On this community spotlight we have a great photographer who has a great vision of the world around him. Please welcome Scottmccook!
What inspired you to be a photographer?
I had always had a creative itch you could say, I loved and did very well at photography in my high school years but then left it alone for many years until finally picking up a camera again in Cambodia, I was travelling with a friend and one morning we got up and I turned to her and said I'm getting a camera and not putting it down, I couldn't do another trip or day without starting to capture the beautiful landscapes and people we were seeing. The world has so much on offer and I felt I needed to start capturing it in my own way and show it to people.
What was your first camera and what do you shoot with today?
Nikon D90 was my first proper camera, I now shoot with a Nikon D810 and Sony A7s.
When someone looks at your photos, what do you want them to take away from it?
That the planet we live on is full of amazing places, light and color.
What is it that you love about photography?
Standing in a remote location and having a reason to stand there and watch the sunset, sunrise or milky way unfold in front of you for hours on end, no one else but you the camera and nature.
What has photography done for you?
It's made me a better person and given me a creative outlet which is an amazing feeling to have something to be creative through. (it's also made me slightly shorter from hauling all the gear around)
Do you try to be conceptual or do you prefer to show the feeling behind a photo?
It really depends on what I'm shooting
How do you describe your style?
Dreamy and changing, I seem to love exploring different styles and normally let the location and scene decide part of the style but I think dreamy comes to mind when I think of my style.
If you had to choose one lens which one would it be and why?
Nikon 14-24mm F2.8, It's become a friend! Always reliable and always sharp, it's not perfect though he has some minor hiccups like the front element being hard to fit filters and my back slowly breaking from carrying the filter collection around I need for it but it's been with me on some amazing adventures and provided amazing results.
What are your 3 tips for others who want to become better photographers?
Don't be afraid to fail. Read. Take constructive criticism but don't lose your style, find it and grow it.
How did you achieve your social media following? any tips for photographers who are trying to get more reach?
I think we're up to 8000 followers on Facebook now which is fantastic and have a webpage soon to be released but the thing I've tried to do the most is keep my audience engaged with new works but also give back when I can, answering questions and taking the time to message people who are learning and give advice
Raw vs jpg and why?
Raw for me, I need the data
What do you carry in your camera bag?
Nikon D810 - Sony A7s - Nikon 14-24mm F2.8 - Nikon 24-70 F2.8 - Nikon 70-200Vr2 F2.8 - Sigma 35mm 1.4 ART - Nikon 2xtele - Lee Filters, Hitech Filters, LucrOit Holder, Wonderpana CPL, B+W CPL and a lot of other stuff I shouldn't carry around but always do
If you could have the gift of a great photographer who would it be and why?
Tony Hewitt & Christian Fletcher, Tony's passion and eye for photography are amazing, the way he talks about photography in general has inspired me. A truly inspirational photographer and Christian Fletchers attitude toward life in general and amazing skills with every aspect of photography from camera to computer.
What is the most common mistake you see people making when shooting these days?
Getting too caught up in the technical aspects, I sometimes see people so concerned about trying to do something very technical that they miss what's unfolding right in front of them. With all settings and technology packed into DSLR's it's sometimes hard to just clear the mind and just shoot.
What is your dream location to shoot?
Antarctica
What is next for you? Any planned adventures with your camera?
I leave for Thailand and Singapore next week which should be fun, looking forward to shooting some beaches and cityscapes and sipping on a cocktail in between, then in May we're off to the Bungle Bungles in the Kimberley region of Western Australia, so excited about this for some Milky Way work.
What is your goal with your photography?
To never stop being inspired and never stop learning.
Beautiful work ScottMcCook! Thank you for giving us your insight and taking the time to write us back.  If you enjoyed his photos please head over to his profile and give hime some likes and peer awards!
