “21 Most Intriguing People”
· Shutterbug Magazine
· St. Petersburg Times
· Tampa Tribune
· Tamron’s Viewfinder Magazine (with cover image)
I’ve had the cover photograph on:
· Visions Magazine (4 wrap-around covers in a row)
I’ve had images in:
· PhotoMigrations Online Magazine
· BirdPhotographers.Net’s E-zine
I’ve been published in:
· Watchtower Magazine (Largest circulated magazine in the world)
· Popular Photography
· Outdoor Photographer
· National Geographic Adventure Magazine
· National Wildlife Magazine
· Florida Naturalist Magazine
· Las Olas Magazine
· Disquieting Muses
· Bay Soundings
· EnviroAction
· Florida Environmental Lands Calendar(Cover)
I’ve won the following awards:
· Winner - Field and Forest Nature Photography Contest
· Winner - G.O.P.S. Photography Contest
· Winner - Nikonians Photography Contest
· Winner - National Wildlife Federation Annual Contest (twice)
· Overall Winner - International Photo Art Exhibition
What was it about photography that first drew you in?
I’m not sure but I do remember seeing a cardinal in the backyard as a very young child and wanting to get my parents Kodak 110 camera to photograph it.
What keeps you coming back for more?
The beauty, the creative process, the challenge, and the fact that when I’m not teaching, I get a little lost in my work. That, in and of itself, is a great mental and emotional healer.
Whose work do you most admire and why?
On the Avian side it is my BPN partner, Arthur Morris. Artie has an incredible ‘eye’ and he is never satisfied with the status quo. He’s quick to accept new technologies and to try new creative techniques.
Do you have any current mentors or muses? Anyone who’s rocked your world with their knowledge or style of photography?
I’m Co-owner of BPN; there is always someone rocking my world there.
How have you personally grown and/or changed because of your love of photography?
I wasn’t always the most patient person. Through learning photography and teaching it, I’ve become an incredibly patient person. Being patient has served me well as CEO of BPN.
Has your photographic style changed over time? If so, how?
It has matured. It’s hard to explain but now I notice little things like shadows touching the edge of the frame, etc. While I love the super clean ‘portrait’ backgrounds I also love trying to create beautiful images with habitat included.
How has holding a camera to your eye changed the way you interact with the world around you?
It has allowed me to interact with folks from all over the world; that would never have happened without photography.
How long have you been involved with BPN?
That would be since I thought it up on my boat in Tampa Bay (about 4 years ago).
How has being involved in our forums changed your photography?
You better pay attention to detail! There will be thousands of eyes looking at your image; if you missed something, someone will find it!
What’s been the best piece of advice you’ve gotten here at BPN?
Sticks and stone may break my bones but names will never hurt me. Oh wait, that’s the best advice I’ve given.
What forum do you spend most of your time in? Why?
The Admin area –it’s my job.
Got any advice for future photographers?
Join BPN, take a workshop, and practice, practice, practice!
Where (or what) is currently at the top of your photography dream list?
I’d really like to photograph the Puffins; other than that, any place other than Florida.
We’ve all heard the phrase, “You can’t take it with you” but if you COULD take it with you, what one camera body and lens would you strap around your neck for all of eternity and why?
Tough question! Can I have a tripod? If I can a Nikon D3s with a Sigma 300-800mm would be my choice. If not, I’d have to choose a Nikon D300s and a Tamron 70-300 VR II.
Anything else you want to add?
Hard work will trump talent so work hard at becoming talented. Think about this: twelve years ago I got my first super telephoto lens and had just finished reading Arthur Morris’ book, “The Art of Bird Photography”. After reading nature photography books by other authors, I quickly realized most of them didn’t have the depth of knowledge that Artie had – that he was, indeed, “the man”. Arthur Morris became the photographer I wanted to emulate and I became a fan. Today, Arthur Morris is my partner and, more importantly, my friend. It’s amazing the doors working your butt off will open.
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Post a Thank You. - 1 Thanks
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Excellent interview indeed ,
TFS
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Lifetime Member
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Lifetime Member
Well done, Julie. Agree it would be nice seeing more of his images .
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Post a Thank You. - 1 Thanks
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Nicely done Jules!
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Wildlife Moderator
Good insight into the Capt. 
Post Production: It’s ALL about what you do with the tools and not, which brand of tool you use.
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Originally Posted by
Steve Kaluski
Good insight into the Capt.
Yep.. Great start to behind the image series.
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Great job Jules and it is nice to see the man behind the lens stepping out! Agree with the others that he should do a bit more. Puffins you say James......I may be able to help with that!
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Co-Founder
Originally Posted by
Roman Kurywczak
Agree with the others that he should do a bit more. !
What
, I only sleep four hours a night now. OK I'll try to find the time.
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Originally Posted by
James Shadle
What
, I only sleep four hours a night now. OK I'll try to find the time.
Like the others....I meant posting
......and that's 2 hours too many anyway
!
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Super Moderator
Nice interview, a great way to start this new feature!!
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Great interview, James, and thanks for all the work you do keeping BPN running smoothly. Always enjoy your excellent Spoon Bill images.
A few follow-up questions - I was wondering what are the specific tasks in BPN Admin that are the most time consuming? What is the most expensive part of running BPN?
Also, do you still enter contests? and if so, which ones?
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BPN Member
Great interview Captain! We all appreciate your dream and sharing in it here on the forums. Fantastic images - great choices Jules! BPN is simply the best and continues to expand and improve under your leadership.
"It is an illusion that photos are made with the camera... they are made with the eye, heart, and head." - Henri Cartier Bresson
Please visit me on the web at
http://kerryperkinsphotography.com
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Great interview, Julie. James, Nikon! Thank you so much for creating this Forum! Nice meeting you (online!).
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