Member interview – kundalini

[invisible]

Alright, The Photo Beat... It's time to focus your attention on the new Member of the Week. Avid lens collector, canine helper, noted spirit sipper, SRV lookalike, overall fun guy, and (most importantly) a Nikon shooter, he's ready to take your questions. One week only!

From North Carolina, ladies and gentlemen... I give you kundalini!

[invisible]

I'll be first: you're the type of versatile photographer that shoots a wide variety of subjects. What are the two lenses that you take with you no matter what you're about to photograph?

What's the lens that you wouldn't surrender even if doing so would save your mother in law from being abducted by aliens?

[kundalini]

What a f'king intro Fedrico, and yes, it's Friday night and the spirits are HOWLING.....

I truely am non-specific in my approach to genre. I have many interests indeed. Fortunately I am sans mother-in-law at the moment, but I get the gist of your question. However, the answer is not so easy. If I had to choose one lens from my arsenal..... gawd that's tough.... I'd say the Nikkor 24-70mm lens. This lens truely does stay on my camera body. Mostly because it fits well in the bag, along with all the other $h!+ that's in there. But honestly, it is my favorite lens..... unless of course I'm doing macro, that'd be the 105, but if I was doing wildlife or portraits it'd be the 70-200 or maybe the 85mm..... for my shelter shots it's the 35mm, but I really like the 50mm for some shots..... oh shit, I forgot how much I like the 20mm for landscapes, OH WAIT A MINUTE, I just got a bonus, and the Nikkor 14-24mm it definitely in the picture. :lol:

I'm sure I forgot one or two, but I HAVE A PROBLEM. I freely admit it and could care less what others think because I am in control and can afford my addiction. Geesh, you shoulda seen what I was spending on Class A drugs just a few years ago. :lol:


EDIT:
and the spirits are HOWLING.....
sorry, this just struck me funny.....


http://i200.photobucket.com/albums/aa199/kundalini2737/Howling-Werewoof.jpg


.... a pumpkin I carved last year.

[Chiller]

Dude....whats shakin. :mrgreenpeace:

I have to ask this one. I know you are a dog lover. :D
Besides that reason, what got you to working with dogs. And how do you keep your emotions in check working with them. I would either be taking everyone one home, or spending 24 hours a day there, so they are not alone.

o.k....another fave. Music.
What music makes Kundalini rock. :salute::salute:

[kundalini]

You're going to the bone Chiller, but I can take it.

I've had pets all my life, mostly dogs, but a few cats along the way. My thoughts of getting involved with my local animal shelter was more a case of giving back. Sure enough, there are plenty of causes that need attention, but domestic animals (in my way of thinking) don't have a voice. Most of the photos that are presented for whatever website are usually pretty lame. I'm not saying that I have some "magic dust" to transform the animals to easy pickings. But I usually spend a fair amount of time with the animals before I even think about taking a shot. They are so adorable and only want to be loved, that it's hard, damn near impossible to be Mr. Roboto (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3cShYbLkhBc).

My only solace is a promise I made to myself before I began volunteering. I'm only photographing to help them find a place to live. I WILL NOT TAKE ANYONE HOME... I'VE GOT ENOUGH SHIT GOING ON, BUT THEY NEED HELP. It's been tough and I have nearly caved a few times. To be honest, the shelter has dropped their adoption fees drastically for this month. I'll probably wind up with a CAT. OMG, yes, it's true.

Music...... Dude I'm all over the scale with that one, but if you want to pin me down......... gimme the Blues and shut up. Really, I like all sorts, but the Blues speaks to the soul. I'll do my Head Bangin' & Bootie Shakin', but tell me a story about life. That's the Blues baby.

[René]

Like most photographers, I am sure you went through a few camera's in your time. Can you remember the first SLR you bought and how did it make you feel at the time [as compared to owning a film point and shoot].

Also, since your a dog lover, how frickin' awesome are huskies! [To me they are like domesticated wolves!]

