Arthur Morris, renowned bird photographer, author of many books, honored with many awards.
I wanted to ask him a few question, and he graciously agreed to answer them in an exclusive interview for the Nature Art Blog.
F: What do you recall as the most memorable moment of your career?
AM: The standing ovation that I received from 700 folks when I key-noted at the 2005 North American Nature Photographers Association Summit in Charlotte, NC. That and every minute that I spend in the field with a long telephoto lens.
F: Is there a photographer or artist that had vital influence in your
vision?
AM: The three that stand out the most are Tim Fitzharris, John Shaw, and Rod Planck.
F: What would you recognize as the dominant elements of your style?
AM: Pleasing compositions, clean backgrounds, exceptional sharpness, and a love and understanding of light and its many qualities.
F: Where do you draw the line, what would you NOT do for a picture?
AM: That is an exceedingly difficult question that I will attempt to answer honestly. I do try my very best not to disturb my subjects, and certainly make every effort not to influence their lives in a negative way, but at times the subject or subjects that I am approaching do fly away, and on rare occasions, it is possible that I might have a somewhat negative influence on their lives. That said, those very fine lines to draw. Early on, I broke a branch that was blocking my view of a Saw Whet Owl. The loud snap sent the bird flying off. I would surely not do anything like that again.
I guess what bugs me the most is that there are lots of folks out there who state that anyone who causes a bird to fly off at their approach or who steps on a blade of grass is a criminal. Invariably, I have learned that the folks who freely set high ethical standards for others do absolutely horrific stuff when there is nobody around...
F: Arthur Morris, what separates the man form the legend?
AM: My generosity and my work ethic.
F: After a successful and rewarding career, is there something still
missing?
AM: I am truly blessed but would love to have a beautiful loving woman in my life again.
F: Any regrets?
AM: Yeah. That I did not switch to digital sooner!
F: As a Canon contract photographer, you got to test the new Mark III.
Would you share your first impressions?
AM: It is a truly amazing camera; fast and light. It will require a steep learning curve as their are tons of Custom and Personal Functions to master and the layout of the controls and the ergonomics are quite different from the previous EOS professional digital camera bodies.
F: What would be your advise for an amateur photographer making the
transition to pro?
AM: Photograph what you love, learn to write, and work as hard as I have. <smile>
Thank you Artie, for all the inspiration and motivation I got from you!!!!
