This week on Photog Friday: Meet Stephen Oachs. The professional photographer trains his lens on wildlife. His captures are stunning example of the natural world. How did Stephen get started? Where is he headed? Read on…
Name: Stephen Oachs
Country of residence: U.S.A.
Brief Bio:
Stephen W. Oachs is an award-winning photographer, successful entrepreneur and technology veteran, who began his journey in photography the moment he picked up his first camera.
Completely self-taught, Stephen’s unique and distinctive style has earned him recognition as one of today’s finest nature photographers. He was recognized in 2007 as wildlife photographer of the year by the National Wildlife Federation and was awarded best nature photographer in 2008 by National Geographic.
Stephen has received many other awards and achievements. His work has graced the pages of such notable publications such as National Geographic, Popular Photography, Outdoor Photographer, National Wildlife Magazine and many others.
In 2009 Stephen founded The Aperture Academy, a unique combination of fine art photography gallery in conjunction with classroom and workshop instruction. Students of the Aperture Academy receive hands on instruction designed for their individual skill level which includes everything from learning to shoot in the field to digital post processing techniques.
Whether trekking through the wilds of Alaska, enduring the raw challenges of nature or experiencing the thrill of life on the edge, Stephen captures rare and breathtaking moments of light and time. His exceptional eye is filtered only by his passion for life, deep affinity with nature and love of adventure.
How did you first get interested in photography?
My passion for travel and adventure led me to photography. I love being out and a part of nature, and capturing the amazing landscapes and wildlife I see is a bonus for me.
What do you like to shoot?
Wildlife is my favorite, but I also really enjoy capturing rare moments of landscape scenes and finding unusual perspectives of well-known locations.
What’s your approach to photography, your philosophy? What do you look for? How do you set-up a shot?
I do a fair amount of research in regard to time of year, weather, potential light, but even with all of that there’s still a fair amount of luck involved. I’m looking for images that give the viewer pause, and images of places they know or have some memory/attachment to, but may have never seen it in the rare form I’m looking to capture it in.
What is the best photo you have taken? Why? Background and details, please…
This is hard to answer, as they all have their own challenges and each is special to me in a different way. If I was forced to pick just one, it would have to be “Endangered Beauty,” a photograph I captured of an endangered snow leopard. The image is powerful in many ways…it’s appearance, yes, but also beyond the capture itself, especially in the way I’ve been able to use it working with the Snow Leopard Trust to help bring awareness to a species that is on the verge of extinction. It has meant a great deal to me, to have a photo make some contribution to such a important concern.
What gear are you using? What else do you want to buy?
For camera and lenses, I use all Canon equipment. For stability, I use a Gitzo tripod and Really Right Stuff ballheads, nodal plates and mounts.
Which area of photography would you like to explore further (macro, landscapes, portraits)
I’m very comfortable with wildlife and landscape, and simply seek to continue my pursuit in those areas. While I’ve dabbled in other types of photography, none interest me as much as capturing nature.
Where do you see your photography 5 years from now?
I just founded The Aperture Academy ( http://www.ApertureAcademy.com ), which is a combination fine art gallery, featuring my work, and a classroom setting. This is an extension of the successful workshop series I’ve run over the past few years. In 5 years, I hope to be even more involved in photography education.
What the best advice you would give to fellow photographers?
Shoot, shoot, shoot. The digital revolution has brought photography to the mainstream and it’s more affordable than ever. Plus, digital has caught up to the great quality of film and today’s digital cameras make it much easier to learn and produce good, quality work. My last thought is, get out! You’ll never capture quality images sitting on the couch…get out for a hike or a drive…you’ll be amazed at how many things you’ll find to capture.
Where can we find your images?
You can find my online gallery here: http://www.stephenoachs.com/gallery.php