#CreatorConversations is an AMA (Ask Me Anything) series hosted by @sonyalpha on Instagram. As part of the series, we were joined by adventure and wildlife photographer Charlee Wild (@CharleeWild). See some of the highlights below as the Alpha Imaging Collective member shares her favorite lenses, her best editing tips, how she stays motivated and more. Visit the Instagram post for the full AMA and make sure you’re following @sonyalpha and #CreatorConversations to stay connected.
“...I think as artists, we are never satisfied with what we create & always strive for more. That’s why it’s so important to never stop learning. There’s always more to learn. Now is the perfect time to learn & keep moving upward & onward.” – Charlee Wild #CreatorConversations
"How did you start your career?" – @marcosantinellii
Charlee: "I did my degree in photography and illustration. But it really started when I got into hiking and being outdoors."
"Are there any tips that nail the composition every time?" – @sharmaaatmann
Charlee: “Finding compositions you like and then training your eye to find them everywhere.”
"What's your favorite gear for photographing wildlife?" – @germain.kaminoan
Charlee: “My favorite zoom lens is the Sony 100-400mm and my favorite prime is the Sony 135mm.”
"What made you choose wildlife photography?" – @ben.shreeve
Charlee: “I wouldn’t say I’ve chosen wildlife photography. I’ve always loved doing travel/landscape/portraits, but then fell in love with the challenge of wildlife over time. It’s the most therapeutic for me now.”
"Which Sony lens is your overall favorite and why?" – @francois.szpala
Charlee: "My favorite zoom is the 100-400mm and favorite prime is the 135mm. I just love being in the distance and observing from far away and getting tighter shots with compression."
“How did you find your own unique style? I'm struggling to keep a constant style and color scheme. How did you get there?” – @tobi.or.nottobi
Charlee: “It took years for me and takes days for some. Pick a palette of colors you love and try to stick to those / learn to edit with those colors.”
"Who/what inspires you and how do you stay motivated in a fast paced world?" – @stephenkortzman
Charlee: "You’ve got to hustle to learn, grow & progress. Learning new things keeps me motivated. Minimalism and nature inspire me, as well as people and creatures I love."
“What was the longest time you've ever waited at a single spot to take the perfect wildlife photograph?” – @whorohit
Charlee: “All day!”
"What is the best white balance for snow & what is the best shutter/aperture for snowflakes?" – @luongo72
Charlee: "It depends what you like! I personally think snow should be toned colder. It’s strange to me when people use warm temperatures in cold climates. I’d prefer an aperture like 1.8 to get that dreamy look."
“What are your best editing tips?” – @dbw_photo
Charlee: “Find the colors and tones you love & stick with them. Find out what you like & make it consistent in your work.”
See the full AMA here.
