Migratory birds migrates to different countries during certain time of the year but our next NPX member whom I interviewed ‘migrates’ to different countries almost a few times a month. She claims (yes, a SHE) that she drives a bus with lots of passengers. What kind of bus you might ask. Well, read on and maybe you will find out.

May I present the interview with Sophia aka Busdriver ….

NPX: What got you interested in photography?

Sophia: Used to be a plane spotter. Later.. I just want to record and share what I see with my eyes…

NPX: How long have you been doing photography?

Sophia: I am never into serious photography even till now but i like to snap here snap there whenever I have a camera on hand.

NPX: What’s your favourite genre of photography? And why? (eg. nature/portraits/landscapes/abstracts)

Sophia: I am more into nature I guess. I love plants and also birds. I enjoy looking at plants and flowers especially when I am walking in the nature. I like to look at them in details, because I find that when you look at one thing in detail, you will find it turning into a completely different subject. Isn’t it amazing?! umm….. I like birds because I like the way they fly in the sky, giving a sense of freedom.

NPX: Who are your photographic influences?

Sophia: no one in particular

NPX: What kind of stuff do you put in your camera bag?

Sophia:  Most commonly used equipments like the Canon 10D, 5D, EF50/1.8, tamron90 and EF400/5.6 are always in the bag.

NPX: What’s the most challenging aspect of shooting your favourite genre of photography?

Sophia: Time and patience. You need lots of time to pursue this hobby, its not easy to sacrifice sleep to shoot early in the mornings for me. (chuckles)

NPX: What advice would you give someone who is interested in picking up your genre of photography?

Sophia: I don’t think I am good enough to give any advice but i would suggest that you find some close buddies to go shooting often to keep the passion going.

NPX: We know you need to drive your bus to many destinations in the world. Could you share with us which is you favourite scenic destinations.

Sophia: I love driving my bus to Anchorage and Germany. The rest of the ports are mainly bustling cities.
These 2 have more nature places which I like to explore more but sad to say I seldom get these routes.

Anchorage

Germany

NPX: Could you give some tips for our budding female photographers on personal security and safety when out shooting in remote places or foreign countries?

Sophia: Best tip is probably not to go out alone.If you have to, shoot at places where there are people and not deserted areas.I never go out alone especially in places like Johannesburg or Amsterdam. Also, be alert of what’s around you like how you look out for birds.

NPX: How do your family feel about your photography passion?

Sophia: They are very supportive and always eager to see what i brought home to share with them from my overseas trips as they are not as adventurous as me. (chuckles)

NPX: Describe your worst followed by the best photography experience you encountered while out in the fields.

Sophia: As for bad experiences, so far nothing that bad that have haunted me. Most of the times its waking up before day break and at the end of the day, there’s zero photo in my card. My best experience is my trip to Kenya, the birds just keep appearing. (chuckles)

NPX: If you have to choose TWO favourite photo which you have taken, which will they be? Reasons?

Sophia:

I observed that the pelicans like to twist their heads so I waited and was rewarded with this picture. Its always satisfying when you capture something you envisioned beforehand.

Nothing fantastic about this one but I am happy that i managed to capture this in low light without tripod

NPX: Sophia, many thanks for taking the time to answer my questions. Happy flying.

Sophia: My pleasure. Thanks.

_________________________________________________ article edited by Roger