Photo Hobbyist Stephanie White Captures Striking Images from the Bolsa Chica Wetlands

As @calibeachgirl_ on Instagram, Stephanie White’s feed is filled with stunning closeup photos of wildlife and nature, many of them taken at the Bolsa Chica Wetlands. For the past 20 years she has worked in the veterinary field, managing an exotic animal/wildlife practice for 13 years and now, she works as a part-time client service representative at a veterinary hospital. Taking photograph is a hobby. We asked her to share some of her favorite images with Surf City Family as well as answer some questions about her art.

SURF CITY FAMILY (SCF): What camera equipment do you use?

STEPHANIE WHITE (SW): I’ve used my iPhone to take sunsets (still do sometimes) then I purchased a camera to get close up pics of wildlife. I have an iPhone 6 and I a Sony DSC-HX400v

SCF:What are your favorite editing programs?

SW: Lightroom and Snapseed

SCF: What are your favorite subjects to photograph?

SW: Birds, wildlife and sunsets

SCF: Why do you shoot the things you shoot?

SW: I have always loved animals. At a young age, I started working at a Veterinary hospital that treated injured wildlife, I fell in love with the beauty of the birds and animals that we would see and treat there. I have lived walking distance from the Bolsa Chica wetlands my whole life, so I am lucky to have these animals right in my backyard. I grew up playing out in the wetlands as a kid. The day I bought my first real camera, I ran straight to the wetlands to start photographing these birdsand animals. I used to spend a lot of time there bird watching, and relaxing, but it was hard to capture close up shots of the animals with my iPhone. I’ve met so many wonderful friends on Instagram, that share my passion for photographing birds. We even started a small group where we share info on where to find specific birds in the area. We have all become pretty close friends, and have a great time chasing birds around. As far as sunsets go… You can’t beat our beautiful beach here in HB. for sunsets!

SCF: What advice would you give to someone who wants give Phoneography (phone photography) or photography in general a try?

SW: Get out there and explore! We live in such a beautiful area, full of so many interesting subjects to photograph. So many of my friends, including myself, say that photography is their therapy. It really inspires you to get out of the house and explore areas that you may never have thought to explore. It brings people together. You will meet people along the way that will teach you things, and share the same passion that you do. It’s the best hobby I have discovered for myself, and highly recommend it.