[sleepingdragon]

What do you do for your everyday job?

Where are some of your favorite places that you've travelled?

[kundalini]

Hey René.... Yeah, I've been through just a few cameras really. As a kid, my family had a Kodak 110 that I was 'allowed' to play with. When I was a teenager, I scrimped and saved for my first SLR, a Pentax Ksomething. I shot with it religiously. One weekend I was riding horses with my sister and BIL, of course the camera came with me. Well, my BIL and I swapped horses when we got back to camp to refill the saddle bags with beer and then took off again. He decided to cross the river (where it was clearly marked not to) and he and the horse went ass over end midway. Yep, you guessed it, my camera was in THAT set of bags. It died a slow and painful death. He didn't say squat about replacing it and we have a strained relationship to this day. Not about the camera, he's just an asshole.

After that I've had two Canon film cameras, still have one. It wasn't until I bought my ex a Canon P&S that I got interested in digital. OH LAWD, have I gone over the top since then with Nikon digital. D80 > D300 > D700, way too many lenses and ancillaries. However, I got a call from my boss this past week and was informed that 'I done good last year' and will be getting a nice bonus check. Looks like the Nikkor 14-24mm may soon be in my bag.

Huskies rock. If I can find the photos buried somewhere in archives, I'll tell you a story about Bandit.



BTW folks, just to let you know, I'm a reluctant participant in this interview thing. Mostly cause I lurk moreso than post. I do keep tabs with what's going on at The Beat. However, since I'm here, I'm an open book.... give it your worst. :lol:

[kundalini]

What do you do for your everyday job?

Where are some of your favorite places that you've travelled?
For the most part, I've been in drafting and design for about 30+ years. Most of that was as an independant contractor, but for the last five years I've been working with Siemens Medical USA as a site planning specialist. I work with the Fluoroscopy and Radiology equipment. Basically it's trying to put 5 lbs of mud in a 3 lb bag.

Travelling.... that's a toughie. I guess my favorite is Spain. Not only the mainland, but Menorca, Tenerife and the Canary Islands. But Italy and Greece were cool. The Gambia and Senegal were definitely eye openers. Aussie was a blast. Geesh, really hard to say. Many places to still see. Asia is high on my list.

[René]

My first camera was a Zenith 12XP, then Yaschia 100, Minolta X300S, Minolta Dynax 7000, then gave it up for a few years, then Canon EOS 33, then Fuji 5000, Nikon D70, D200 and now D300. I have the D3 or D3s in my sights along with the 14-24mm.

[Antarctican]

I believe you're planning a trip to the Great White North. What's on your 'to see/do' list? If Chiller's basement is on the list, do you really dare enter?

Re that other thread....are you a butt, chest or leg man?? :biglaugh:

[René]

KFC or Popeye's Chicken?

[invisible]

BTW folks, just to let you know, I'm a reluctant participant in this interview thing.
It shows! :lol: :lol: :lol:

[Chiller]

:salute:Dude...you are awesome. Thank you for being a voice to the animals that can not help themselves. I think once my best friend leaves me, I might do the same. I dont think I could own another pooch, once Kane is gone, but I have to do something.

I just saw a commercial for the D4000 or something that has HD video capabilities. How do you feel about this new technology, of video in DSLR.

[Terri]

Ok, I ask this of everyone because I find it so interesting: can you show us your favorite image that you've taken? And tell what makes it your favorite (as we all know our favorite image doesn't always mean it's our best). :)

And, aside from dragging you into our interviews, what do we have to do to get you to be less of a lurker and more of an active participant 'round here? :p

[kundalini]

I believe you're planning a trip to the Great White North. What's on your 'to see/do' list? If Chiller's basement is on the list, do you really dare enter?

