The Theodore Roosevelt Lake Bridge traverses Theodore Roosevelt Lake between Gila and Maricopa counties in Arizona. Photos by Barney Chamberlin.

EDITOR’S NOTE: Do you ever wonder who is available to take your family’s photo or where you can buy a local nature photo? We strive to feature local photographers so our readers can get to know these talented people who contribute so much to this publication and to their communities. This week in our Focus on Photographer feature we present the photographs of Barney Chamberlin. Barney is most fond of taking photographs of nature, with horses, both in the wild and at equestrian events, being a particular favorite. We have featured many of her photos of flowers, butterflies, and nature shots on our website photo section over the years. She certainly has an eye for finding beauty in nature. —Kirsten Reichel, Staff Writer

Tell us a bit about yourself and your family—where did you grow up, where do you call home, what is your family life like?

Barney is my nickname, which I have had since 1st grade. I am 70 years old, and have been married to Earl for 47 years.

Egrets are common around Salt River, AZ.

We live in Pike-Sandy, on my old homestead, where I was born and raised. We travel in the winter which is where I learned to take photos out of a vehicle’s window going 70 mph or better— just bump up the shutter speed.

How many years have you been into photography and how did you get into it?

I started in 2004 and taught myself with a computer and pick-up digital camera. I found out I had an eye for it and enjoyed it. Then I bought a better camera. I’m up to three cameras now, and looking at number four.

Is this your career or is it a passion or hobby while you work another job?

This is my passionate hobby. I am retired, and have much more time to shoot than when I worked.

What inspires you to go out and shoot?

Sunshine!

Which photographers inspire you?

Viv Mueller, Chris Boese and Evelyn Nevala Raida have helped me a lot. Paul Pluskwik and Cathy Kishel are also great.

What is your favorite type of photography?

Wild horses sparring in Salt River, AZ.

Wildlife, nature and horses in action.

What type of photographer do you consider yourself to be?

A happy one.

Do you prefer color or black-and-white?

I like both.

Do you prefer indoors or outdoors?

Outdoors.

What is your favorite season to take photos?

There is beauty in all the seasons, so it’s hard to choose.

What is your go-to lens?

Tamron 18-400.

How much time do you spend on photography each week?

I have spent up to eight hours at a horse show (playdays, gaming) shooting. I never leave home without a camera. So maybe 10 hours a week (that’s without a horse show).

How do you continue to learn and improve your photography skills?

YouTube and photographer friends are helpful.

What’s the most rewarding part of photography?

People enjoying and commenting on them [my photographs], getting published in papers and calendars, and being asked to be an HTF featured photographer.

A tortoiseshell butterfly.

What is your favorite photo or shoot in your portfolio?

The wild mustangs of Salt River in Arizona. And the Embarrass playdays and buckle series.

What is one thing you wish you knew when you started?

Lighting.

What advice would you give new photographers?

You don’t need real expensive cameras to get a great pic, just a good eye and a good lens.

Do you have a funny story or anecdote about being a photographer?

When the highway is busy and there is something of interest (an eagle, for example) I have my husband do a drive by shooting—he drives and I shoot. Sometimes we can stop for just a minute and I can shoot from the window.

What are your plans/hopes for the future?

That I can keep photographing. This keeps me healthier since I walk a lot to see what is out there.

If you are interested in being profiled in an HTF Focus on Photographer feature, email Cindy Kujala at editor@htfnews.us.