Dante has always had a passion for travel, adventure, and photography, which, together with embracing challenges, has shaped his career. He has learned valuable lessons about emotional intelligence, remaining calm, and appreciating his own work. Dante shares his experiences in Washington, Utah, and the forest, as well as his editing process and some inspiring regions in the United States.
Since I was a child, I have always had a yearning for travel and adventure. The thought of exploring the world around me, meeting new people, experiencing new things, and creating unforgettable memories has always captivated me. As I have matured and evolved into the person I am today, I have learned to appreciate the journey of life day by day. My parents played a significant role in documenting my life, from milestone moments to silly expressions, through a camera lens, and this instilled in me a deep love for photography.
The idea of capturing and preserving the memories and adventures I have encountered throughout my life has always been appealing to me. Witnessing my life unfold through the photographs taken by my parents created a fondness for photography that has stayed with me throughout the years. As I grew older, my passion for photography intensified, and I eventually purchased my first camera, embarking on a summer of self-teaching, capturing moments with friends and family along the way.
This experience sparked a genuine passion for photography that has led me to where I am today. I am fortunate enough to travel and photograph my journeys through life, exploring new places, meeting new people, and creating memories that will last a lifetime. My love for travel and photography is rooted in my desire to capture the essence of life’s experiences and the moments that make them so precious.
From a young age, I have been on a journey of growth that has led me to pursue a photography career. As a boy in a vast and exciting world, I reveled in the opportunity to explore and make my mark. Through my travels and friendships, I gained a wealth of experiences that shaped my worldview.
I learned the importance of taking risks, even when faced with uncertainty and fear, and the value of learning from my mistakes. Embracing life’s challenges and joys for what they are has helped me cultivate a positive outlook, knowing that good things will come to us no matter what life throws our way. It is these lessons that have instilled in me a deep passion for capturing life’s fleeting moments through the lens of my camera.
My life’s journeys have taught me countless lessons that have shaped the person I am today. Along the way, I have experienced both triumphs and setbacks, but I have never allowed them to deter me from pursuing my passions or impact my overall well-being.
I have learned the value of emotional intelligence and remaining level-headed in the face of adversity. While it is natural to experience strong emotions, it is crucial not to let them control us. Instead, I have cultivated a deep understanding of myself and my surroundings, which has allowed me to approach challenging situations with a fresh perspective.
Remaining calm is also key to navigating life’s ups and downs. It is all about mindset and finding the right balance between acknowledging and processing emotions while also maintaining a sense of equilibrium. By doing so, I have been able to appreciate the lessons that life has taught me and continue to grow into the person I aspire to be.
Throughout my photographic journey, I have learned the importance of being proud of my work, regardless of what stage I am in. It is easy to fall into the trap of comparing one’s work to that of others, but this can be detrimental to the creative process. I used to struggle with this a lot in the beginning, constantly comparing my work to others who inspired me. However, I soon realized that my work was unique and valuable in its way.
To develop my style and way of thinking, I began to approach photography with a more independent and creative mindset. I learned to appreciate every moment and to view each shot as an opportunity for growth and learning. Photography is a craft that takes time to master, and it is important to be patient and embrace the learning process.
Asking questions and seeking guidance from others is an essential part of this process. I used to ask many questions myself and found that most people were more than willing to offer their advice and insights. Through these interactions, I have formed valuable friendships with other photographers from all over the world who have helped me develop my skills and grow in this craft.
Today, I am proud of my work and continue to learn and develop my skills as a photographer. It is a journey that never ends, and I am grateful for every opportunity to capture the beauty of the world around me or create meaningful images for other brands.
In my career, I’ve had the opportunity to work on various side projects, each with its unique connections and brands. However, one particular project stands out to me as a representation of my commercial brand work and personal love for it.
Recently, I had the chance to shoot for a blanket brand and put all my effort into creating the best possible photos for them. The photos turned out to be some of my favorites to date, with the creative styling and application of the new tactics and editing skills I had learned at a workshop in Washington.
This project helped me understand my style and creative process and gave me the confidence to reach out to more brands and offer my services. Seeing the brand’s positive reaction to my work made me incredibly happy and further inspired me to do more of the same kind of work.
I’ve always been a risk-taker in life and I’ve welcomed every challenge with open arms. I believe that taking risks is necessary for growth, and it’s especially true for my love of travel. I’ve taken spontaneous trips and risks, even when it wasn’t financially wise because the thrill of exploring somewhere new is worth it to me. These risks have led me to where I am today, both personally and professionally. However, I always make sure to assess the situation and prioritize safety before making any decisions.