Re that other thread....are you a butt, chest or leg man?? :biglaugh:
Somebody told me there was some nice waterfalls on the US/Canadian border.... the name escapes me just now, but I'll do a little digging to find out where they're at. The crypt is an unnerving idea, but I must face my fears..... :big grin:

That's an easy one to answer Anty...... butt man all the way. That goes a long way for my criteria of finding another partner of them being height/weight proportionate.
KFC or Popeye's Chicken?
I don't even think there is a Popeye's near where I live. I guess KFC gets the nod. But now they have the grilled on the menu, that's what I'll choose.

:salute:Dude...you are awesome. Thank you for being a voice to the animals that can not help themselves. I think once my best friend leaves me, I might do the same. I dont think I could own another pooch, once Kane is gone, but I have to do something.

I just saw a commercial for the D4000 or something that has HD video capabilities. How do you feel about this new technology, of video in DSLR.
When Monty leaves me (he's 15 years old now with some cancer spots), I seriously doubt another dog will be joining the household any time soon.

I really don't think one way or the other on video capability on dSLRs. From what I've read, Nikon needs to up their game though. If I were to buy another camera that shot video, it might be a bonus, but it certainly be a reason to purchase.

[kundalini]

Ok, I ask this of everyone because I find it so interesting: can you show us your favorite image that you've taken? And tell what makes it your favorite (as we all know our favorite image doesn't always mean it's our best). :)

And, aside from dragging you into our interviews, what do we have to do to get you to be less of a lurker and more of an active participant 'round here? :p
b-b-b-b-but, I take so many varied types, and I can only choose one?

Right now, I think it's this one.

http://kundaliniphotography.smugmug.com/photos/668703752_bJUJE-XL.jpg


Why is it my favorite? Well, look at it..... it's awesome. :D

Really, it's because I was wading in the swamp at 5:30 in the morning with the water level about waist high. I bought a little blow-up raft and tethered it to me to haul my gear in. I was switching out cameras to get the wide angle lens and look up to see this beautiful site. I was in the swamp for about 3 hours that morning and although I got some other keepers, this one floored me when I uploaded it to the computer.



I'll try to do better in the coming year.

[René]

That's a stunning photo!

[Antarctican]

^^^ Agreed! Beautiful indeed.

Do you play any sports?

What places did you visit in Australia?

How are you planning to quit smoking? (Cold turkey? Patch? Hypnosis? etc)

[sleepingdragon]

Since you live in NC are you a big Tar Heel fan?

Do you like other sports?

[kundalini]

That's a stunning photo!
Cheers.....
^^^ Agreed! Beautiful indeed.

Do you play any sports?

What places did you visit in Australia?

How are you planning to quit smoking? (Cold turkey? Patch? Hypnosis? etc)
Cheers, again.......

I don't play any sports now, but as a much younger boy/man, I played all the typical Yank sports. I was probably best at football, preferred baseball (but wasn't too dang shabby, I received an MVP and a couple of Honorable Mentions) and was a joke on the basketball court. I played Industrial League softball until around 30 y.o. I tossed League Darts for about 10-12 years up until about 2 years ago when I had shoulder surgery. I've thought about hooking up with the team again, but haven't persued it.

Well, my last ex is from Melbourne, so that was our first destination to visit family and friends. We had been married ~6 years and had never met them. We were living in London and I had spoke with them over the phone numerous times. On the first visit we did a week road trip driving up to Sidney, stopping several places along the Gold Coast. We also went the other way down to Geelong and Port Charles. The second trip was only a week long and we headed for the Dandelong mountains. Her parents have have some property about an hour and a half (in the Yarra Valey) outside Melbourne, so we spent some time there as well on both trips.

The cessation will probaly be a combination of Chantix, patches, the gum..... hell, anything that helps. Hypnosis is not out of the question either.

Since you live in NC are you a big Tar Heel fan?

Do you like other sports?
I'm a BIG TIME Tarheels basketball fan. If anyone follows mens college basketball, be prepared to see UNC for the next several years. The recruitment of Coach Roy has been outstanding. But Deano, the Michaelangelo, can never be forgotten.

