Meet Robert, a passionate photographer who stumbled upon his father’s old camera in 2019, sparking a profound passion that has evolved into a fulfilling profession over the past four years. For Robert, the opportunity to travel and capture moments is a beautiful way to preserve memories, a sentiment he reflects upon as he shares invaluable lessons learned during his photography journey.
In 2019, I stumbled upon my father’s old camera while looking for a hobby. Soon, I realized the passion it ignited in me. Fast forward four years, I turned my passion into a profession. The opportunity to travel and capture moments with my camera is a uniquely beautiful way to preserve my memories. As I reflect on my journey, the past years as a photographer have taught me invaluable lessons.
1) Surround yourself with like-minded people who bring out the best in you; this should always be considered. Building a supportive network of fellow enthusiasts, mentors, or colleagues in photography can provide inspiration, constructive feedback, and valuable insights. Shared experiences and collaboration with those who share your passion can enhance your skills and fuel your creative spirit.
2) Hard work always pays off; there are no shortcuts to success. In the competitive field of photography, continually dedicating time and effort to improve your craft is essential. It’s about honing your technique, staying updated with industry trends, and pushing your creative boundaries.
3) “Fake it till you make it” can be a valuable motto, especially before significant trips, public appearances, or major assignments, to boost your self-confidence. In the dynamic world of photography, confidence plays a crucial role in showcasing your work and establishing a professional presence. Embracing a confident mindset, even initially challenging, can positively impact your interactions with clients, fellow photographers, and the broader audience.
4) Enjoy every moment, like a sunrise above the clouds. The chance of experiencing the same moment again is slim, so relish it. Embrace the process’s joy, savoring each shoot’s unique aspects.
One of my favorite images is the sunrise at Zafernhorn. I had the honor of being taken to the mountain’s peak at night by the head of the tourism board I was working with.
Such photo shoots can be nerve-wracking. We kept an eye on the weather and clouds and used various apps to track the sun’s position, and initially, it appeared there would be no sunrise. But for just 5 minutes, the sun cast the perfect light on Zafernhorn, creating a unique moment I fondly look back on.
I captured another of my favorite images in Lago di Braies. Some might think it’s a clichéd spot, but it was something special for me.
For years, I saw friends hang pictures of this place in their homes, and it slowly built up in my mind as a bucket-list shot. When I stood there and witnessed a perfect sunrise, it felt like a dream come true.
It was surreal to think that the person who had only picked up a camera a few years ago had captured an image that others would hang in their homes, and now I am this person, depicting one of the most beautiful places in the Dolomites. It was truly a surreal moment!
Top-down drone images are also tricky but powerful. If you would like to elaborate on this style of photography, here are some tips that may help you make some quick progress:
First and foremost, the choice of the subject is crucial. It’s important to think outside the box and imagine how a location might look from above. The following are some strategies you can implement for such a goal:
Use online mapping services like Google Earth or satellite imagery platforms to explore the top-down view of the location. This strategy helps in visualizing the terrain, landmarks, and overall layout.
Visit the location beforehand and explore it from different vantage points. Look for elevated areas that provide a glimpse of the surroundings.
Tap into local knowledge and speak to residents or experts familiar with the area. They may provide insights into unique perspectives that showcase the location’s distinct features.
Review aerial photographs taken by other photographers, especially those specializing in aerial or drone photography. This approach can inspire ideas and offer insights into the potential of capturing a location from above.
Understand how the sun’s position at different times of the day may impact the visual appeal of the location. Shadows and highlights play a crucial role in aerial photography.
Cloudy conditions are ideal, as direct sunlight can create harsh shadows. You must take your drone out to capture such images and fly around to explore a bit. Sometimes, you need to be a little creative!
Mentally visualize the location from an elevated perspective. Imagine how different elements will interact and what features will stand out. This mental exercise can guide your creative approach.
Experiment with different perspectives during on-site visits, even if not from an elevated position. Sometimes, unique compositions emerge that hint at how the location looks from above.
Through learning by doing and continuous exchange, I developed my unique approach to capturing and editing photos that I’m proud of. This journey is ongoing, and there’s much more to come!
1) One of the most important things is going with your flow. Do the things you like to do and edit the shots how you want them! This mindset is the only way to develop your unique style.
2) I generally focus on earthy tones in most scenes and images. I like to play with colors to achieve the desired effect. But I don’t overdo it; I aim for a balance.
3) I review the image after importing it to identify the strengths and weaknesses of the shot before applying any edits. Scanning the image upon import gives you insights into the existing tones, lighting conditions, and overall composition. This step may seem obvious, but when did you carefully review one of your RAW files for the last time?
4) I like autumn landscapes with a captivating fog and vibrant foliage interplay. Emphasizing this combination enhances the atmospheric and seasonal elements of the scene. By accentuating the fog and autumn trees, you draw attention to the unique visual appeal of the season.
5) Brightening highlights, specifically in areas affected by fog, bring a sense of luminosity to the image. This adjustment adds a touch of realism to the moisture and contributes to the dreamy and mystical quality of the picture.
6) I darken the forest but elevate the orange tones to create a striking contrast between green and orange. Darkening the forest areas maintains a sense of depth and mystery. Boosting the orange tones intensifies the warm, earthy palette of autumn. This interplay enhances the visual impact, creating a dynamic contrast between the lush greenery and the rich, autumnal oranges.
7) When an image evokes feelings of wanderlust and adventure in me, I know I’ve hit the sweet spot in editing and the job is done.
I’ve had wonderful projects with tourism boards across Europe, creating imagery that feels like a vacation. However, my most significant project in 2023 was collaborating with the car brand Dacia.
We traveled to three breathtaking locations with two influencers, each with three shooting days. Combining people, activities, and cars was a challenge, but receiving feedback that I was the perfect fit for the campaign and that the content exceeded expectations worldwide filled me with immense pride and satisfaction. That was my most important project for 2023!
I see myself continuing to work behind the camera. This passion will accompany me throughout my life. I am currently a full-time professional photographer and plan to expand this further in the coming years. Life is unpredictable, so I’ll go with the flow but keep my camera ready to capture the moments. Thank you for your time!
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