Distinctive image featuring … Peter A. Bisset, APSA, EPSA Kitchener, Ontario, Canada

Each time the Journal features one of the exceptional artists in the Photographic Society of America (PSA) in the Distinctive Image series, the selected member's ability and record are certain to impress readers. This issue the Journal returns to showcase the images of a Canadian member, nature photographer Peter Bisset, APSA, EPSA. Many will have attended his presentation at the annual conference in Salt Lake City entitled "How to Photograph Wildflowers." The Journal invited him to show a few of his exceptional bird images in this issue.

In 1967 Peter came to Canada from the United Kingdom where he had raced Formula 3 cars at Brabham (driving a Lotus Super 7 Cosworth). It was at the time he came to North America that he was encouraged by a photographer friend to pursue this now lifelong interest. He joined the Toronto Camera Club and studied photography courses at college. Peter joined PSA in 1975 and was elected an Associate of the Society in 1989. He is also a member of the Royal Photographic Society and holds the ARPS distinction and also adds AFIAP after his name. He developed his passion for wilderness, wildlife and nature photography following a photo trip at the age of 7 with his father to Norway, Sweden and Austria and to this day, he continues that passion. He makes his living as a stock photographer.

It is the nature photography, especially his bird images, for which he is best known. Peter has over 2000 acceptances in PSA-recognized exhibitions in Nature, has been first in North America Who's Who and fifth in world standings. His acceptance record in nature international exhibitions led to his Excellence PSA (EPSA) distinction. His medals and Honorable Mentions exceed 500, in Nature alone.

Peter Bisset has been featured on television showing his techniques in the photography of birds, particularly on the Discovery Channel. His images have often been selected and published by Hasselblad in both magazines and brochures.

THE TECHNIQUE

Peter Bisset developed a special technique for photographing birds. By pre-focusing the camera on the subject, he can shoot from a blind 10-15 feet away. His technique allows less stress to the subject and results in beautiful natural images. More importantly, the scaffolding system he devised to shoot big birds allows images from 40-45 feet distance, as much as 50 feet up in the trees.. Climbing the ladder to the blind upon the scaffolding requires this ingenious photographer to wear a crash helmet for often a subject will go after Peter before he is safely in the blind. Once sitting at the top, in his blind, the birds ignore him.

He prefers his large format Hasselblad camera for his bird images and was invited by Hasseblad to test their new flagship f2.8 300 mm lens (a $25,000 piece of equipment!). Peter uses Agfachrome and Fujichrome films. He especially likes the true browns and greens of Agfachrome RSx100 film for his nature photography.

Artist's Statement

"I love all aspects of nature and scenery, but I especially love bird photography!" Peter Bisset employs the principle of stewardship for the birds and other nature subjects. He has received several awards for his special concern of the need to conserve the beauty of nature. One such award for Environment Canada references his appreciation of the beauty of the environment and his encouragement to others to protect nature. "I believe we must follow a stewardship for the creatures of the world."

COPYRIGHT 2005 Photographic Society of America, Inc.
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