southern-hobbyist's photostream

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I received a Nikon D5000 for Christmas 2010. It is my first SLR so I am learning how to use it but I am amazed at the difference between photos taken with the SLR and with a compact. I enjoy all kinds of photos but I mainly take nature shots. I like taking pictures that I can paint. Because I use my photos to do art with detail is key but I do not have a lot of money so I do the best with what I can afford. I also have an old Canon 5mp with 4x optical zoom and a new but refurbished Olympus sp-590uz 12mp with 26x optical zoom.

Flickr is my favorite site on the net because you can see everyones art the way they intended it. I try to comment on all of my contact's newest photos and when I am not doing anything important I try to get those out to all my flickr friends. Of course I have one more year left of law school so I do not have a ton of free time but I manage to stay sane enough to keep some personal time. I have loved animals all of my life and with the numerous degrees I have my first was in Wildlife Biology. I know that has nothing to do with law and to tell the truth I switched majors in college to obtain degrees in economics and finance as well as obtain a Masters in business. Now that I am in law school I get stuck in one place for long periods of time but I always have a weekend get away around the corner where I take a lot of photos. Maybe one day I will be able to travel all over the world and see all of God's creations.

The lenses I have are:
AF-S Nikkor 18-55mm 1:3.5-5.6 G
AF-S Nikkor 55-3000mm 1:4.5-5.6 G ED
Sigma DG 50-500mm 1:4.5-6.3 APO HSM
Tamron SP AF 90mm F/2.8 Di 1:1 Macro

I really enjoy the interaction on flickr where photographers can come together and share their thoughts. I will accept anyone as a contact and try to always look at their new photos but I will not keep contacts that have no interest in visiting my work.

southern-hobbyist's favorite photos from other Flickr members (23,238)

Contacts (329)

Babydoll..ღ No real name given
BJSmit Bart
Jim_AC Jim Austin-Cole
puthoOr... Abraham Puthoor
RAMON Mortadelo No real name given
Marco Conti Marco Conti
dinno19 Dinno Sandoval
Ian Plant... Ian Plant
J Gilbert Jim Gilbert
Harsha Matarage Harsha De Silva
Eric Harness No real name given
Meg-Johnson Meg Johnson

Groups (50 50)

National Geographic Wannabes 232,839 photos, 9,775 members
Stones.. (by admin invitation) ~ P1/A2 603 photos, 642 members
Nic`s group (Image By Invite Only) Comment 2 please 337 photos, 63 members
PLATINUM WILDLIFE / Post 1 - Award 1 (step 4) sweeper 5,882 photos, 1,327 members
Alaska! 53,930 photos, 2,905 members
Bird Perfect/Each Photo By Invite Only 5,985 photos, 1,385 members
Outdoor Photographers Around The World 471 photos, 97 members
Birds birds birds birds! 32,238 photos, 4,356 members
Birding In The Wild 107,304 photos, 5,737 members
Endangered Species 664 photos, 107 members
Endangered Animals 2,027 photos, 258 members
Underwater Wide-Angle & Fish-Eye 3,957 photos, 260 members
Digital Underwater Photography 40,857 photos, 2,415 members
Animals (All Kinds) 14,821 photos, 1,751 members
Animals looking at You 914 photos, 301 members
nature and photography 41,546 photos, 5,449 members
Nature Photography - Fotografia naturalistica **No people** 13,790 photos, 991 members
Nature Shots 90,947 photos, 6,441 members
Field Guide: Mammals of North America 1,082 photos, 101 members
Manatees Galore 323 photos, 50 members
Manatee 849 photos, 216 members
Cámaras / Cameras 188 photos, 31 members
PLANET EARTH ANIMALS/BIRDS 38,039 photos, 1,861 members
Level 6- Photography for Recreation- Diamond - P1/A5 19,041 photos, 2,791 members
►the best shots◄ level 2 (P1 - A5) - SWEEPER IS ACTIVE !!! 17,377 photos, 2,973 members
►the best shots◄ (Post 1 - Award 3) - SWEEPER IS ACTIVE !!! 74,879 photos, 6,536 members
Level 5-Photography for Recreation - Sapphire - P1/A5 27,815 photos, 3,543 members
S Johnson & Tintinian's Fauna - High Quality Images Only! 37,095 photos, 4,701 members
Level 4- Photography for Recreation - Emerald - P1/A5 37,195 photos, 4,584 members
Level 3- Photography for Recreation - Gold - P1/A5 58,272 photos, 5,686 members
Level 2- Photography for Recreation - Silver - P1/A5 76,917 photos, 6,538 members
Level 1-Photography for Recreation (Sweeper)No Human Photo-P1/A5 139,581 photos, 8,730 members
My Gear And Me #6 - Platinum Exclusive Selection (P1A5 Invited!) 33,909 photos, 3,195 members
Andromeda "50," Level 6 ~ (Special Invitation Only) 64,981 photos, 5,237 members
Universal Elite, Level 5 ~ Invite Only!Sweeper On. 72,545 photos, 6,851 members
!Amazing Nature Level 2! (P1)(C4) 2,175 photos, 537 members
Your Art Has Touched the World, Level 4 ~ Invite only! 91,756 photos, 8,701 members
My Gear and Me #5 - Gold Selection (P1A5 Only Invited Photos!) 44,471 photos, 4,342 members
Flickr Gold Award, Level 3 - Invite Only! Sweeper On. 112,372 photos, 10,200 members
My Gear and Me #4 - Silver Selection (P1A5 Only Invited Photos!) 58,618 photos, 5,034 members
Flickr Silver Award, Level 2 ~ Post 1, Award 5. Invite Only. 164,799 photos, 12,988 members
Flickr Bronze Award, Level 1 ~ Post 1, Award 5. 641,735 photos, 33,169 members
My Gear and Me #3 - Bronze Selection (P1A5 Only Invited Photos!) 79,137 photos, 5,909 members
My Gear and Me #2 - Premium (P1A5 Only Invited Photos!) 117,057 photos, 7,510 members
My Gear and Me #1 - (Post 1 - Award 5) - Sweeper is ON 319,648 photos, 13,019 members
Nature's Pot-of-Gold: Level 3 (Wilderness Trails) (p1/a5) 7,974 photos, 2,238 members
Nature's Pot-of-Gold: Level 2 (p1/a5) 28,107 photos, 3,544 members
Nature's Pot-of-Gold: Level 1 (p1/a5) 265,099 photos, 17,052 members
North American Nature & Wildlife Photography 39,691 photos, 1,126 members
*ABW* Gallery ~ by invitation only 1,059 photos, 1,401 members

