In this article, Prabu shares his journey from discovering photography in Vietnam to leading successful photography tours, highlighting the creative process behind his work. With a blend of personal insights and practical advice, Prabu offers inspiration and guidance for aspiring photographers seeking to refine their craft.
I have always been a nature lover, drawn to the serenity of sunrises and sunsets in solitude. Traveling allows me to immerse myself in the beauty of nature, from majestic mountain vistas to tranquil beaches, and this connection sparked my passion for photography. Initially armed with a simple point-and-shoot camera, I decided to take my craft to the next level about a decade ago while in Vietnam by purchasing my first DSLR. Determined to improve, I taught myself through countless YouTube tutorials and reading articles, gradually honing my skills.
The photo that won Best of the Week was also taken in Vietnam. I led the Vietnam photography tour in June 2024 and we visited the Mu Cang Chai rice terraces. After raining for more than two hours, the clouds started moving away just before sunset and we decided to spend one more hour to see whether we could get some colors. Fortunately, we witnessed one of the best sunsets of the tour with stunning colors and reflections on the terraces.
There is no better place for a composition with leading lines than the rice terraces with sunset hues in the backdrop, so that is what I focused on when capturing the scenery – I am a big fan of leading lines. It was difficult to cover the sky and foreground in a single shot with Mavic 3 Pro, so I took three shots vertically and merged them in camera raw to create a panorama.
Afterward, I made my initial corrections in exposure, contrast, highlights, and shadows along with increasing the texture and clarity slightly. Finally, I added a touch of orange/red hue to the highlights using color grading and curves to get the final look. I didn’t have to do much editing for this photo as the colors were already present – thanks to the beautiful sunset.
I don’t follow any particular style of editing. I edit each photo based on the lighting and colors in the photo. Most of my photos are shot during golden hours which already gives me enough color and I try to work with that. When posting on Instagram, I plan the order of my posts carefully and try that two consecutive posts don’t have the same dominant colors. I think that makes the feed more visually appealing.
Apart from that, I do not put too much effort into changing my editing for social media. Rather, I try to stick to what I enjoy the most, regarding editing but also regarding the type of projects I do and whether I do photos or videos. Please don’t get discouraged if your work doesn’t get enough reach, likes, or engagement on social media. You will eventually get there and people who resonate with your creations and style will start noticing your work.
Over the years, I’ve learned several key lessons that have shaped my approach to photography. Here are five recommendations that I believe every aspiring photographer should consider:
1) Location Scouting
Conducting prior research is essential, especially when traveling to a location for the first time. I aim to arrive at the site an hour or two early to explore the area and identify potential compositions. This allows me to discover interesting foregrounds and plan my shots effectively.
2) Weather Considerations
Weather plays a critical role in outdoor photography. I rely on various apps to assess conditions such as light quality, sunrise/sunset colors, and the possibility of fog or mist. These factors are crucial for capturing compelling landscape photos. This attention to weather is also why I often plan my trips at the last minute, maximizing the chances of ideal conditions.
3) Patience is Key
Great photographs often require waiting—whether it’s for the perfect light, optimal weather, or just the right moment. This has reinforced the importance of thorough research and planning, as well as the need to remain adaptable and persistent.
4) Connection with the environment
Beyond technical considerations, it’s essential to connect with the environment and stay present in the moment. I find that immersing myself in the surroundings fosters a deeper appreciation and helps create more meaningful photographs.
5) Cherish your memories and past work
Many photographers strive for the next projects and trips. This is great as it keeps you going, however, I believe it is as important to look back at what you achieved and what experiences you have lived. I am about to finish my first photography book about Northern Vietnam. I lived in Hanoi for 12 years and got a chance to travel and explore some of the least explored places in the north. When I started shortlisting the photos for the book, going through the photos brought back so many memories from my travels. Creating this photography book is one of the most important personal projects I have been working on and hope to complete it this year.
Even though I know I will always have an idea about what is next, I am not someone who makes long-term plans. I have been working full-time for 20 years teaching Mathematics at the university. Last year October, I took a break from work and decided to travel for a couple of years and see how it goes. Currently, I am based in my hometown in Tamil Nadu, India, and traveling to places. I love teaching as well and miss it already. So maybe, after some time, I will go back to teaching.
The one certain thing is that I will keep traveling around when I can and documenting these memorable experiences. Photography has been my constant companion. It’s a craft that continues to teach me patience, creativity, and a deeper connection with the world around me. As I move forward—whether through teaching, traveling, or creating—I’ll carry these lessons with me, capturing and sharing the beauty I encounter along the way.
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