Life is never easy, but it’s important to cherish every moment and embrace what comes your way. Every experience, whether good or bad, shapes who we are and provides us with valuable lessons. Memories of people, places, and experiences will stay with us forever, and it’s important to appreciate them while we can. We should live life to the fullest, learn from our experiences, and love every moment. For what we once knew may be lost forever.
I’ve been fortunate to have had many incredible experiences throughout my life and travels, each of which has left a lasting impression on me. However, if I had to choose just one, I would say it was my most recent trip to Washington state.
It was a photography workshop with a group of creators who have inspired me since the beginning of my career. It was truly an amazing experience, but I must admit I was nervous about the trip. Excitement, stress, and discomfort were just some of the emotions running through my mind. It was my first time traveling alone by plane, and I was crossing the country to meet new people and spend a week with them. Despite my nervousness, it was an unforgettable experience.
After enduring the stress of travel and arriving at my destination, I had an incredible time with the group in Washington. We learned from each other while exploring the stunning and diverse region, which had everything I loved, from the breathtaking coast to the vast mountains and deep forests. I still remember every moment of that trip, especially the last night when we sat by the fire on the beach, bonding and enjoying each other’s company. This trip made me appreciate everything around me and the importance of cherishing the people, places, and experiences that enrich my life.
During my travels, I’ve had the pleasure of capturing some stunning photographs under unique conditions. However, my all-time favorite photo was taken just last year during a snowboarding trip to a winter resort in Utah. I found myself all alone on a backcountry trail with perfect conditions, so I couldn’t resist sending my drone up into the air to capture the breathtaking landscape around me as a massive winter storm rolled in. I flew around, taking in the amazing scenery and capturing the pictures I could. Just as the storm was about to engulf the beautiful bluebird day, the sun broke through the clouds, casting the most beautiful lighting I had ever seen. I managed to capture this fascinating view of light and dark off the mountain ridge, and it became one of my favorite photos to date.
When it comes to my photography, some of my shots have come from lucky moments during my travels, but I also plan and seek out the best conditions to capture the perfect shot. In this instance, I carefully selected the best day after a week of snowfall to explore the backcountry with all the necessary gear. I even overpacked to ensure that I had everything I needed for a memorable experience. As a result, I was able to have an unforgettable moment doing what I love.
Every photo has its distinctive style and ingredients for achieving the perfect composition and appearance. It’s all about putting your unique touch on every opportunity that comes your way. At the beginning of my photography career, I focused on capturing some of the most popular tourist spots along the East Coast, but ultimately, it’s about putting your personal spin on things and taking advantage of the right moments.
When it comes to creating a surreal landscape image, the conditions you’re working with are crucial. Don’t just take a photo on any ordinary day or at any given time; you have to put in a little extra effort. This means trying out a different perspective, waking up early to catch the sunrise, staying out late to capture the sunset, or even braving harsh weather conditions like the rain.
I love taking pictures in the rain, despite my fear of damaging my equipment. The mood that rain conveys and the way it interacts with light after a storm can produce amazing photos. In short, the key to a great photo is the conditions you work with.
In the world of photography, standing out is crucial, especially when capturing touristy locations that have been oversaturated with similar-looking photographs. Being unique and having a personal vision is an essential ingredients in creating the best landscape image possible.
Experimenting with different conditions and perspectives can also enhance the uniqueness of your images. Whether it’s framing your shot with surrounding greenery, trying out new angles, or even adding a subject into the landscape for added depth and perspective, these are all helpful tactics to make your photo stand out.
It’s worth noting that location isn’t everything when it comes to capturing a great image. It doesn’t have to be a well-known location, and it could even be right in your backyard. Sometimes it’s about exploring new areas and being open to capturing unexpected beauty.
I’ve parked in some sketchy places just to capture a great shot, but it’s not always about the big, well-known locations. You can transform a hidden gem into a beautifully captured image with your creativity and unique perspective. Never be afraid to capture what you find eye-catching. Ultimately, photography is an art form that allows you to fulfill your creative drive, and you’re doing it for yourself.
Although it pains me to say it, the gear you use does play a significant role in your creativity. I’m not suggesting that you need the latest and greatest equipment to take the best photos; in fact, some of my best shots were taken with a crop sensor camera. However, having certain gear can greatly enhance your creative potential. In my case, acquiring a drone opened up a whole new world of photographic possibilities.
With my drone, I’ve been able to capture unique perspectives and angles of the many places I love to photograph. Combining my skills with both the camera and the drone, I’ve been able to produce many amazing landscape pieces with different, unique styles and angles for people to see, offering them a new creative vision to appreciate.
