I have followed Cindy for years and she is a great friend. I always have questions with every post published, her photos draw you in. This is my third interview with Cindy, that’s how fascinating she is.
What cameras are you using now?
I have only two types of cameras, one is my wildlife, birds, and flower camera that I use for macro photography. It is a Sony HX400V. I have several of these because Sony discontinued manufacturing them. They are a bit touchy and tend to break down. The one I am using now I bought in Japan, and the last new one I could find for sale from a private seller, and the camera is entirely in Japanese, which can be a bit of a challenge. I dearly love this camera because it has an adjustable lens that zooms up to 1200mm equivalent. It is also not at all expensive. I will eventually have to buy another brand with an adjustable lens and am looking at options.
My second camera I use for everything else, landscapes, etc. It is a Sony RX10M4. I took the mountain goat photos with this camera so it can be for wildlife too, but lacks the extended zoom of the 400. I usually travel with both cameras, carrying one based on what I am expecting to see. Of course, I am often surprised, and have the wrong camera!
Do you have a Bucket List of places to visit and pick one or is it a random conversation that decides the next trip?
I love planning trips. It is definitely half the fun of travel. The only place left on our bucket list is Greenland which we are looking into now for 2024. There are some repeats we would like to do like Antarctica and Iguazu.
What excursion stands out close in your mind?
Antarctica is definitely the most incredible place I have been. It was a spiritual experience for me. All this splendor is untouched by human hands and all the wildlife was unafraid of humans because they had no experience with them. Whales would spy-hop up and stare at you with their plate-sized eyes, Albatross would land on the boat, and penguins would waddle up to you and gently peck at the shiny buttons on your coat. Incredible.
There was a Japanese whaling ship we encountered multiple times harpooning minke whales. Thankfully I never actually witnessed a harpooning, but I saw the loaded harpoons and the beautiful minkes. It was a reminder of human disregard for paradise and her creatures.
How do you describe yourself?
I am definitely not a professional photographer. I am an amateur hobbyist. I love photography because it fully immerses me in the moment. Completely focuses me on the here and now, with no distractions. I am a psychotherapist and Mental Health Director by training and the Zen aspect of photography fully appeals to me. I like the ability photographs have to communicate universal meaning with no words.
What are your top two photos, where are they taken, and what makes them special?
Weirdly enough, two of my favorite photos were not taken on distant trips, but in my home state of California. One series is the tufas in Mono Lake and the other is the first photo of a desert reflecting pool in Palm Springs. I included the links to the posts with these photos.
Mono Lake
Palm Springs
Cindy is the kindest person and an inspiration who loves photography and traveling the world with her husband.
Melinda
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lookingforthelight.blog 
Huge respect for your every effort, you did a great work here.
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Thanks for the kind words. I write on many topics and I’m so glad you stopped by. :)
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Beautiful post, I love Cindy’s blog.
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Thank you!
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Very interesting interview, Melinda. And I love the photos. Those are not the work of an amateur.
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She’s just to sky to admit it. Her photos allows me to travel thru her. :)
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You are a joy and a treasure Melinda. Thank you for your friendship and for your kind thoughtfulness. Sincere gratitude and appreciation for YOU! Stay safe & well my friend.
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Always be careful but go see the world! :)
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