I watch highlights of MLB until the pennant races start, then more of a viewer.
NFL takes too damn long to waste a whole day watching.... I know, I know... but you watch baseball, you say. Yep, but baseball is a pure game in my mind.

When living in the UK, I really got into European football (soccer) and Formula 1 racing.



What do you do for your everyday job?
Forgot to add that I did about a 7 year stint as Pub Manager in London for Whitbread.

[kundalini]

It shows! :lol: :lol: :lol:
Hey, I never said I was short for words........ :mrgreenpeace:

[Terri]

Why is it my favorite? Well, look at it..... it's awesome. :D



:lol: I cannot disagree!

And I love the story of what you put into it to get this shot, as well.



Hey, I never said I was short for words........ :mrgreenpeace:



Well, speaking of height....how tall are you?

[kundalini]

Well, speaking of height....how tall are you?
I was 5'-10", but have shrunk a bit because of spinal issues....... and age, so +5'-9" and 162lbs..... the way I think about it that even in December (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D8Jurk6TUqI), I can still Shine (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qvrlO695R7E&feature=PlayList&p=A46122B83E3C34EF&index=0&playnext=1).


:peace:

[kundalini]

Ok, I ask this of everyone because I find it so interesting: can you show us your favorite image that you've taken? And tell what makes it your favorite (as we all know our favorite image doesn't always mean it's our best). :)
As a second favorite.....

http://i200.photobucket.com/albums/aa199/kundalini2737/WaterDrop2a.jpg


Again, the reaon is the setup. It was tough, but doable, with sme effort.....

[Antarctican]

Whoa! Awesome colours, and timing of the shot!

What is your favourite genre of movie? (Action, comedy, sci-fi, documentary, drama, artsy, foreign etc etc)

Tell us a funny story from when you ran the pub.

Complete this sentence: "I'd really like to have........"

[kundalini]

Whoa! Awesome colours, and timing of the shot!
Thanks Anty.

What is your favourite genre of movie? (Action, comedy, sci-fi, documentary, drama, artsy, foreign etc etc)
Kinda like my music, I'm all over the map with that as well. Of course, you can't go wrong with humor. Although I prefer 'clever', I can't seem to rebuff fart jokes and ocassional toilet humor.

I guess mainly I have always been a fan of character driven stories. That can fall into any genre really. This was only amplified while living in the UK and watching their movies on BBC and channel 4(?). I'm not much of a fan towards the shoot 'em up, blow 'em up films.... a.k.a Arnie, Bruce & Will types. My favorite of all time .... ohhh wait, I can't really say favorite, but in the top of the list would be Casablanca and the Lord of the Rings trilogy.

Tell us a funny story from when you ran the pub.
Let me put my thinking cap on and get back with you on that.... there were so many.

Complete this sentence: "I'd really like to have........"
... another 3 inches...










...you know, to be 6 feet tall. :biglaugh:

[Antarctican]

^^^ Some of my reactions to that last answer....

:shock:

...... http://www.kolobok.us/smiles/artists/viannen/viannen_39.gif
.............:naughty:

...... .................. http://www.smilies-and-more.de/pics/kolobok/standard/wink3.gif


Okay, so what really drives you nuts and makes you want to rant, in photography? In life?

http://www.invision.smileyville.net/smilies/greets%20%2816%29.gif

[PhotoJet]

Beautiful photo! The greatest waterfalls are in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. ;)
What they lack in "Niagara Falls" size, they make up for in complexity and natural setting. Cool that!
Here's the question...:)

What the world need now is.......

[kundalini]

At René....
Huskies rock. If I can find the photos buried somewhere in archives, I'll tell you a story about Bandit.

Here's Bandit.....
http://kundaliniphotography.smugmug.com/photos/741960078_uqLjx-XL.jpg


He happened upon us on a cool autumn night. When I let Monty out for his last run for the evening, he just kept barking. Granted, he can be an idiot at times, but this had a different flavor to it. He wouldn't come back in when I called him, but he wouldn't leave the deck either. I figured it was a deer and it would scamper off. Wait, wait, wait (that's what I was doing)...... and he continued. So i grabbed the flashlight and shone it out in the front yard. BTW, I live rural and well off the main road.

