#52weeksofnature Photo Contest Week 21 Winner
The winner of Week 21 of our #52weeksofnature photo contest is Mitchell Nazaroff (@mnazperspective). It's always refreshing to see a well timed photograph shot on film in today's digital world. Mitchell has won $150 and is getting his winning image printed on a HippyTree t-shirt. Explore the Nature Photography Collective section on our site to view t-shirts of past winners.
Where was the image shot?
Yosemite National Park, CA
What camera did you use and what were the settings?
Camera: Pentax ME
Lens: Asanuma 80-200mm
Shutter Speed: 1/250
Aperture: f/11
ISO: 400
Was there any special preparation required to capture the photo?
To summit Half Dome you need to apply for a permit months in advance for the final stretch of the hike, “The Cables”. We also camped in the valley that weekend which requires a reservation about 5 months in advance.
How long have you been shooting?
My interest started back in 2014. A year later, my grandpa gifted me with his film camera & lenses. That is when my love for photography really started to grow. Then in 2017 I got a full frame DSLR and decided to take photography more seriously.
What's your favorite subject matter to shoot?
I like to say “mother nature is the artist – I am merely a witness”. I love capturing moments where nature is inspiring, either through a nice landscape or shooting people and their relationship with nature.
Where would be your dream location to take photos?
I recently got a water housing. So currently it would be French Polynesia or somewhere similar with clear waters & waves to surf.
Who are some photographers that inspire you?
Russell Holliday (@russell_holliday), Morgan Maassen (@morganmaassen), Will Holder (@will_holder), Chris Burkard (@chrisburkard) and Victor Costa (@victorrcostta).
What excites you about photography?
Whenever I have my camera with me I will go out of my comfort zone to get a unique shot. Whether it’s hiking a bit further for the angle, climbing a tree for perspective, or getting thrashed by waves at sunrise… my camera is a catalyst of life!
