Every landscape photographer’s journey into the craft often begins with a love for the great outdoors and a taste for adventure. Michigan-based landscape photographer, content creator, influencer and Tamron brand ambassador Nick Irwin is no exception. Since discovering his love for photography, he has always gravitated toward the beauty of nature, often responding to the call of distant lands and their picturesque wonders. This passion led him to many breathtaking landscapes that he only used to see in magazines.
“During the last few years, I have stood next to 200-foot waterfalls in Iceland, watched the sun set over rolling waves on the Pacific, explored caves in Arizona that look like another world,” Nick said in his story.
Such sights and unforgettable experiences are meant to be shared. So, Nick has also made it his mission to make his viewers part of his adventures. “I want the image to make you feel as if you are actually walking into that space with me. The goal of my art is to not only show my audience that I dream in reality but more importantly that they can too.”
If you’ve ever wanted to explore the path that landscape photographers like Nick tread on, our interview below will surely inspire you. He tells us more about how his passion for photography started, the biggest challenges he encounters, his creative process, and visual language. In addition, he shared some quick insights on how his go-to Tamron lenses allow him to achieve his creative vision. Finally, he also gave some quick tips for those who want to dip their toes into the craft of landscape photography.
Can you tell us something about yourself and what you do?
My discovery of photography has given me an incurable travel bug, which has led to many adventures at home and abroad. I enjoy capturing Mother Nature’s true beauty, the cities I roam and the people I have met. I am a content creator and influencer providing images to clients who need to tell a story about their particular area through still imagery.
How did your photography adventure begin? How did you discover the kind of work that you now do?
In 2017, after taking and editing phone pictures, I finally heeded the advice of a few people who convinced me to invest in a digital camera. I then became fascinated with the craft and what good lenses could create in terms of depth of field and clarity/sharpness. I took photos almost every day and many nights. It turned into a passion for self-taught enjoyment, from photo-taking to editing.
What do you consider to be the most important aspect or characteristic of your visual language?
Creative angles combined with strategic depth of field and focus clarity/sharpness. My goal with most photos is to make the viewer feel as though they are walking into that space with me. I prefer vibrant but realistic edits that are friendly to printing.
What are the biggest challenges of your chosen photography genre? How did they shape your photography style?
Landscapes depend on weather, which we cannot control. Cloudy skies, rain, or a smoky haze in the atmosphere can create challenges when deadlines are imminent. I do not believe in creative editing like Sky Replacement. So if necessary, my photo options shift to other creative ways to get the job done no matter what the conditions are. For example, at Mount Ranier, wildfire smoke was brutal. Rather than focusing on the planned wildflowers and peaks, I found valleys and waterfalls.
Can you tell us about your most memorable photo/assignment? What made it special?
My first influencer trip with an airline company (Allegiant Air). I was still fairly new to the trade, so to be able to have a wonderful trip paid for while doing what I loved to do blew my mind.
What are your goals and aspirations as a photographer/content creator? How have they changed in the past few years?
My goal is to grow the relationships I have now and only take on new ones that suit me. The more you work with certain clients, the more you understand what they are looking for and can be more efficient. In turn, the photo projects go faster. That equals satisfied clients, while also checking a job off the list.
Can you share with us a little about your creative process? How has it evolved throughout your career?
Because I started as a hobbyist photographer, my adventures allowed me to experiment with techniques and styles I liked. It turns out it’s unique and people really enjoy it. That led to where I am today. Now, before I go out, I check the weather, moon phase, Kp index (aurora shots) and sometimes webcams. Time permitting, I’m pickier about locations and times. However, I still shoot for fun, and always will.
How do Tamron lenses help you achieve your creative vision?
When I bought my first Tamron lens, I was blown away by the sharpness. One lens led to another, and the quality was always there. I also like the fact that relative to other brands, they are lighter because of the design in focal lengths. As a landscape photographer, sometimes I have to carry several lenses. So, any weight I don’t have to pack along on a hike is appreciated. If I want to travel really light, I simply bring my 17-28mm f/2.8 and 28-200mm f/2.8-5.6 and I’m all set.
Lastly, what would you advise those who want to explore landscape and/or fine art photography? What are some dos and don’ts?
The do’s: Go out and shoot, shoot, and shoot some more. Fine-tune your editing skills. Learn your niche. Stick to what you like to photograph. Most importantly, if you want to do photography at any level professionally, you have to learn how to sell yourself.
The don’ts: Don’t think that you need to go out and buy the latest and greatest camera on the market. If you do and photography doesn’t turn out to be your thing, you’ll have a $6,000 paperweight collecting dust on the shelf.
Check out Nick Irwin’s website and follow him on Instagram to see more of his work.
All photos by Nick Irwin. Used with permission.
Editor’s Note: This is a sponsored post