A pair of eyes reflected back at me and would not move, just staring, unrelentingly. I decided against my better judgement to approach the animal. When I got near to him and saw how big he was, I began regretting my decision...., yep, let out a little fart of fear. Well, Bandit would not come to me, didn't growl, didn't move.... just stood still. Even in pitch black night and my little flashlight, I could see he was in need of food.

Running back to the house, I grabbed a bowl of water and a couple handfuls of dog food. Bandit had moved closer to the house but just close enough to the outside light to shine on him. I placed the water and food near him and backed off, well off so he had space. The food was gone in short order and the water soon followed. After replenishing the water bowl, the night was finished.

The next morning I was quick to have a look outside before I let Monty do his morning bidnezz. Bandit was still there. I put the lead on Monty and let him out the backdoor, then returned and fed/watered our guest. I use the term guest as that is what we considered him to be.... stay as long as you like bud!

After a week he began to fill out and within the next week, he was at a good fighting weight. After about the second week, we let him in the house. Even Monty was okay with it...... as long as Bandit understood who the Alpha was.... it wasn't Monty, but in the scheme of things, Monty had a higher pecking order. Took him to the vet for a check up and all was fine with him, but I swear to Gawd, Bandit only had a day, two at the most and he would have been brown bread.

Anyway, it was good to see these old photos, so allow me to share a couple more.........

http://kundaliniphotography.smugmug.com/photos/741960153_RoW7u-XL.jpg


http://kundaliniphotography.smugmug.com/photos/741960338_PVxoo-XL.jpg


http://kundaliniphotography.smugmug.com/photos/741960249_Qd2dZ-XL.jpg


Don't worry, Bandit was quite playful with all our other pets.

[kundalini]

^^^ Some of my reactions to that last answer....

:biglaugh:
Okay, so what really drives you nuts and makes you want to rant, in photography? In life?

http://www.invision.smileyville.net/smilies/greets%20%2816%29.gif
Seeing red X's instead of images..... :irked: (sorry, but that's what I see after the question) :mrgreen:

I don't have much tolerance for stupidity. Mental midgets really give me the hump. Don't get me wrong, I am quite understanding of those that have disabilities, but the idiots that should know better and don't are ignored. There should be a way to cleanout the gene pool.

[kundalini]

....Niagara Falls"........
palm to forehead......... :D

Here's the question...:)

What the world need now is.......
Jackie DeShannon said it best......

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tMS2uMUQNnQ


then there was John Lennon


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yLTw_ouiLCQ



:hug: :mrgreenpeace:

[Terri]

I love these last couple of shots, with the curious cat "getting to know" Bandit! :lol: These are great. He is a beautiful dog!

Don't worry, Bandit was quite playful with all our other pets.
How many pets do you have now - or did you have at the time this photo was taken?

[Ghastly]

Hey... I didn't know you helped at a shelter. My wife does too, and I do from time to time.
How many animals are currently in the shelter?
Where can I see photographs of them?

How's life?

[invisible]

Are you one of those photographers that need to shoot something every single day of the year? Or maybe a weekend warrior? Somewhere in between, perhaps?

Does photography pay any of your bills?

By the way, great interview. The following nugget made me spit my coffee:

yep, let out a little fart of fear.

[René]

If you can spend a day with any pro photographer in a particular field, who would it be and what field is it? [Don't say the one next to Johannsons farm!]

[kundalini]

WOW, this is a great way to keep me from yapping so much...... shut down the site for 2 or 3 days. :raisedbrow:


:biglaugh:



How many pets do you have now - or did you have at the time this photo was taken?
At the time Bandit was with us, we had 2 dogs & 3 cats. Now it's just me & Monty.

