“I was able to move slightly and had enough of a opening among the branches to get a clear shot. So with the hummingbird in focus and the branches and blossoms slightly out of focus it made for a very artistic image. As with many times in photography it is being in the right place at the right time.”
Being at the right place at the right time is not new for Hildebrandt. He said he does not know exactly when he first picked up a camera, but added he was influenced by his grandfather, who enjoyed photographing and taking video of family events. He started out with film photography and though he did not know as much about it as he does now, he enjoyed it, mostly taking snaps of whatever caught his fancy until 2019. Then he purchased a Nikon D3500 kit with different lenses, which made it a more serious venture. In his younger years, he had dreamed of being a wildlife photographer, and so his interest moved in that direction – wildlife, landscapes and the night sky. Hildebrandt watched YouTube videos, read articles and practiced.
“I know I still have lots to learn but at the same time have learned lot,” he stated. “Yes, there is the technical side of photography but also the artistic side which is where I am trying to improve on.”
As stated, Hildebrandt likes photographing wildlife, particularly birds. He said there are so many different species in a small area, it gives him many subjects. He heads out to the marshes in the area, and starts snapping pics of the waterfowl and songbirds.
“One of my particular favorites are the yellow headed blackbirds. They are such characters with attitude that makes me laugh. Sometimes I may not even get a photo taken as I am watching how they interact with each other. There are many species of birds that I would love to photo in the future.”
He was able to get some snowy owls outside of Boissevain last winter. He would like to head out to the West Coast to spend time photographing bald eagles and bears during the salmon run, and maybe visit Costa Rica to get a good shot or two of different varieties of hummingbirds.
Flowers, insects and creating panoramas are also interests.
As he said, Hildebrandt started with film photography and he wants to continue developing in that direction. Although many see this as old fashioned, or a forgotten art, he is one of many film enthusiasts, wanting to develop darkroom techniques. He took the intro to darkroom class at the Art Gallery of Southwestern Manitoba this spring, enjoying learning the basics of developing your own film and making black and white prints. Perhaps a darkroom at home is in the future.
Hildebrandt has also enjoyed upgrading his equipment from point and shoot cameras.
“You will find me out in the field with either the Nikon D7500 or D750,” Hildebrandt explained. “If shooting wildlife at a distance I will be using the Nikon D7500 and the 200-500mm lens or if I know I can get real close I will have the D750 and 200-500mm lens paired up. For the past few years I have been a member of the Brandon Camera Club which has allowed for meeting other local photographers and participating in various club outings that allowed for continued growth in photography.”
He said he has not done professional photography, but this could be a possible move. Right now, his pictures can be seen on Facebook and Instagram.
The one thing Hildebrandt is sure of is he will be keeping his camera in hand. He wants to continue to develop his skills and learn new techniques. He would like to sell prints and perhaps do some agricultural photography. It is a love and a skill that enhances his life.
“Photography for the most part keeps me in touch with the world that is in front of me. There are days just photographing a cloud or an ant on the sidewalk brings me joy. It is the challenge to get that shot of a severe thunderstorm. Photography allows me to share what I see and experience in life. It is a release from the everyday things such as a career or world affairs. I may not get out everyday with the camera but when I do it brings enjoyment and satisfaction.”
by PAUL RAYNER, Recorder staff