In this article, we delve into the journey of photographer Amirali, whose passion for photography was ignited amidst the challenges of academic life and the chaos of the pandemic. Through his lens, we witness Amirali’s transformative exploration of landscapes, from the serene landscapes of Finland to the mystic scenes of Montana’s nature, where he took a shot that won the Best of the Week.
My journey into photography began as a remedy for the burnout I experienced during my PhD studies, which intensified during the peak of the pandemic. Seeking solace, I purchased a used camera and embarked on a spontaneous trip to Utah. It was a revelation – amid the stunning landscapes, I found solace and rejuvenation, realizing that capturing moments could offer respite from the academic pressures that consumed me. Since then, photography has evolved from a hobby to a profound passion, offering a much-needed escape from the rigors of academia.
With each subsequent trip, I delved deeper into the therapeutic benefits of this creative pursuit, finding refuge from the demands of academic life. I am a researcher/engineer in the machine learning (AI) field and while my academic/scientific endeavors are fulfilling, there has always been a yearning for a creative outlet and a connection to nature. Meeting like-minded individuals along the way only deepened my love for travel and photography, reinforcing the importance of this newfound passion in my life. All of my photos so far come from my personal travels/projects.
Last summer, I took this photo visiting Montana with a friend of mine during some active wildfires, mostly happening in Canada nearby (see image below). We wanted to see the sunrise at a lake close by. When we arrived there, we were struck by the serene and mystical atmosphere, with smoke from the fires contributing to a unique atmospheric perspective.
As we were enjoying the tranquility of the scene, my friend, who isn’t a photographer, began skipping stones across the calm water. I then noticed the picturesque mountains behind him. I quickly ran to the other side of the lake to find a composition that could capture both him and the stunning backdrop. Finally, I found the perfect angle and took the shot, hoping to convey the sense of calmness and tranquility we experienced in that moment. I typically plan my shots beforehand, but this one unfolded unexpectedly – a nice surprise.
Style and editing
I’m always drawn to minimal compositions, which have become a defining theme in my photography. The simplicity and balance of centrally composed minimalistic frames often evoke a sense of calmness and serenity – which is one of the main reasons I turned to photography initially.
For this particular composition, my aim was to eliminate distracting elements from the frame, focusing solely on the essential elements that conveyed the mood of the scene. Additionally, I used the atmospheric perspective created by the smoke to enhance depth and create a sense of separation between the subject and the background. This not only adds visual interest but also lends a mystical or dreamy quality to the image, further contributing to the overall aesthetic.
Generally, I aim to maintain consistency in my color tones across different images, often going for hues dominant during the blue hour, such as soft blue and pastel tones, or soft bright tones resulting from light interacting with atmospheric textures like fog, haze, or dust. So, I often hunt for those kinds of conditions when I’m out shooting.
For the photo that won the Best of the Week, the smoky conditions during sunrise already provided me with the color tones I had envisioned. As a result, my editing process primarily involved using masks to adjust exposure and shadows selectively, ensuring the image conveyed the sense of calmness and tranquility I felt at the moment I took the shot.
I often place significant emphasis on planning the shot I want to capture, as this greatly influences my editing process. In essence, my pre-editing process (planning phase for the shot) begins with capturing a shot that closely aligns with my preferred style of work. To ensure consistency, coherence, and to simplify post-processing, I employ several pre-editing strategies:
1) Prioritizing shooting locations that offer ample opportunities to capture scenes consistent with my vision and style; minimalistic frames.
2) Selecting shooting times that naturally provide a consistent color palette, such as the blue hour;
3) Choosing conditions that complement my style, such as shooting in foggy or hazy conditions;
4) Consistently seeking compositions that match the theme of my work.
When I considered these strategies in the beginning, my editing process primarily involves using masks to adjust exposures, clarity, and shadows. This ensures that the final image maintains the aesthetic I envisioned.
Lessons learned
Nevertheless, while it is still a work in progress for me, I have learned the significance of appreciating the adventure and journey, and not just fixating on the final result. This is particularly relevant when exploring the outdoors, where unexpected challenges occur all the time, emphasizing the importance of enjoying the process of creation. This is just one example of valuable lessons I have learned along my photography journey.
Starting this photography journey also further reinforced the importance of maintaining a healthy work-life balance. I discovered how pursuing photography as a creative outlet can help me achieve a balance amidst the demands of academia and work.
Another key lesson I’ve learned is the balance between striving for high-quality work and maintaining consistency. This can be challenging, especially with a demanding job, but I have found that better planning and time management are crucial in achieving this balance.
Similarly, I got to realize that patience and persistence are necessary, especially when capturing nature scenes. It’s crucial to remain patient, waiting for the perfect moment to bring your envisioned shot to life, and it is key to be persistent, which sometimes means multiple visits to a location to capture the ideal conditions for realizing your vision.
Future aspirations
In ten years, I envision myself continuing my photography journey, continuously refining my craft, and devoting more time to personal projects while maintaining a healthy work-life balance. To achieve this vision, there are a few strategies that I think can help me:
1) Staying consistent: I’ve struggled a lot to stay consistent. Mostly because of my demanding job, which sometimes leaves very little time for me to spend on photography and travel. Another reason is while I enjoy the mental challenge of creating minimalist compositions, this approach can sometimes limit my ability to stay consistent as it is not always easy to find those specific types of compositions. Therefore, I aim to strike a balance between producing high-quality images and maintaining consistency in my creative output.
2) Striving for better work-life balance: I recognize the need for a healthier balance between work and personal pursuits, and as a result, I will prioritize allocating time for photography and travel, ensuring that I can dedicate sufficient energy to both my professional responsibilities and my passion for photography.
3) Exploring alternative forms of expression: While I have predominantly focused on minimalist shots, I aim to be open to exploring other forms of visual expression that align with my artistic vision.
4) Building more connections: Building connections within the photography community holds immense potential for collaboration, learning, and growth. Actively engaging with fellow photographers offers opportunities to exchange ideas, gain insights, and foster meaningful professional relationships.
So, that’s the plan – keep shooting, find balance, try new things, and meet cool people along the way!
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