Hey... I didn't know you helped at a shelter. My wife does too, and I do from time to time.
How many animals are currently in the shelter?
Where can I see photographs of them?

How's life?
The number of resinemts is very fluid. The shelter cannot refuse ANY animal. That doesn't mean that the majority are on display for adoption though. If I remember correctly, the shelter received over 12,000 animals of all sorts last year.... dogs, cats, rabbits ferrets, snakes, frogs, turtles, horses, you name it. I'd have a guess that on any given day, there is probably over 100 dogs & 50 cats. There are many rescue organizations that work in concert with the shelter.

I need to update, but I started this thread some time ago..... Gimme Shelter (http://www.thephotobeat.com/forum/showthread.php?t=987&highlight=gimme).

Are you one of those photographers that need to shoot something every single day of the year? Or maybe a weekend warrior? Somewhere in between, perhaps?

Does photography pay any of your bills?

By the way, great interview. The following nugget made me spit my coffee:
In the last couple of years I can't think of too many days that there wasn't some form of photography related activity didn't take place. I pick up the camera most days, but I'll read boks, view tutorials, research gear, etc.

Photography does NOT pay any bills and IS the culprit of my bills.

If you can spend a day with any pro photographer in a particular field, who would it be and what field is it? [Don't say the one next to Johannsons farm!]
I'm a little embarrassed to say that I don't know. I don't follow any particularly photographer or necessarily know them by name. I'm found of Joe McNally's stuff. He seems to have a Zen approach to the art, loves to have a laugh and shoots Nikon. :sexywink:

[Antarctican]

As your time was shortened, I'm just going to keep asking you questions.

What's your favourite fast food meal?
Favourite non-alcoholic bevvy? (I understand Cuervo Gold is your fave alcoholic beverage, n'est pas?)
Favourite potato chip flavour?
Favourite chocolate bar?
(Has the sight of all these 'extra' U's got your eyes going buggy yet?)

[kundalini]

As your time was shortened, I'm just going to keep asking you questions.

What's your favourite fast food meal?
Favourite non-alcoholic bevvy? (I understand Cuervo Gold is your fave alcoholic beverage, n'est pas?)
Favourite potato chip flavour?
Favourite chocolate bar?
(Has the sight of all these 'extra' U's got your eyes going buggy yet?)
:-) I'm awaiting a response for the next person of interest.

fast food - Subway tuna on whole wheat with provolone cheese, lettuce, tomato, banana peppers, black olives, lightly sprinkled with oregano and have the bread doused in oil & vinegar.

non-alcholic - water or iced tea ( in the south, we drink sweet tea, but I go with half&half). I rarely drink carbonated sodas.

chips - salt & vinegar (on the rare ocassion)

chocolate bar - Baby Ruth (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1PmMFaVzbzc)(again, on the rare ocassion). Actually, I prefer a simple flat bar of dark chocolate in moderation.

extra U's - no worries mate.... remember I lived in the UK and was married to an Aussie :)

[Antarctican]

(D'oh, forgot about the UK and Aussie connections!)



As an animal lover, what is your view on modern zoos? A good thing, helping with conservation of species, or a bad thing, caging wild animals (or something in between)?

[kundalini]

As an animal lover, what is your view on modern zoos? A good thing, helping with conservation of species, or a bad thing, caging wild animals (or something in between)?
I think it is dependant on the facility. In NC, our zoo is quite nice. It comprises 500 acres and a large percentage of that is dedicated to the African exhibit and other big game species. They give the 'residents' amp[le room to roam, in fact, actually seeing one of the animals is a godsend. (I beleive) they are well taken care of. Of course there is fencing, but by and large, the animals have ample room to do what animals do.

I have seen the other side of the coin as well. This truely makes me sad. However, my thoughts are that as long as the animals are well taken care of and they have room to move, (hopefully)m they do provide a service to humanity........ we all have a place in the world. Only by exhibiting these beautiful creatures, can we realize how precious life is.