10 Questions with... Macro Photographer, and Platypod Pro, Don Komarechka

[@MixedApparitions]

I love Don Komarechka. He's been such a huge inspiration to me for 5 years now. I first learned of him from the Northrup's podcast. He's so amazingly talented, intelligent, articulate, fun to listen to, and always inspiring. Looking at his work makes me want to run to my camera & extension tube, and get exploring.

[@BehindTheShot]

Agree on all points. Thanks for watching.

[@elisabethlafontaine8979]

I hope you have Don’s book “Macro Photography - The Universe at our Feet”.

[@BehindTheShot]

Such a great book. I’ve got 2!!!

[@adjake1]

love don's work. I've tried stuff like this from time to time because of this show and him. ultimately I usually fail at it, but it doesn't stop me from trying.

[@BehindTheShot]

Thanks for watching, and I’m there with you. I even took his water droplet workshop, which just made me respect him even more.

[@larryjphotosjanssen8532]

Don thank you for you advice for a new photographer! I use a Canon 5D Mark III and lenses as old as my 1993 Canon 400 f2.0 and have been struggling with upgrading to newer lenses I will stick with my older lenses since I can still get great results and will invest in more how to books and lessons. Great show Steve and Don thank you!

[@BehindTheShot]

Thanks, Larry. Glad you enjoyed it.

[@sookephotographyadventures]

That was a fun episode. I like the 10 question format for something a little different. It’s always great to hear what Don is up to and his thoughts on all things photography. Great advice on having basic gear and focusing on the knowledge. Money spent on training, workshops, photo trips, etc. generally does far more to help photographers grow and improve, than the latest, greatest gear. 🌶️

[@BehindTheShot]

Thanks, as always, for watching!

[@diaryofcreation582]

Don is an amazing Photographer : )

[@BehindTheShot]

That he is for sure. And a nice human.

[@TonyTrupp]

“What’s your favorite snack? What’s your favorite drink?” … thought this was going to be photography related content. 😆

[@BehindTheShot]

The normal show is photography entirely, except a speed round Q & A I do at the end of each show. For that it’s a mix of photography questions and getting to know the person other than photography. That has been very popular on those shows, so these 10 Questions shows are an extension of that. 10 random questions that alternate between photo and life topics. In other words, it’s more levity.

[@larryjphotosjanssen8532]

Funny I paused the show to commit and then restarted it and Don says you limit yourself when you think you have inferior equipment 😊.

[@mrgumby1954]

I have been trying so hard NOT to utilize the AI features of PS, as a judge for various photography groups in my area, I have always frowned on any heavy manipulation, unless that’s part of the theme. It’s getting harder to detect though.

[@BehindTheShot]

It is harder to detect, but I suggest manipulation in itself isn’t a bad thing. I judge image comps regularly, and all comps have categories. A wedding category may require an image to have been shot on the day of the wedding, rather than having been staged. A portrait category may assume the maker had total control of any and all light, and photojournalism categories may require images not be edited beyond crop, color correct, and dodge / burn. Then, there is often a digital arts category, or illustrative category. Those may require that any images included were the creation in camera of the maker, but can allow all types of composites etc, including AI. Youth sports photographers often create cool playing card style composites with smoke and backgrounds. As long as the photo of the player is real why buy a background for sake of purity? Anyway, thanks for watching!

[@andyv6127]

Great. Getting used to the format. This show could be called "10 quick answers from a pro photographer" Thinking people want answers rather than questions? OK - I'm going back under my rock now!

[@BehindTheShot]

Hey Andy! No rock needed, hahaha. Appreciate the feedback. The reason I’m using “10 Questions” is multiple things. A) it’s shorter. It fits the business card, for lack of a better phrase. On YT posters / thumbnails you can get 2 to 3 large words to tell you hat you’re getting. B) with only a few words seen on a thumbnail, especially when they are small on certain YT pages, everyone has seen a # of questions format. And lastly, C) the question is what defines the answers. Again, thank you!

[@andyv6127]

That makes sense. My version was vey long winded! @@BehindTheShot