In our popular photographer interview series "SmugMug Corner," we meet Glenn Price: freelance 3D character modeler and nature photographer. Check out the 10 fantastic bird photographs that accompany the interview below.

Name: Glenn Price
Website: www.raptorcaptor.com

Taking Flight

Tell us a little about yourself.

My name is Glenn Price. I am 45 years old and was born in Johannesburg, South Africa. I have lived in Texas, California, and now Gainesville, Florida.

I am currently working as a freelance 3D character modeler for the video game industry. I have been doing this for over 15 years.

Stretch

What is your background/training in photography?

I have a Fine Arts degree, and managed to squeeze in several photography classes in the process. This was over twenty-something years ago so most of what I have learned about digital photography has been on my own through books and online photography sites like Dgrin, Strobist, and birdphotographers.net.

Quiet Time

How long has photography been a passion for you? When, where and how did it start?

I have always used photography as a tool for textures and reference for my 3D modeling work. Once I separated it from work and starting treating it as another art form, I became passionate about it. This happened about six years ago when I started carrying a camera while hiking so I could get photographs of raptors (hence the name of my site!). Photographing nature has given me a creative outlet and a way to reduce stress.

Nuthatch Portrait

What equipment is in your camera bag? What piece of equipment will be added to the collection next?

Well, to start, I have about 5 camera bags. When I travel, I use a Think Tank Airport International rolling bag. This will hold my core gear, which includes a Canon EF 500 F4L IS lens with a 1.4X TC attached, a Canon EF 70-200 F2.8L IS zoom lens, a Canon EF 17-40 F4L wide angle zoom lens, a Canon 580 EX II Flash, and one, or both of my camera bodies. (Canon 1D Mk II n, and Canon 5D Mk II). Also batteries for the cameras and flash.

My tripod is a Gitzo 1327 and has a Wimberly Head II with a flash bracket. I usually also carry gels, and a Better Beamer for my flash when I am shooting.

My next addition will be a Canon EF 85 F1.2L lens.

Northern Shoveler Hen

What are your favorite places/subjects to photograph? Why?

I enjoy photographing birds and animals in the wild. What I enjoy about this type of photography is that you have a very limited amount of control over your subjects, so you have to be able to adapt very quickly to what nature presents you. Most of the time everything works against you, but every once in awhile everything comes together and you can create a great photograph. I think photographing birds on a beach is the most rewarding for me. Especially when you throw in a great sunset.

Burrowing Owl Posing

Who are your biggest photographic influences? Why? What about their work influences your work?

There are several photographers that have influenced my work, and still do. Arthur Morris, Annie Liebovitz, Joe McNally, and David Hobby come to mind.. Arthur Morris has been a great influence in my bird photography for both his artistic sense and also his practical know-how. Annie Liebovitz because her work is so different from what I do. Joe McNally and David Hobby have been a great influence for learning about flash photography.

White-Lined Sphinx Hummingbird Moth

How long have you been Smug with your photographs? What features do you most enjoy with your SmugMug account?

I have been with SmugMug for a little over 3 years. I think the customer support, community, and the unlimited storage space are the features that I enjoy the most.

Heermann's Gull

If you had do sum up in 50 words or less the impact SmugMug has made on your photography/photography business, those 50 words would be...

I think exposure (pun not intended) is the most significant impact SmugMug has made on my photography. A lot of people get to see my photos because of SmugMug and Dgrin.

Milk Bath

If you had to give one piece of advice to those wanting to pursue photography, what would you tell them?

I would suggest trying things outside of your comfort zone. That is when you learn.

Endangered