My love for the forest runs deep and traces back to my childhood, which was spent exploring the woods. There’s something about the forest that speaks to me, and I love the sense of peace it provides. I have fond memories of wandering through the woods, and one forest image that particularly stands out to me was taken during a Winter trip to Colorado a few years back.
As my friend and I drove through the back roads of the Colorado Rockies, I was in awe of the vast landscape that surrounded us. I had to pull over and send my drone up in the air to capture the stunning view. The trees towered over the mountains, and the Colorado landscape was breathtaking. As I brought my drone back down, I noticed how unique and abstract the forest looked, with the evergreen pines and aspens contrasting against the white snow. It was a sight unlike anything I’d seen in the forests back home, and it quickly became one of my favorite images from Colorado.
I also recall one particular photo from last summer after a rainy trip to Kaaterskill Falls, one of my favorite local spots in NY. I’ve captured this location in various ways and under different conditions, and I make it a challenge for myself every year to find new ways to photograph this magnificent waterfall. During this recent visit, I managed to capture one of my favorite shots of the location, which also marked the beginning of my new editing style. I’ve grown fond of the idea and style of editing my work with a blend of natural and vibrant tones to create a dreamy, yet authentic look. It’s as if the viewer’s eyes are strain-free and seeing the scene perfectly for the first time.
When approaching this photo, I aimed to maintain its natural beauty while enhancing its colors, especially the vibrant greens and moody earth tones:
1) Firstly, I decreased the exposure to bring out the contrast and tones in the landscape.
2) Next, I adjusted the highlights and whites to prevent overexposure of the white areas and to highlight the water’s definition.
3) Then, I worked on basic adjustments to the shadows and blacks, along with sharpening and clarity adjustments.
4) After that, I focused on the color adjustments and played around with the yellows and greens to achieve a mid-level green tone that blended with the reddish and orange tones from the rocks.
5) To perfect the image, I used brushes and spot healing to fix some blemishes and applied to burn and dodging techniques.
6) Finally, I made minor cropping and alignment adjustments, resulting in this beautiful image of a place that I am intimately familiar with.
The US is where I call home, and it has played a significant role in shaping my life and career. New York holds a special place in my heart due to the experiences I’ve had there and the people I’ve met. The state’s vast forests, rolling hills, epic waterfalls, and beautiful landscapes have all contributed to my love for this region. However, I’ve also fallen in love with Colorado and Washington, two states that have provided me with amazing memories and inspiration for my creative work. Their stunning landscapes have impacted my thinking and approach to photography, and I will always cherish the moments I captured in those places. These states will forever hold a special place in my heart, alongside my home state of New York.
So all of my images hold great stories behind them and are dear to me. When I first started my photography journey, I had a long list of subjects I wanted to capture. Surprisingly, a Scottish Highlander Cow was at the top of that list.
As I experimented with different styles and types of photography, I became obsessed with capturing these cows after seeing countless stunning images of them by photographers I admired. However, they seemed out of reach until one day, for my birthday a couple of years ago, one of my closest friends found a farm filled with these cows just 30 minutes away from home.
On my birthday, a friend suggested a great spot to take photos after a heavy snowfall. Despite driving on sketchy back roads, we ventured into the Catskills’ backcountry. As we approached the destination, we realized we were on a farm and were greeted by a high school friend who showed us around the property. I was thrilled to see a herd of snow-covered Scottish Highlander cows.
They were very photogenic, and I couldn’t resist capturing every angle of these beautiful creatures. One calf was particularly playful, running around and knocking into us to avoid being photographed. From all the shots I took that day, this one became my favorite and has since become the most viewed and liked photo on my Instagram feed. It’s not just the popularity of the photo that makes it special, but the surprise from my friend who wanted to put a smile on my face by taking me to see these hairy cows.
As I continue to progress in my career and personal life, my hope for 10 years from now is to have established myself successfully in my line of work and to have embarked on a fulfilling journey of happiness and adventure. By then, I envision myself having relocated to Colorado, and having found a way to make it feasible financially. I also aspire to create new experiences with individuals from diverse backgrounds and, hopefully, embark on a trip outside the country. I anticipate working with more prominent brands and collaborating with inspiring and innovative individuals who share my interests. Ultimately, my goal is to pursue my passions, explore the world, and enjoy all that life has to offer. My strategy for achieving this is to continue living life to the fullest, seizing opportunities, and embracing whatever the future holds. As I often say, “Life is just one big picture.”
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