Member Monday Featuring Esteban Azevedo
The color in this next photo may have only lasted just a few minutes in person, but Esteban Azevedo made sure to capture an image that can be cherished for years to come!
We absolutely love Esteban’s ability to craft stunning compositions and create vibrant, dynamic landscapes. It’s so impressive!
Here’s Esteban to tell you all about the shot!
About the Photographer
- Hometown: Originally from Tucson, Arizona now in Kansas City, MO.
- Years in Photography: 15.
- Years as a KO Member: 10. I joined Kelby one when my first daughter was born and I would watch a video each night when feeding her in the evenings. It helped me understand both the science and art of photography and editing.
About the Photo:
- Title: Mono Lake at Sunrise
- Location: Mono Lake. Mono County, CA (outside Lee Vining.)
- Any additional description of the photograph: On the last day of our week trip to Mono Lake/Yosemite in 2019, I barely managed to wake up early for sunrise. I was facing the other way waiting for the sun to peak up for sunrise. Then, I turned around to that spectacular scene. The color only lasted only a couple minutes but long enough for my photo.
- Gear/Software Used: Canon 5D IV. I use Bridge (I know, I just haven’t jumped to Lightroom), to organize and send to Nik Software by DxO (so thankful, they updated the software), and finish in Photoshop 2020.
- Camera: Canon 5D IV
- Lens: Canon 24-70 F2.8L ii
What is one thing you wish you would have known before starting photography?
It’s much easier to progress from shooting in automatic mode to aperture priority/manual mode with either: Fast glass, a tripod, or an external flash. Without any of these, I kept getting slow shutter speeds and my pictures looked terrible. I didn’t understand why until I jointed Kelby One. Now with better ISO sensitivity in cameras, increasing high ISO would help as well. I learned more in three months of watching the online courses than I did in 5 years prior.
Who are some of your role models/mentors?
My dad. He has been taking pictures for about 7 decades. For the past 8 years, we have been taking one-week trips to a different national park to take photos together. They have been some of my most precious memories. He loves creating a picture but just as much, he loves experiencing nature and enjoying the moment. This has taught me the joy of photography and seeing the world in a different light. When I watch the courses from Moose Peterson, he reminds me of my dad in how much he loves nature and capturing its beauty. I love Scott Kelby’s teaching style. He makes complex information seem easy and make sense. I try to emulate his teaching style when I teaching courses for physical therapy.
What is your most treasured piece of photography equipment?
I love all my gear. Each piece of equipment has its own role in different situations. If I had to choose one, it’s my Canon 16-35 f2.8L III since landscapes are my passion.
What’s your favorite class on KelbyOne and why?
Whoah, I don’t know. Like my gear, it’s hard to choose a favorite. One that really sticks out is Crush the Composition by Scott Kelby. It’s great to learn what makes a good photo, and there are many courses on composition but it was the first time I understood what it takes to get that image. It’s not about just walking up to a scene and knowing exactly the right composition but trying different locations, getting up high, or down low, turning the camera in landscape vs. portrait position, zooming in, and zooming out. This developed by understanding and creating my style of composition rather than appreciating composition in other photographs.
Connect with Esteban
You can find more work from Esteban, and connect with him through his website!
A huge thank you to Esteban for bringing us into his world on this beautiful Monday!
Thank you for joining us for another Member Monday! If you haven’t yet, be sure to submit your photos for a chance to receive a Member Monday feature of your own.
