John Shields' photostream

Hello and thanks for stopping by. I'm an amateur photographer who has always liked taking pictures but never considered it anything but a way to capture memories. Thanks to my buddy Tim and all of you in Flickrland I am incredibly inspired to do something worthy with my camera. I would like to thank those of you who have helped me thus far. I do appreciate everyone's inputs, suggestions, favs, and views. If you do see something you like please be sure to let me know.

I like all aspects of photography and learning about them but I have focused on landscapes, nature, portraits, and black and white.

I like to keep my camera gear mobile for landscapes and nature shots. I use a Nikon D80 and Coolpix 5400. I have used a Canon Elph and a Minolta 500si in the past. I only have (2) lenses at the moment: a 70-300mm f4-5.6 w/Macro Sigma tele; and a 28-70mm f2.8 Sigma tele. I use the following filters: UV, polarizing, Tiffen red 25. If you don't have a "LensPen" you have to get one! The most amazing tool for photogrpahy I've ever come across...soft pad on one end and a brush on the other, vital! Extra batteries (one per camera), extra memory, remote for D80, and a small lens cloth. I carry it all in/on my LowePro OffTrail or in a pack. Tripods and a monopod are used on occasion...I usually use whatever is handy like a tree or rock.

I am hoping to add some on and off camera flash and studio gear in the future to help pass time on super nasty weather days.

Just in case I do capture something worthy:

All of my photos are my own original work unless specified otherwise. Please do not use or distribute my photos without contacting me first. I'm all for my photos being used I'd just like to be part of the process. Thanks.