Don't worry, you are not dreaming! These photos are indeed gorgeous and we owe it to ViewBug community member Leon213. We're sure that you'll enjoy our conversation withLeon!
Tell us a bit about yourself, how do you describe your photography style?
I was born in L.A. and raised in the Northwest. Currently I’m a stay at home Dad to my 2-year-old son Miles and amateur photographer. I love the challenges that photography brings. I’ve been lucky enough or unlucky depending on how you look at it, to have moved all over the place from Costa Rica to Hawaii to Minnesota. I currently live in Seattle and love the outdoors and all the photographic opportunities that Washington brings. I’m a self-taught photographer. I’d say that I’m a landscape photographer, but I also really enjoy the challenge of Seascape and Astrophotography.
In one sentence what has photography done for you in your life?
It has changed the way I see the world.
When did you start taking photos and what inspired you to get started?
I’ve always loved photography, but have been more serious about it for the past 10 years.
What has been your favorite shoot and why?
I had moved from Hawaii to Minnesota with my wife, and when her residency ended, we decided to move back to Seattle via Road Trip. We had 50 days before we both started work, which gave us plenty of time to hit almost every National Park on my wish list. For me, Antelope Canyon really stole the show. So many beautiful colors and textures.
Do you remember a difficult photo shoot session? What happened?
On a trip to Aruba (Looking to escape the Minnesota Winter) one of my favorite photos came together around the Divi Divi trees. When you see photos you just see these amazing trees, not all the couples getting married and every tourist on the island trying to take a photo with them. I needed a long exposure to get the shot I wanted. Keeping everyone out of that shot for two plus minutes wasn’t easy, but I finally got the one!
What do you carry in your camera bag?
I’m a Canon shooter. I have an F-stop bag with a large insert. Cannon 1Ds mark iii, Canon 5ds r, 16-53mm f/4l, 17-40mm f/4l,85mm 1.2l, 70-200mm f/2.8l ii, 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6l, 100mm f2.8l and 14mm f/2.8ii and a ton of filters. Split ND is my go-to.
Do you have a favorite location and time of the day to shoot?
Anytime, anywhere I can get a sunrise in, I’m Happy.
Can you share three tips with your fellow photographers?
1) Slow down! I don’t know how many times I’ve run out of the house with no memory card or the wrong battery.
2) Hand warmers. I’m a big fan of rubber banding them to my lens to beat the fog during a long night time exposure.
3) Start out early. I always try and get to my spot way before I need to so I can relax and walk around before I shoot.
Tell us about the photo below:
Where did you take it?
Aruba
Time of the day and lighting details?
Sunset
Equipment used?
Canon 1Ds Mark iii, 17-40 f/4 L Cir Pol and 4 stop split ND
Inspiration behind this photo?
The high winds and the Divi Divi trees
Post-processing information?
Photoshop to clean up around the moon and Mars. Topaz Denoise
Please share some thoughts on your ViewBug experience as a photographer:
ViewBug has helped me immensely with my confidence. All the positive feedback I’ve received has encouraged me to show others (outside of my wife and family) my love for photography and to keep pushing myself to take better photos. Thanks to everyone for their kind words/encouragement and the opportunity to share my story.
