Portraying Paradise: An interview with John Williamson

PORTRAYING PARADISE:

AN INTERVIEW WITH JOHN WILLIAMSON

Due to its richness in biodiversity and multiple interlocking ecosystems, Costa Rica has established itself as one of the world’s premiere destinations for nature lovers . One day you can immerse yourself in the lushness of a vibrant tropical rainforest, while the next morning you can explore singular mountain landscapes on your way to a volcano . There simply aren’t many other places in the world with such a colorful collection of different settings so close to one another .

Due to the country’s unparalleled natural wonders, it has become an intuitive destination for nature photographers of all experience levels, from those seeking to make the most out of their first DSLR camera, to veteran cameramen working for Animal Planet, National Geographic and Discovery Channel .

Here at 2Costa Rica Real Estate we have the pleasure of working with John Williamson, an agent who does double duties as a professional photographer . He took the time to share with us some of his perspectives on portraying Costa Rica and getting started in nature photography .

What drove you initially to photography?

I have always enjoyed the outdoors and exploring the life within it . Photography allows me to look at things in greater detail, perspective and angles .

In what way does nature photography differ from other expressions within the art form?

Nature photography is life in action and creates its own meaning whereas other forms of photography’s themes can be created and staged to demonstrate the photographer’s vision .

Is there a Costa Rican location still in your photography bucket list?

Cocos island

What are the essential things to take into account when embarking on a nature shoot?

Knowledge of your subject and environment will help you understand its movements and allow you to capture its behavior rather than just a pretty picture . Defining what you are hoping to capture so you have the appropriate gear is also helpful . If you are photographing bugs you would use a macro lenses, whereas for capturing birds or wildlife you would need a telephoto lens to see your subject better and keep a healthy, non-intrusive distance . Always be prepared for weather conditions and the type of terrain you will be in .

And always be ready for anything, especially extra memory cards and batteries . Also keep an eye on your surroundings in case the best light is behind you .

How does Costa Rica differ from other natural settings?

Costa Rica’s biodiversity and landscape is amazingly vibrant and plentiful . Also, the landscape changes so dramatically in short distances it allows you to see completely distinct and different species in a short amount of time . For example, you can be photographing Resplendent Quetzals in Cerro de la Muerte with frost and at an elevation of 3, 451 meters . and within 2 hours be snorkeling in the pacific coast photographing a green turtle

There’s an abundance of different amphibians, insects, birds, mammals, types of rainforests nested between the Pacific and Caribbean coasts . The ocean and marine life here opens up an entirely different world from the rainforests and mountains .

Are there particular considerations to have when doing a nature shoot in Costa Rica?

When photographing wildlife, you want to maintain a healthy distance for your own security, but also for the animals so you do not stress them out . Getting a selfie with a sloth might look cool but not at the expense of scaring one of these little creatures . After all, it’s a love of nature that makes you want to have that photo .

Ideally try not to use flash with wild animals, in some cases you may need to use it, but use as little as possible .

What are your favorite settings to photograph in Costa Rica?

I love photographing Manuel Antonio, where the rainforest meets the ocean and there’s a plethora of wildlife and marine life you can photograph in their natural environment . I also love Corcovado, where you have the opportunity to see a wider abundance of wildlife, especially Tapirs and spider monkeys .

What recommendations would you give someone who wants to start out in nature photography?

The more you learn and understand about the natural environment and what lives within, the more of its story you will understand and be able to capture, demonstrating it’s behavior and the amazing stores that unfold before you .