Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Ric Westman. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Ric, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today If you could go back in time do you wish you had started your creative career sooner or later?

Sooner, as this would have allowed me more time to expand my skills, as well as give me more photographing opportunities. There are a number of places and sights I wish I had been able to photograph and print.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

Ric Westman

I first became interested in photography while in high school about 1964 what now seems like a lifetime ago. Back in those days we used film and film processing labs and not software to develop and produce prints. But due to a number of life changing events, photography become only a fleeting memory.

It wasn’t until 2014 when my job required overseas travel that I picked up a camera again. I wanted to try and capture the beauty of the world outside the United States. I had grand ideas but very little knowledge of the principles of photography, F-stop, ISO, speed, and depth of field. I was basically a point and shoot photographer. I took some interesting photos, and any that were special, were the results of just blind luck.

Over the years since, I have moved on to the DSLR cameras and the world on Photoshop/Lightroom and my understand of the principles of photography has grown. I am self-taught with an open mind to changes and methods for improvement.

The focus of my work is primarily wildlife, namely Bald Eagles, Ospreys and other large birds while still doing a random sunrise/sunset.

I have been fortunate enough to have some of my photos published in a few magazines in the state of Kansas, had a children’s book written based on a series of photos depicting the activity between a Great White Egret and a turtle. While I don’t pursue selling my photos, I sell photos upon request for social media followers and friends.

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

I have learned though time that to be any good at wildlife photography you have to have a lot of patiences and the resilience to stay focused on the subject and remain still for hours at a time. I have spent 3 hours with an eagle once just to be able to capture it launching itself from a tree branch. Spent days with an Osprey in an effort to get that special photo of it just prior to hitting the water and emerging with a fish.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

For me it’s knowing that other people enjoy what I do; the smile on their face when they recognize me. I also find it very rewarding when I can help someone who is interested in expanding their knowledge and understanding of wildlife photography.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://grayghostphotography.com
• Instagram: ric_westman
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RicWestman/

Image Credits
Ric Westman