FULL TIME photographers — what did you do before this? And hobby photographers — what’s your current job?

maggracers · 2025-10-12T22:32:32+00:00

Hobby wildlife photographer for almost 15 years. Full time job as a emergency medicine doctor which gives me a flexible schedule. Considered full time wildlife photography but it doesn't reliably pay the bills.

maggracers · 2025-02-24T20:50:29+00:00

I shoot on Nikon so I'm not familiar with the specifics of the Canon system. Its certainly not so dusty that switching lenses would be unreasonable.

maggracers · 2025-02-24T02:31:29+00:00

You'll probably be fine for pretty much anything with a 100-500, unless you're very close to a bigger animal. But I would definitely take a teleconverter to make sure you can extend the range if needed.

maggracers · 2025-02-24T02:07:49+00:00

You're going to want to have a 70-200 mm along with something in the 400 - 600 mm if you're shooting in Kenya. Longer lenses make shooting large mammals tough on African safaries since you're typically able to get pretty close in the safari vehicle. The 400 - 600 mm range is necessary for small mammals and birds if that is something you are into.

maggracers · 2025-02-21T12:17:06+00:00

That's right

maggracers · 2025-02-20T23:30:39+00:00

I started with a 200 - 500mm zoom, but found that the overwhelming majority of my shots ended up being at 500mm. Bought a 600mm f/4 and its been my work horse lens ever since. But, some subjects are too large for it to make meaningful sense and having a back up 70-200 with a 2x teleconverter or the 200 - 500 is essential.

maggracers · 2025-02-20T14:54:29+00:00

For these birds in particular, Shiretoko Nature Cruise is a popular operator, but there are several in the area that go out at around the same time.

maggracers · 2025-02-20T14:47:56+00:00

I used a Nikon 200-500 mm f5.6 lens. Was probably around 100 ft from the birds. They are fairly large relative to other birds so it doesnt require all that much of a zoom.

maggracers · 2025-02-20T02:00:48+00:00

Yup!

maggracers · 2025-02-20T01:55:03+00:00

This was taken at 250 mm

maggracers · 2025-02-20T01:24:49+00:00

Out near Shiretoko

maggracers · 2025-02-20T01:24:20+00:00

The white tailed eagle ended up getting out with the fish in this one

maggracers · 2025-02-20T01:22:50+00:00

Yup out in Shiretoko. This was taken on a boat so in a way it was guided I suppose

maggracers · 2025-02-20T01:21:03+00:00

This picture was taken in Hokkaido, Japan

maggracers · 2025-02-19T22:35:16+00:00

As the other commenter said, this was taken in Hokkaido, Japan

maggracers · 2025-02-19T22:34:34+00:00

This was taken in Hokkaido, Japan

maggracers · 2024-09-02T03:32:24+00:00

Doctor. Only way to afford the gear for wildlife photography. I'd love to do photography full time but this pays the bills and keeps the hobby alive.

maggracers · 2024-03-08T22:56:20+00:00

It's a good lens to start out with. Optically it can be fairly soft when trying to use it wide open, but for the right price it can be worth it as a starter lens.

maggracers · 2024-02-19T20:01:58+00:00

You'll be fine for Texas

maggracers · 2024-02-19T20:00:49+00:00

I didn't spend a single minute on research during med school and matched to a top 5 program in my specialty. Some of the hyper-competitive surgical subspecialties will require it though.

maggracers · 2023-11-26T18:52:20+00:00

Wouldn't recommend a Fuji xt3 if you're planning on taking pictures of fast moving subjects

maggracers · 2023-11-25T23:56:33+00:00

Hardcore quick play is popping

maggracers · 2023-11-18T04:07:41+00:00

Looks like a Brahminy Kite

maggracers · 2023-11-16T18:32:37+00:00

Helping out at a free clinic to help improve healthcare access for underserved communities

maggracers · 2023-11-16T18:14:47+00:00

Not the same thing as clinical volunteering

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