With a background rooted in artistic expression and a passion for detail, Oliver’s journey showcases his evolution from a curious child sketching ideas to a professional photographer blending technical precision with creative vision. This article delves into his inspiring journey, the techniques behind his craft, and his aspirations to push the boundaries of visual storytelling.
As a child, I was drawn to art, especially drawing, which served as a way to express my imagination. Over time, my artistic instinct evolved, naturally finding its outlet in photography. I found an early interest in capturing the architecture I encountered during my travels, often using my phone to snap pictures of buildings, obsessing over straight lines, symmetry, and lighting. In my work within event spaces, I honed my attention to detail, documenting everything from the overall setup to the smallest nuances others might overlook. Photography became my way of framing the world around me.
In 2022, after the world emerged from the pandemic, I decided to pursue photography with greater intent. Living in London at the time, I began capturing the city’s landscapes and architecture, pushing myself to master the fundamentals. I followed some of my biggest inspirations on Instagram, including Benjamin Hardman, whose work pushed me to experiment further. I invested in my first drone, a DJI Mini 2, which allowed me to capture unique aerial perspectives. This shift in my approach to photography reignited my passion, and traveling with my partner further fueled my desire to capture the world through my lens.
As I gained more experience, I upgraded to a Canon R5 with an arsenal of lenses— the RF 15-35mm f/2.8, RF 24-105mm f/4, and RF 100-500mm—expanding my creative possibilities. My job at The Mandrake Hotel in London also provided hands-on experience with shooting interiors. This hotel has an eclectic, moody style that resonated deeply with me. This project taught me the importance of discipline, meeting deadlines, and working closely with clients while maintaining my creative integrity and helping refine my vision and further solidify my style.
After honing my craft in London, a trip to Iceland truly changed the trajectory of my photographic journey. The raw, alien beauty of the landscapes there, with their dramatic contrasts and diverse terrains, inspired me deeply. Iceland, known for being one of the most photographed countries in the world, quickly became my muse. The surreal beauty of its craters, glaciers, and volcanic landscapes spoke to me in a way nothing else had. This trip was transformative, compelling me to take my photography more seriously. I decided to upgrade my drone to a DJI Mavic 3 Pro and eventually move to Iceland, where I could immerse myself fully in my craft.
Since I moved, I have had memorable experiences; photographing the northern lights is one of them. Witnessing the Aurora Borealis had been a dream of mine. One day during peak aurora season, I joined fellow photographers on a hunt for the lights, and I had a particular scene in mind: a yellow cottage that would make the perfect foreground to the ethereal glow of the northern lights. That night’s display was spectacular, with vibrant, fast-moving auroras dancing across the sky. The contrast between the warm tones of the yellow cottage and the cool hues of the aurora created a cosmic harmony that I couldn’t wait to photograph. I adjusted my camera settings to manage the strong, quick-moving lights. Later, I decided to capture a second frame focusing on the house.
So I had two frames: one capturing the northern lights with focus set to infinity, and another highlighting the cottage with greater exposure. In post-production, I blended the two frames in Photoshop. I edited the northern lights and foreground separately to enhance each element while maintaining a natural look. The sky was dehazed slightly, with careful increases in clarity, and I adjusted individual color hues to subtly enhance the lights without causing overexposure. I created a luminosity mask to target only the stars, slightly reducing their intensity to balance the clarity adjustments applied to the sky.
The foreground, specifically the cottage, was edited with two separate masks. First, I applied a mask to the cottage itself, boosting shadows and exposure to reveal details and adjusting the contrast to keep the colors vibrant. Then, I used a second mask in the foreground, retracting the center area and leaving only the edges selected, which created a subtle vignette effect. This technique gently darkened the outer edges, drawing the eye toward the cottage as the focal point. Finally, I refined minor imperfections with the healing brush to ensure a polished, cohesive look. Once I posted it on Instagram, this shot won the Best of the Week 39 with Nomadict.
A clear vision of the final image helps me create my best images. Therefore, feeling inspired and focused is essential to my editing process. It is also crucial not to rush or overthink – After completing a photo, I set it aside and revisit it the next day to make final tweaks. My editing style leans toward high contrast and rich, deep colors, achieved through complex masking. I isolate elements within the frame that stand out to me, creating a visual connection across the image. Luminar Neo is another valuable tool I use to finish some of my frames, especially for adding soft Orton or Mystical effects, which gives my photos a dreamlike quality with minimal effort.
For beginners looking to develop their style, I recommend embracing experimentation, and practice makes perfect. Try different genres of photography—whether it’s landscapes, portraits, or macro—each genre will help you discover your unique voice. One of the most valuable tools I learned was using Lightroom masks to make precise adjustments, which can transform a simple image into something extraordinary. In today’s world of social media, consistency in your color palette and overall aesthetic can help your portfolio stand out. Apps like Preview can help you plan your feed and maintain a cohesive look.
Editing alone is not the only way to create cohesion across your style. I’ve found that cloudy days, rain, and snow offer a distinctive mood that resonates with my style, more so than the mood that you get shooting during sunrise or sunset. These conditions enhance the depth, contrast, and richness of my images, allowing me to capture landscapes with an atmospheric touch.
Additionally, I’ve learned the importance of using diverse landscapes to tell cohesive visual stories. Iceland’s varied terrains—its ancient craters, active volcanoes, and otherworldly glaciers—have provided endless inspiration for curating and showcasing the country’s beauty. My Instagram series, Iceland’s Finest Art, is a testament to this, highlighting the textures, colors, and wilderness of Iceland in a unified and intentional way. I highly recommend revisiting locations at different times and seasons. A familiar scene can reveal entirely new compositions when approached with fresh eyes or during a different season. In Iceland, for example, the braided rivers appear differently depending on the weather, while mossy landscapes like Laki transform with each rainfall. I love telling the visual story of nature’s influence overtime on the appearance and continuous evolution of landscapes and natural structures.
I have many ambitious future projects in mind, including blending fashion with Iceland’s dramatic landscapes, which I hope will push my creativity to new heights. In ten years, I envision myself traveling the world, working with brands and hotels that align with my values and style. I see myself creating visual stories that blend fashion, product photography, and landscapes while helping others develop their photography skills through online tutorials and masterclasses. Through consistent practice, creative experimentation, and dedication to my craft, I’m confident these goals are within reach.
This article delves into Oliver’s inspiring journey, the techniques behind his craft, and his aspirations to push the boundaries of visual storytelling.
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