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Julian Simpson
@juliansimpson.js
Landscape photographer based in Austria
There is a story behind each photo that follows the narrative of any good novel.
Like the introduction to a good story the start is often the most difficult and without doubt the most important. It requires dedication to detail and an understanding of the image you want to create before you have even pressed the shutter button or set feet on the ground. We need to know the end before we can think about the beginning!
Failing to pay meticulous attention to the planning will lead to a mediocre result and in my experience of making this error, it has left a bitter taste that must be addressed – or the regrets can bring you down as an artist.
In my early days as a photographer I would need to visit a location many times to eventually be satisfied, meaning that I had captured the best moment in time possible in my opinion. I have learned to approach this issue by using resources at hand to limit the need to revisit a location unless absolutely necessary. I now feel far more at home with project management and understanding the concept of working towards a goal.
Obviously one can not control the weather and the season so sometimes you are forced to visit a location several times to get the benefit of a sunrise or sunset or to see how a location is in winter compared with summer. But, I always keep a close eye on an extensive weather forecast source as it is still important to be able to use your time as effectively as possible, ensuring the best chance of photographing in the conditions that you are looking for.
"I am often in search of some sort of ambiance in the sky that reflects the mood of the photo."
Besides there are many other tools and Apps available to plan a shot outdoors such as Google Earth to understand the layout of the land. I also use a photo App bundle that allows me to accurately see the position of the sun and moon called the Photographer’s Ephemeris. This also helps me see which focal length will be best to use and to ensure that the topography of the land will not negatively affect where I will stand to take a shot.
My partner has a wealth of experience with project management so I can draw upon his expertise to streamline our travel and plans. I have learnt a lot about the importance of arriving at a location with plenty of time to set up and not be rushed. There is often a lot of unseen effort in photography. I was guilty myself of assuming it was relatively simple to just point a modern day camera and shoot. I now see that the effort and strategic planning that goes into my work has a huge value, and that is a skill that is utterly important to create the best visuals possible, for myself, for clients and for the viewers.
A painter may spend weeks, months or even years producing a masterpiece and yet in less than a hundredth of a second, with no disrespect, I feel I do the same.
It’s hard to resist the temptation to look at the screen on your camera after each click. You want to see the result immediately but must remain focused as the elements around you move and the light is forever changing. Reaction and adaptation is everything at this moment. Though overall, I believe that it’s discipline that is paramount in photography.
"After collecting your story you need to be ready to bring it to a compelling end that will leave the viewer wanting to see more of your work, to look at it longer."
In my opinion, the editing process is a skill that requires the most time and patience. The advances in technology have allowed the photographer to bend reality, nevertheless, personally I am not the biggest fan of overworked images and prefer to replicate the reality at the time I was there. Of course sometimes it may be necessary and relevant for some images to be processed to a greater extent, mainly those that have a purpose within the world of marketing.
You often hear people say “you have to be there to see how it is.” My goal with my images is to demonstrate without doubt what it was like to be standing in that scene. I want people to wish that they could have been there at that moment.
"I love this image of the sunrise near Höfn, Iceland for many reasons."
There is a virtuosity to simplistic shots like this. This shot develops my creative thinking and inspires me to not only look outside the box but to make my own box.
What is interesting about this photo is that it is taken only a few kilometres away from one of the most photographed areas in Iceland. On that day many photographers were blind to this opportunity in their haste to reach Stocksness, the location of the famous Vestrahorn for sunrise, whereas I saw this as a compelling shot that no one else would have that day. Instagram is full of images that are nothing more than a rerun of the previous one.
It is important for me to have flexibility within my genre. The contrast between a city landscape and rural landscape combined with the ability to shoot product and portrait photos is a must for me to be able to adapt to the goal of my clients. I am keen not to end up trapped into one field but be able to explore the many facets of the industry as I grow.
My name is Julian and I grew up in a small Austrian village where tradition was at the heart of the small community. I knew from a young age I was different. I am gay. One of the hardest things in my life was coming out to my family and friends in such a traditional catholic environment. Even in this modern era many men and women in Austria live a life of lies and deceit in fear of losing what they have. I was blessed to have a strong and understanding family and I am now married to a wonderful, creative and forward thinking man who has been the main influence in my approach to photography and videography. This partnership works as we may often clash yet compliment one another in producing some great stories captured in print. We love the solitude of what we are doing.
"Making the decision to become a full-time photo and videographer presents many new challenges and experiences but it is a journey that we will embrace."
My partner is great at ensuring that although we observe, learn from and constructively critique other creators around the world we will always be aware that any influence this information may have is carefully considered and addressed. We see many photographers trying their hardest to be someone else and that’s something we want to avoid. As a young creator I follow the exploits and charisma of Peter McKinnon as he inspires me to be forward thinking and free to break the laws of photography and videography whereas many would invest time, well spent studying the work and methods of Ansel Adams. I have learnt a lot by following the tutorials and posts from Nigel Dansen and Mads Peter Iverson who I feel connect with me better than some of the world famous names in the industry.
"By identifying my strengths and working hard on my weaknesses I have accelerated my understanding of this art of light manipulation."
I am actually a fully qualified chef. I can earn a guaranteed good wage with my training and skill level and people find it hard to understand why anyone would not embrace this security. However the advantage of been in a gay relationship leaves one free of the responsibilities that married couples often have to live with. Whereas couples can get tied down with the responsibilities of a family, being good parents, the importance of financial security etc., I feel we are able to continue exploring like a growing child throughout our endless travels. The risks for us to develop a livelihood in this industry are not as scary as for many others.
We are currently in Dubai after spending six weeks in Iceland. The difference between the two is stark and ensures that I do not fall into the trap of becoming one dimensional. Dubai has presented me with many new challenges. From the peace and quiet of Iceland to the hustle and bustle of the busy streets of Dubai. From setting up a tripod in a muddy field to snapping a shot of a city skyline before being chased away by security.
So where next? With the eruption of the volcano in Iceland recently and unfortunately just after we had left, we will return in May not to miss this opportunity to witness Mother nature’s firework demonstration. After that we will be spending two months in Argentina where we will be working on a project for skiers and snowboarders.
With our goals and dreams about how our stories unfold in mind, we know where to start. And along the way we will figure out what to do and how to adapt to eventually complete the novel!
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