“Being in nature and photographing birds is the best therapy I could ask for.” -Anita Couchman, photographer
Our newest featured photographer is Anita Couchman from Northern California. We discovered Anita’s beautiful photographic work after she submitted a gorgeous image of Brown Pelican N38 as part of her recent blue-band report to International Bird Rescue.
Anita is a California native. She was born and raised in the Central Valley on a small family farm. Over the years her family grew apricots, peaches, and almonds. She left the farm to pursue a degree in psychology, graduating in 1976 from Bethany University in Scotts Valley, California.
After marriage to Tim in 1978, they later moved to Aromas, CA, where they raised their two daughters. For many years Anita worked as the buyer for Toque Blanche (Chefworks), researching and purchasing cookware, cutlery, tabletop linens, and all manner of kitchen supplies. Having retired in October 2024, she now has time to enjoy her six grandchildren and pursue her love of photography.
Question: You have so many fine bird photos, what are some of your favorite species to capture photographically?
Answer: I live in the Monterey Bay area which provides an amazing opportunity to see not only year-round but also migrating species. Choosing a favorite bird is like choosing a favorite child. That being said, among my local favorites are the Brown Pelicans, egrets, Great Blue Herons, terns and those tiny Allen’s Hummingbirds.
Q: How did you get your start in photography?
A: I don’t remember a time in our home when there wasn’t a camera. As a child we took many trips to Yosemite, leaving in the dead of night so my father could get the perfect picture of Yosemite Falls just as the morning sun was hitting it. I learned the importance of capturing the “right” light from him.
I love being in nature and recording what I get to see. Over the years I have photographed landscapes, including sunsets and lighthouses, and during my hikes I’ve photographed wildflowers in the springtime. But it was only after COVID 19 that I began photographing birds. I was traveling to get my vaccination (it was early on and the vaccine was not readily available locally) and we decided to stop at the San Luis National Wildlife Refuge near Los Banos, CA. The rest is history. That trip opened up an entire new avenue of photography for me.
Q: What are some of the challenges you face in your bird and nature photography in general?
A: Birds are birds…they are always on the move. Their location is always changing, especially if they are migrating. It’s necessary to learn as much as possible about their behavior, then adjust your location and/or time of day to increase the likelihood of getting the desired photo. Lighting is critical and understanding how your specific camera and lens capture light will make you a better photographer. Because of this, I always shoot in manual mode and recently have been working with high ISO settings that are now available.
Q: We know great photography is more than big name brand equipment. But that being said, what lens could you not live without and why?
A: Getting as close as possible to the subject will always result in a better photo. Having a long lens is critical, but for me it needs to be one I can carry when I’m hiking. My go-to lens is the Canon 100-500mm f4.5-7.1 L IS USM
Q: If you could give beginning nature photographers just one (or two) bit of advice, what would it be?
A: Learn your camera and lens. Work with one lens until you feel comfortable with it. Take lots of photos, and learn from your mistakes. Being a bird photographer is best done alone (learn to be quiet and patient).
Q: What bird photo projects are you working on in the future?
A: I am working with Jenny Clendenen on A Bird in the Heart, a coffee table book featuring my photos and her essays, some of which were recently shared by the Elkhorn Slough Foundation. We hope to see the book published in late 2025.
Q: Who are some of your favorite photographers? (full names and URLs are helpful)
A: Ansel Adams: https://www.anseladams.com
Frans Lanting: https://lanting.com
Q: How has working in nature enhanced your life?
A: Being in nature and photographing birds is the best therapy I could ask for. I get to leave the stress of life behind and focus on the bird, the camera settings, and being in the moment. It also provides me with the opportunity to share what I’ve witnessed with my friends. It’s my desire to inspire people to get out and see the wonder that is just outside their back door. For those who aren’t mobile it’s my hope they will vicariously enjoy seeing the beauty in nature I’m able to share.
Q: Your image of the Brown Pelican N38 is exceptional. Were you looking for blue-banded pelicans? How did you learn about our pelican banding program?
A: I had gone to Point Lobos looking for Brown Pelicans in breeding plumage. I don’t normally review photos while shooting because in doing so you often miss the “perfect” shot. Returning home and reviewing the photos, I noticed the banding on the pelican. It sparked my curiosity and I wanted to know its history. I simply did a Google search and International Bird Rescue’s Bird Banding Programs was near the top. I completed the forms on the site and included my photo. I’m so happy to now see the history of N38 BRPE.
You can see more of Anita’s photography work here:
Website: www.anitacouchman.photography
Instagram: anitacouchman.photography