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Testimonials (18)

chasingthelight10 says:

"William's collection of captive and wild animals is a testament to his love of nature and respect for the subjects he aims his viewfinder at. His images also reflect his sense of humor, as many of the animal images will immediately make you smile and sometimes laugh out loud. He has a knack for capturing the "decisive moment" in the animal kingdom."

13th January, 2012
Jimmy Tyler says:

"I love his pictures. If I was to send a spacecraft out to the stars telling about earth I would send William's photography. He has a great eye. Ansel Adams had nothing on him. I love his pictures."

18th November, 2011
Alan J Smith says:

""William and his photography are excellent with a wide variety of subjects that are all of a very high standard, Keep up the good work William all the best for the future my friend. Kind regards Alan""

7th September, 2011
Oneil Christopher says:

"Probably one of the best nature photographers. Always amazed at what photographs will pop up next. Always a treat to see the next photograph."

30th July, 2011
Ash Cummings says:

"Have a great collection of stunning photographs, really nice guy aswell... Keep up the work!"

11th June, 2011
MF-D says:

"I feel an appetite for your photos, nature love and your determination. Thanks to you, I saw many animal that I have never seen.
It is just my curious, where do find the amazing God's creatures?

We follow you with wondering admiration and be amazed.

Thanks"

16th April, 2011
Peace And Love [ Busy ] says:

"I have to tell you all, that the thoughts of William Mercer in my mind always gives me warm, happy feelings.
In fact, I love his professional photos of birds

Best wishes to you
Peace and love

Ali Mosawi
Kuwait @ 28 - 3 -2011 01:05"

28th March, 2011
Not Living, Just Killing Time says:

"Whats to say about this southern hobbyist?
He takes beautiful pictures and posts lovely comments! What a nice flickr user! Its always fun to browse through his pictures!"

19th March, 2011
DAXI60 DARIO says:

"le tue foto sono fantastiche mi piacciono molto bravo"

17th March, 2011
hjfklein says:

"One of the Best animal photographer on Flickr. AMAZING"

15th March, 2011
SHARPeART says:

"Wow! Your images are amazing. I wish I could achieve with my Nikon D5000 what you achieve!!"

2nd March, 2011
azo in the flickr says:

"William is the best :o)

love the animal image, and thanks to be friend~

enjoy flickr and the life everyday~"

18th February, 2011
newleaveschange says:

"Fantastic stuff! I hope,someday, to achieve even half the brilliance of your work! Amazing stuff, I wish there was a fave for the whole gallery!"

1st February, 2011
helene.lefebure says:

"Your photos are amazing. Truly, purely beautiful. Thank you for sharing!"

17th January, 2011
A time of refreshing. says:

"I like Southern-Hobbyist's attitude with his photos...
He presents them with a good positive sense of humor and it makes for a fun time to view his photostream! His photos get better and better so you see that he is doing what he said on his profile about taking photos!
Keep up the good work William!"

12th January, 2011
Bill & Mark Bell says:

"William has an amazing collection of wild life images,Its always interesting to view his collection.
He is passionate about photography and his work."

12th January, 2011
ABERLIN2009 says:

"Hi William,

Actually remarkable post in "Flickr".
Too much lifelike wildlife. Seriously and patience by shot and share.
I'm glad to know you!

All best wish
Aber"

12th January, 2011
Integrity69 (very busy; but miss you) says:

"Hello! I really enjoy your animal pictures. Great job! Thanks. IG69"

22nd December, 2010