In this article, photographer Ferry, born and raised in Dordrecht (NL), shares his journey from an adventurous safari in Tanzania to becoming a passionate wildlife and landscape photographer. He delves into the lessons learned, the intricacies of his creative process, and the story behind the shot that won the Best of the Week 23.
I booked a Safari trip to Tanzania in 2022. Realizing that capturing the majestic wildlife with a mobile phone would be challenging, I invested in a system camera, the Canon r6, equipped with a 600mm lens from Sigma. This decision marked the beginning of my profound passion for wildlife and landscape photography. Ever since I have been driven by an insatiable desire to seek new adventures in the wild and immerse myself in the beauty of nature. Guided by this passion, I sought inspiration on Instagram and honed my camera and photo editing skills through YouTube tutorials and continuous practice outdoors.
Since I started, shooting in nature has taught me some invaluable lessons, both personally and professionally. One of the most important things I’ve learned is that capturing the perfect shot often requires significant effort. Whether it’s a strenuous hike, waiting for hours in one spot, or carefully approaching a subject, the dedication invested in each shot has taught me the value of perseverance and patience.
Another lesson is the importance of adapting to the environment and adhering to local regulations. Every location has its own set of rules about where you can film or photograph, and respecting these laws is crucial. It ensures not only the legality of my work but also the preservation of the natural and cultural heritage that I’m so passionate about capturing.
Then there’s the need for detailed planning. Successful outdoor photography isn’t just about being in the right place at the right time—it’s about ensuring you’ve done everything to optimize your chances of capturing the best possible shots. That means considering the rules of the country, weather conditions, local events or traditions, and seasonal changes. Preparation is key, and it ensures that I’m always ready to seize the moment when it arrives.
I try to apply all these lessons to each photograph I aim to take. Also, creating a cohesive storyline with my photos is something I appreciate deeply and always attempt to achieve. In my opinion, each photograph should contribute to a larger narrative, making the collection meaningful rather than just a series of random, purposeless shots. This approach has allowed me to tell compelling stories through my work, giving each image a sense of purpose.
I took this approach as well when shooting on the Canary Islands, and one of the images won the Best of the Week. The image’s subject is the Calderón Hondo, a volcanic crater located on the island of Fuerteventura in the Canary Islands, Spain. I have always been captivated by history, especially the way natural landscapes tell stories of the Earth’s past. I’m particularly fascinated by volcano craters, which reveal the immense forces that shaped them over millennia. The crater I photographed is a pristine example, and capturing it at sunrise allowed me to transform this natural wonder into a piece of art. The composition was carefully chosen, with the crater angled to face north. The village in the background provides a sense of scale, highlighting the vastness of the crater, while the surrounding mountains frame the scene beautifully. The warm, dramatic light of the sunset made the entire image come together perfectly.
When it comes to editing my photos, I’m very meticulous. My primary goal is always to highlight the subject, so I pay close attention to the highlights, contrast, lighting, and shadows. For this particular photo, I emphasized the orange and red tones of the crater to give it a distinctive character while subtly dimming the surrounding colors to maintain focus. I prefer shooting during the “golden hour” because the natural lighting at that time simplifies the editing process and enhances the overall quality of the image.
Editing is a process I take seriously. I always work in a perfectly dark room, allowing me to see the colors more accurately on an Adobe RGB screen. This setup ensures that the colors are vivid and true to life. Centering my subjects is crucial, so I use a grid to achieve perfect alignment, adding balance and harmony to the composition. Masks are an essential tool in my editing process, allowing me to make precise adjustments to specific areas of the image without affecting the entire photo. Sometimes, I use presets that complement the shot, providing a consistent starting point and helping maintain a cohesive style across my work. Each step, from the initial adjustments to the final touches, contributes to creating a polished and professional image.
For those just starting in photography, finding your style and staying consistent over time can be challenging but incredibly rewarding. I began by experimenting with different genres—landscapes, portraits, macro, and street photography—to discover what resonated most with me. Analyzing the work of photographers I admired also played a significant role in shaping my style. I paid close attention to their use of light, composition, and color, incorporating similar techniques into my work.
Developing a consistent editing process has been key to maintaining a cohesive look across my photos, which shows in my Instagram feed and suits my desire to obtain a cohesive storyline across images. I use the same set of presets and a particular color palette, and as mentioned, I always edit in a dark room on an Adobe RGB screen to ensure that my colors are accurate and consistent. This is something I highly recommend others do if they want to either enhance their style or are still in the process of creating their style. Using a grid to center my subjects and create balanced images has also helped me develop a signature compositional style. Masks have become an essential part of my editing process, allowing me to make precise adjustments without compromising the overall balance. And, of course, shooting during the golden hour adds that magical quality to my photos, reducing the need for heavy editing.
Some other things I would advise others to try as well would be: Keeping your style and colors consistent. Your photos should have a clear and unique character. Avoid changing things too much, so your work tells a clear story and shows your style. Finding my style has been a journey, and staying consistent requires dedication. By continuously shooting, experimenting, and learning, I have been able to develop and maintain a unique voice in my photography.
In addition to the images you create for your projects, client work helps shape your style by widening your scope and seeking other possibilities as you are required to deliver according to the client’s needs and branding. My most important gig to date has been my trip to Tanzania and Zanzibar, where I did shoots for several accommodations and safari trips. This experience was completely different from my usual landscape photography because I was working for clients who were running their businesses. I learned the importance of discipline and meticulous planning to meet their expectations. Working in crowded environments was more challenging than I had anticipated, requiring extra effort to get the perfect shots. Furthermore, I realized the need to sell my work effectively, which pushed me to do my absolute best. This project taught me valuable lessons and significantly contributed to my career by improving my skills and building my professional reputation.
Looking ahead, in ten years, I envision myself running a successful videography business, known for top-notch video productions. To get there, I know I need to focus on improving my video editing skills, learning advanced techniques, and keeping up with industry trends. Building a strong network, finding mentors, and consistently producing great work will be essential strategies to help me reach my goals.
My journey so far has been incredibly rewarding, filled with learning, growth, and a deepening passion for the art of photography. I’m excited to see where it will take me next!
Liam Alford is a self-taught nature and wedding photographer with a passion for capturing the special moments in the world through his lens. In this article, we learn about his journey, valuable lessons from his outdoor experiences, and his shooting + editing approach to the image that won the Best of the Week 33, 2024.
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In this article, photographer Ferry, born and raised in Dordrecht (NL), shares his journey from an adventurous safari in Tanzania to becoming a passionate wildlife and landscape photographer. He delves into the lessons learned, the intricacies of his creative process, and the story behind the shot that won the Best of the Week 23.
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