Photography can be a real adventure. It’s not always only about going to a certain place to take the perfect shot - it is more than that. We are not only talking about the psychological adventure you many times do when picking up the camera, like a therapy kind of thing, we are also talking about an actual real adventure. Our community member Marco (marcocalandra89), who’s a landscape and nature photographer, thinks so as well, because one photo session can contain many experiences, such as exploring, climbing, spending the night (or nights) in a tent, etc. If you are a (landscape and nature) photographer, you are also an adventurer! The team at ViewBug contacted Marco The Adventurer to ask him some questions about his photography techniques! Enjoy!
What inspired you to be a photographer?
Every time I watched documentaries, read magazines or websites dealing with photography, I was stunned by the beautiful contents. So at first I tried to create a kind of photography that inspired me in that period of time.
What was your first camera and what do you shoot with today?
I began to photograph with a Nikon Coolpix S640 in 2010. In the 2011 I bought my first DSLR, the Nikon D7000, which opened a new vision for me. At the moment I am shooting with a Nikon D750.
When someone looks at your photos, what do you want them to take away from it, what are you trying to communicate?
Every time I visit a location, I explore it, trying to find a good way to show the essence of it. I like to show the same emotions I feel when I’m taking the photograph.
What is it that you love about photography?
I love all those experiences I make in that place, beyond and thanks to photography. I’m talking about exploring, climbing, spending the night in a tent, like a real adventurer.
What has photography done for you?
Photography allowed me to become a more reckless and adventurous man. It also gave me the chance to look at nature in a different way, noticing details that I wouldn’t have seen otherwise.
Do you try to be conceptual or do you prefer to show the feeling behind a photo?
I prefer to show the feelings of a photo. I believe people like more to feel rather than to think. It’s a more immediate way to communicate, it reaches the heart before the mind. We feel the same feelings in front of a sunrise or an erupting volcano, as that’s part of the human nature. A concept can be very tricky and very subjective, for those who create it and for those who try to understand it.
How do you describe your style?
I don’t like to take pictures of people, indeed there are hardly any in my photos. To alter the scenery is not my cup of tea either, I prefer to stay faithful to what I see. I love to impress the scenery in an objective way, as if it was a documentary, combining reality with unreality thanks to long exposure.
If you had to choose one lens which one would it be and why?
Right now my favorite lens is the Tamron 15-30. As a landscape photographer, it’s perfect for me because it allows me to see more in just one single frame.
What are your 3 tips for others who want to become better photographers?
1. Learn! Take inspiration from other photographers or artists to have at least a bit of cultural background.
2. Wake up early! You have the best light just a few moments before and after the sunrise.
3. Dare to experiment! Everyone is photographing locations with the same composition and method of shooting. Going beyond your limits, pushing yourself a little bit forward, you will manage to capture sceneries in a way like they had never been seen before.
Have you received negative feedback from your work?
Some people, when they comment on my works, recommend me to improve my works only for some detail. Other than that, I think they like what I do.
Where did you learn to take photos?
At the moment I am a student of a Photography course at the Academy of Fine Arts in Catania (Italy). I’ve already accomplished a Bachelor’s Degree in Technological Arts in the same Academy. I read photography magazines too. One of my favorites is DIGITAL CAMERA WORLD.
What do you carry in your camera bag?
Right now this is what I carry in my camera bag: Nikon D750 Tamron 15-30 f/2.8 Nikon 70-300 VR Haida Filter Holder Haida 0.9 ND Filter Haida 1.8 ND Filter Haida 3.0 ND Filter Tripod with ball head Remote shutter release.
What is the most common mistake you see people making when shooting these days?
There are many mistakes I see people doing when they shoot. Probably because they don’t have a great knowledge in photography. They shoot with no rules. An example? When somebody sees a good subject, they only click on the button without choose any great composition.
What is your dream location to shoot?
Many people say that Iceland is a landscape photographer’s dream, because it offers so many beautiful natural landscapes, and it is possible to see the Aurora Borealis. Yes, it’s my dream too. I hope to visit it very soon.
How do you decide on where to shoot a photo?
It depends on how much a location inspires me.
What is next for you? Any planned adventures with your camera?
I don’t have any plans yet, but probably I am going to visit Iceland this November. So, I can finally accomplish one of my dreams.
What is your goal with your photography?
At the moment I don’t have a goal with my photography. But It would be great to capture all of my favorite and best landscapes of the world.
For more great photos taken by Marco, visit his profile, website, Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.
