Digital Photographer - UK (2019-12)

(Antfer) #1
deserts to crowded city streets, I was
mesmerised by the sheer scale of the world,
and it’s from this memory and experience that
I try to draw my inspiration. I want to create
shots that my younger self would be in awe
of – maybe one day it’ll be my photos that
recreate those same emotions I once felt in
someone else.

How would you define your creative style?
That’s a tricky one. Given that I shoot
almost everything under the sun, it is hard
to pinpoint one exact style, especially since
my techniques are constantly evolving as
time goes by. I think someone else nailed it
when they commented on one of my photos.
They explained that they loved how all my
shots made them feel like they were there in
that exact moment, witnessing the moment
captured by me in person. I think that sums up
my creative style quite well.
I think most photographers would agree
that telling a story through their photos is
paramount, so I try to go one further and
create a sense of realism around my shots, all
the while making the viewer feel like they are
right there with me, experiencing the moment
as I take the shot.

What is it that you like the most about
travel photography?
There is just so much to love about travel
photography. Having to choose just one, I
would say it’s being able to capture the
beautiful cultures that inhabit the world.
Taking the roads less travelled and meeting
the people who live where you are exploring
is absolutely eye-opening. Culture is a very
important aspect of our identity, and to be
able to witness other cultures and capture
them in beautiful photos is an unforgettable
experience. In a sense, culture to the world is
like spices to a dish – without it, it would be
very bland indeed.

In your opinion, what makes a successful
travel shot?
For me, a successful travel shot is one that
inspires others to travel. It’s a shot that stops
people dead in their tracks in absolute awe.
Of course, capturing the culture is always an
important aspect too, but to me a successful
travel shot is one that simply inspires others
to travel and experience the place captured in
the shot for themselves. In essence, this was
how I myself was inspired to travel and take
up photography.

What are the greatest challenges you find in
travel photography?
As someone with cystic fibrosis, the greatest
challenge is usually the constant walking/
hiking, but it always pays off and is worth the
sore legs and shortness of breath.
Another thing I should note is that
patience is needed when it comes to travel
photography, though I’m not quite sure if I
would class it as a challenge myself. Many
popular tourist places are loaded with people,
so sometimes you just need to wait it out to
get the shot you’re after.

What has been your favourite place that
you’ve visited, and why?
My favourite place I have visited to this date
would most definitely be Japan, but if we are
being precise, Tokyo is by far the absolute
highlight. As stated earlier, from a young
age I had a fascination with places from all
over the world, and I also had a fascination
with sprawling metropolises, so it was no
surprise that Tokyo was high on my ‘to do’ list.
Exploring all the little back alleys, becoming
lost in the crowds, walking the neon-drenched
streets of Shinjuku, it all made for one
unforgettable experience.

INTERVIEW


deserts to crowded city streets, I was
mesmerised by the sheer scale of the world,
and it’s from this memory and experience that
I try to draw my inspiration. I want to create
shots that my younger self would be in awe
of – maybe one day it’ll be my photos that
recreate those same emotions I once felt in
someone else.

How would you define your creative style?
That’s a tricky one. Given that I shoot
almost everything under the sun, it is hard
to pinpoint one exact style, especially since
my techniques are constantly evolving as
time goes by. I think someone else nailed it
when they commented on one of my photos.
They explained that they loved how all my
shots made them feel like they were there in
that exact moment, witnessing the moment
captured by me in person. I think that sums up
my creative style quite well.
I think most photographers would agree
that telling a story through their photos is
paramount, so I try to go one further and
create a sense of realism around my shots, all
the while making the viewer feel like they are
right there with me, experiencing the moment
as I take the shot.


What is it that you like the most about
travel photography?
There is just so much to love about travel
photography. Having to choose just one, I
would say it’s being able to capture the
beautiful cultures that inhabit the world.
Taking the roads less travelled and meeting
the people who live where you are exploring
is absolutely eye-opening. Culture is a very
important aspect of our identity, and to be
able to witness other cultures and capture
them in beautiful photos is an unforgettable
experience. In a sense, culture to the world is
like spices to a dish – without it, it would be
very bland indeed.

In your opinion, what makes a successful
travel shot?
For me, a successful travel shot is one that
inspires others to travel. It’s a shot that stops
people dead in their tracks in absolute awe.
Of course, capturing the culture is always an
important aspect too, but to me a successful
travel shot is one that simply inspires others
to travel and experience the place captured in
the shot for themselves. In essence, this was
how I myself was inspired to travel and take
up photography.

What are the greatest challenges you find in
travel photography?
As someone with cystic fibrosis, the greatest
challenge is usually the constant walking/
hiking, but it always pays off and is worth the
sore legs and shortness of breath.
Another thing I should note is that
patience is needed when it comes to travel
photography, though I’m not quite sure if I
would class it as a challenge myself. Many
popular tourist places are loaded with people,
so sometimes you just need to wait it out to
get the shot you’re after.

What has been your favourite place that
you’ve visited, and why?
My favourite place I have visited to this date
would most definitely be Japan, but if we are
being precise, Tokyo is by far the absolute
highlight. As stated earlier, from a young
age I had a fascination with places from all
over the world, and I also had a fascination
with sprawling metropolises, so it was no
surprise that Tokyo was high on my ‘to do’ list.
Exploring all the little back alleys, becoming
lost in the crowds, walking the neon-drenched
streets of Shinjuku, it all made for one
unforgettable experience.

INTERVIEW

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