Every other Friday we have the opportunity meet a new photographer in a series we call "SmugMug Corner" (because each of the photographers we feature is also a member of the SmugMug community). We've recently just renewed the series for another year, so for the next year, we'll continue to meet new photographers every other week! In addition, starting in September, we'll also be interviewing members of the PhotographyCorner community on opposite Fridays, so we'll be treated to a photographer interview every week!

This week, in our 75th SmugMug Corner Photographer Interview, we meet Colorado-based John Dwyer - a professional historian and self-taught landscape and wildlife photographer (with an itch to travel - a great combo for an endless supply of fantastic photographs!).

Name: John Dwyer
Website: www.earthtonesimages.com

Tell us a little about yourself.

I'm John Dwyer. I'm 45 years old and I live in the Denver area. I have a PhD in History and taught at the University of Colorado. I've also worked as a trainman for Union Pacific Railroad. Currently, I design courses that instruct health-care professionals on medical devices and procedures.

Intense Stare

What is your background/training in photography?

I'm pretty much self-taught. I've read a couple books and I've had the good fortune to have interacted with many talented photographers whose work I admire. But I've mostly learned by trial and error.

Morning Bluebells

Mesa Arch Winter

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

Photography started becoming a passion of mine about 20 years ago. I wanted a way to connect with the outdoors around my hometown of Leadville, CO. A friend of mine, who is a very fine photographer and has a SmugMug site too (www.ziembaimages.com), suggested photography. We went out shooting autumn aspen and I've been hooked ever since.

Storm Rolling In - Anthracite Range

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

I have two camera bodies: A Nikon F100 and a Nikon D200. I rarely use the F100 anymore. I have a Nikon SB28 flash and a ring light for macro photography. I carry four lenses with me: my primary hiking lens is a Nikkor 18-200mm VR; I have a Sigma 80-200mm f 2.8 lens; my wide angle is a Tokina 11-16mm f 2.8; and I have a Sigma 105mm f2.8 macro lens. I also have several extension tubes and a 2x teleconverter. I carry two filters, a polarizer and a neutral density. I've learned to control my equipment envy urges. I only add or replace equipment when my current equipment can't do what I want it to do. I'm investigating the Nikon full-frame bodies and that's likely to be my next purchase.

Charlotte Sound Village

Sand ⁄ Stone

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

I love photographing autumn foliage. I love everything about it. I love the weather that time of year. I love the colors. I love the smell of autumn. That's probably my favorite subject. I'm also very fond of waterfalls because they're at one time peaceful and raging. I'm also very interested in historical buildings. I love history and I like the stories attached to old structures.

Pink Carpet

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

Most of my influences are local people with whom I've spent time in camera clubs. There are some very talented people who aren't making a living at photography. Of the more recognizable names, the two who have probably influenced me the most are John Fielder and Galen Rowell. Fielder has taught me how to photograph intimate landscapes. I loved Rowell's use of perspective to give small objects prominence in large landscapes

Ohio Pass Autumn Snow

Fisgard Lighthouse #4

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 almost three years. I'm not sure it's a feature, but the thing I'm most impressed with on SmugMug is the technical support. I think, hands down, it's the best I've encountered on the web. I'm also impressed by the customization available for my site.

Antelope Bear

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...

SmugMug has allowed me to reach more people and impress them with the professional quality of my site. That translates into more sales.

Fiery Pre-Dawn

Suspended Leaves

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

Find that connection between something you love and photography. Make that your touchstone but don't ever stop expanding your horizons.

Quinault Falls