Bird-Photographer Luis Vargas, a Costa Rican that Loves Dogs!

Luis Vargas, his Birds, his Dogs, his Travels and a Lesson to Everyone

I decided to feature my good friend Luis (it has my last name, but we are not related), as he is a pretty simple and friendly guy that has lots of birds and story to share. He has a fantastic feeder in the backyard of his home in Escazu (San Jose, Costa Rica) that always surprises everyone with the amount and the quality of birds showing.

On top of this, Luis travels continuously as he is a master judge for the World Canine Organization (Fédération Cynologique Internationale -FCI- based in Belgyum), what gives him the chance of birding and getting new birds photographed along the way.

Luis Vargas - Best in Show, Rio de Janeiro, Brasil 2010

Hispaniola Woodpeker by Luis Vargas República Dominicana, 2009

Luis, how did you get started into the Bird-Photo world?

I have always felt a fascination for nature and particularly for the animals. It was 25 years ago that I decided to place a fruit feeder in the backyard of the house -something unusual at that time in the city- and that’s how I kind of became a birder. So many and so colorful birds stated to show so well, that I decided to get a small point-and-shoot camera to keep track of the birds coming and going.

That Feeder is Famous, isn’t it?

Well yes, you can say that, as I share and display in many forums and webpages with friends who like the same bird-photo game. Usually people gets amazed of how many birds can I show -just- from my feeder… from the local doves and tanagers, to the more unusual and recent visitors like motmots and woodpeckers… then in winter gets even more diverse and colorful, with the arrival of the colorful migratory species from the north.

Summer Tanager by Luis Vargas, Costa Rica 2011

Hoffmanni Woodpecker by Luis Vargas, Costa Rica 2010

So, what gear are you using to get these images?

I’ve never got expensive equipment, even more, I’ve never owned a DSLR. I started with tiny and efficient Sony DSC-W5 and all images shared here were obtained with my long last and beloved Sony DSC-H9 (with a 1.7X Teleconverter). I improved and got just a few days ago a new DSC-HX100V, which so far has proven it is great!

I think that if you know your camera pretty well and understand how to get the best out of it, any gear can bring lots of joy and beautiful images… It is a matter of acknowledging possibilities and limitations, I believe…

Luis Vargas in Action, Costa Rica 2011

Fiery-throated Hummingbird by Luis Vargas, Costa Rica 2008

What is the future of your bird-photography, Luis?

Well, there are many birds from my own country (Costa Rica) and many sites here that I would love to see and learn about. I plan to keep feeding birds at home and hunting for new species out there. I also hope my Canine Judging career keep taking me out, giving me the chance to find new and exotic species around the world!

Hyacinth Macaw by Luis Vargas, Brazil 2010

Speckled Tanager by Luis Vargas, Costa Rica 2010

Northern Crested Caracara by Luis Vargas, Costa Rica 2009

Luis Vargas it’s an excellent example of how to take the maximum possible advantage of your photo gear, makes possible to everyone for getting great images and enjoy the world of Bird-Photography without spending a fortune… even without leaving the warm and safe of home!

Blue-gray Tanager by Luis Vargas, Costa Rica 2010

Luis Galleries :  https://www.flickr.com/photos/36288885@N02/sets/

Happy Bird-Photo Adventures!