WANDA CRASWELL - AUSTRALIA
What sparked your interest in photography?
Spending a week on a boat in the Galápagos Islands about 7 years ago was the catalyst in starting my photography journey, being able to capture wildlife in nature in an isolated location really made me consider my lack of skill and my hunger to learn.
How long have you been shooting for?
My partner bought me my first DSLR, a Canon 550D, about 7 years ago. I used it on Auto for ages and was frustrated with my lack of knowledge, and disappointed with the results. For my next trip to Antarctica, I decided to learn how to control settings manually, and I’ve never looked back.
What is your favourite type of photography?
As much as I love landscape photography, if I could choose one type, it would probably be wildlife (my fantasy about working as a Nat Geo wildlife photographer has yet to materialise). Having said that, shooting landscapes continues to be a meditational exercise and has given me valuable ‘me time’ while going through a rough couple of years personally.
What is in your camera bag?
I shoot with a Canon 6D and 7D, with Canon lenses 16-35mm f4 L IS, 100mm f2.8L, 70-200mm f2.8L IS II, 100-400mm, plus a Tamron 24-70 f2.8, Sigma ART 35mm, Samyang 14mm, NISI filters, Sirui W-series tripods. I also use a Mavic Pro and a GoPro.
What would your dream kit look like?
Someday I’m sure I will make to switch to mirrorless – recently I was given the opportunity to try an Olympus kit with OMD EM-1 mkII for a few months and I loved the freedom and the light weight of the whole kit. I do like to travel a fair bit, so carrying less weight and bulk is definitely something I am looking at.
What software do you use to process your images?
I like to keep my editing on the minimal end of the scale – I use Photoshop and NIK software. I prefer to keep my images as close to ‘as shot in camera’, without swapping skies or creating composites. I feel like my talent is in the actual shooting, definitely not the post processing.
Who are your three photography inspirations?
You may find this strange, but two of my biggest photography inspirations are Elliott Erwitt and his incredible black and white candid and sometimes absurd images, and Henri Cartier-Bresson’s candid/street photography. I am blown away by the sheer volume of amazing landscape photographers I follow from around the world for different reasons, but since going full-time in my own photography business over at the start of 2019, I’m paying much closer attention to those who actually earn a decent income while still being able to do what they love.
What are your top 3 bucket list locations you want to shoot?
I’ve travelled to 7 continents and I would definitely love to return to Antarctica one day, now that I know much more about photography! Diamond Beach in Iceland and Namibia are the other two.
What are your social media handles?
Instagram @wandacraswellphotography
Facebook: @wandacraswellphotography Website: www.wandacraswellphotography.com