Ready yourself for some gorgeous photographs of birds as you listen in on this insightful conversation between photographer Rick Haltmaier and Dr. Kathryn Hayward. Rick has been pursuing photography, connecting with nature and learning about the lives of birds that he observes as a way of healing from prostate cancer and supporting his lungs which are affected by cystic fibrosis.
Birdwatching brings me right into the moment and all those other thoughts, worries and noise in my head disappear as I focus on those beautiful birds.
-Rick Haltmaier
Rick, as a software engineer, had extensive professional experience with algorithms and techniques for various imaging systems, including printers, copiers and cameras. He developed the imaging processing for infrared 3D sensing cameras. So, he brought all of this background to the woods, and discovered a “whole new world,” rich in surprising experiences in nature with birds and also in developing new expertise with his camera equipment.
You don’t have to have a great camera. What is most important is a good lens. Rick started with a 300 mm lens and he found it was not strong enough to zoom in from far away and get a clear picture. Now he uses a 600 mm lens which he is quite happy with.
Rick details some technical aspects of photography, including shutter speed, manual settings, ISO, and aperture, and if you are interested in learning from him, he is happy to talk with you. Email info@livingwholeonline.com and we will connect you with Rick.
I like to have the aperture as wide open as possible. The reason for that has to do with what is called depth of field, how much of the scene is in focus. I want the bird to be in focus and what is around it to be out of focus. That is what allows the bird to kind of pop in the photograph.
-Rick Haltmaier
Rick, like Lance Kearse has a genetic condition that was not diagnosed until later in his life. He was born with cystic fibrosis, and was misdiagnosed as having asthma until he was in his early 40’s. Like Lance, he found playing basketball to be hindered by his undiagnosed health issues, and it perplexed him for many years. He has noticed great improvement since embracing Living Whole by eating whole food plant-based, practicing yoga, meditating and being in nature.
Since being diagnosed, I’ve been working on keeping my lungs healthy, and that is part of the birding...being out breathing beautiful fresh air.
-Rick Haltmaier