Every person has a story to tell of how they capture the magic they see before them with their photography. We are celebrating this with our Instagram PixStorytellers. Each week, a new photographer will join us on Instagram sharing their ideas, tips, and tricks for getting the best shot. This week we introduce you to Miranda Osborn also know as @CameraKoala on Instagram who specializes in portrait and landscape photography.
How did you start in photography?
I’m Australian-born, and my professional career started somewhere between journalism and fetching coffee before taking a happy turn to photography, graphic design and all things visually creative in-between when I moved to the states in 1998. From newspaper photos to magazine shots, from product shoots to weddings, my CameraKoala Inc photography has appeared in numerous nationwide catalogs, publications and has had the privilege to grace 10 magazine covers to date. Sadly, I don’t remember the first photo I ever took, but I do remember getting my first “real” camera – a Canon Rebel! I took it everywhere with me and processed an excessive amount of film at Ritz Camera when they were still around. I do remember shooting my first wedding, however, I was a bridesmaid (and a photographer), and I shot on “auto-iso.” I didn’t know any better… 50+ weddings later, those photos are a great reminder to me today of how far I’ve come.
What’s in your camera bag?
My bag (which in itself is a work of art) a Hold Fast Roamographer (LOVE!) that goes everywhere with me holds a Canon 5D SR, and an EF 11-24mm f/4L lens that has never come off the camera since all three of their purchases in December! When I’m not shooting landscapes, I also take a 7D Mark II, and a Profoto A1 (one of the most amazing flashes on the market!). My car is an extension of my bag and holds a Manfrotto tripod with an awesome Manfrotto XPRO Geared 3 Way Head.
What is something that inspires you to try new things?
Every day there is something new and incredible to see. I set my alarm, (most days) and get groggily out of bed, and traipse somewhere near or far to take a photo because you never know what you’re going to see. Life is amazing and beautiful, and I spent 30+ years letting it pass me by before I realized the true magnitude of it. In the last 10 months, I’ve taken I have posted 561 unique and individual photos to date on social media. In pursuit of the perfect photo, I have taken 14,081 sunrise photos and 16,675 sunset photos. That’s 30,656 photos to get 561 “perfect” shots. Every day that inspires me to try new things, reach further, #changeyourperspective (my mantra) and see things differently.
Are there any challenges you’ve faced as a photographer?
Tons! Weather is my friend, rain or shine, but babies hate me! They just cry and cry :) But from accidentally forgetting to change your shutter speed on a shoot (which you typically only do once!), to worrying about snakes, spiders, alligators and even raccoons, there’s always something new every day. But you adapt. If it’s bad lighting, you embrace it, if you forget to charge your batteries, you first panic, then figure out a solution. Or if you leave your memory card at home and you miss the perfect shot… well, you pack an extra one for next time.
Thank you, Miranda! Make sure to follow us on Instagram for her takeover. Click HERE to follow along! And give her a follow on her pages:
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