It's so great to hear from members of the community and to learn more about what their photography journey and experience have been like. Enjoy our conversation with community member Amir Dazi.
What inspired you to be a photographer?
As a kid, I used to walk from the beach on one of the famous streets of Tel Aviv.
In this street used to be a lot of photo studio stores and they used to hang interesting photos in the windows, that always attracted me and I dreamed to become a photographer.
What was your first camera and what do you shoot with today?
I started with Konika Minolta Dimage Z1 which was at that time my entry camera to see if I even like to take photos. Nowadays I’m shooting with Canon EOS 5D Mark IV and am very happy with it.
When someone looks at your photos, what do you want them to take away from them, what are you trying to communicate?
I’m trying to show the way I see the world if it’s the little details or the feelings and the experiences.
What is it that you love about photography?
To be able to present to the world my point of view, to share how I see things, and a lot of times no words needed.
Just look at it and you will get the message.
What has photography done for you?
Photography has taught me to explore and look for beauty where others may miss it. It made me step out of my comfort zone and try new things.
To learn from others and try to develop my own way and style.
Kept me moving during hard times and brought my spirit up as well.
Do you try to be conceptual or do you prefer to show the feeling behind a photo?
I normally prefer to show the feeling behind the photo but try to be conceptual and explore my abilities and imagination. For example, I explore it with macro photography where I discover hidden worlds with small details.
How do you describe your style?
To be honest, I’m not sure. I guess I would like to hear what others think about my works and style.
If you had to choose one lens which one would it be and why?
Hmmm… this is hard.
On one side I would pick the best macro lens to be able to discover more details in things.
On the other hand, a good telephoto zoom lens is able to catch unique nature moments.
I guess I will choose the first option and find out how creative I can get.
What are your 3 tips for others who want to become a better photographer?
The first one will be to keep learning even if it’s from a conversation, a video, or an article. The second one will be to keep trying and don’t stop shooting even if sometimes you feel like it is repeated. Remember the moment is never the same. The third one and very important is to enjoy it and make the ones around you enjoy it as well.
Have you received negative feedback on your work? What did you do about it?
We are human and we have different intakes of things and different tastes.
Of course, I get negative feedback.
The majority of the time I try to learn from it and see if I can correct anything.
What do you carry in your camera bag?
My camera: Canon 5D mark IV
Lenses:
Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II USM
Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS II USM
Canon EF 100-400MM F/4.5-5.6L IS II USM
Canon EF100mm f/2.8L Macro IS USM
Canon MP-E 65MM F/2.8 1-5X Macro
Samyang 50mm f/1.4 AS UMC
Some accessories such as:
Glass ball, ND filters, tripod, flash, batteries, and memory cards.
If you could have the gift of a great photographer who would it be and why?
I guess if I would be able to pick one it would be Julia Margaret Cameron. I think because of her work and the amazing way she captured portraits. Also because of the area and developing her own style despite the criticism.
What is the most common mistake you see people making when shooting these days?
Taking photos for social media purposes without no developing own style. Just take the time and don’t think what others will think of your work, first you need to enjoy it and love it.
What is your dream location to shoot?
That would be definitely Antarctica. It is in my bucket list.
What is your goal with your photography?
To share the moments for others to appreciate and enjoy and to be able to capture and deliver the real feeling of the moment.
