Week 34 Winner

The winner of Week 34 of our #52weeksofnature photo contest is Stephen Grasz. Volcanic forces shape some of the most picturesque areas on our planet. When these forces are visible at the surface instead of hidden away beneath the ground, opportunities to create and capture compelling imagery abound. Stephen has won a $100 gift code to hippytree.com and we are donating $100 to the Access Fund in his name. Learn more about Stephen below.

Where was the image shot?
Hot Creek, near Mammoth Lakes, California.

What camera did you use and what were the settings?
Camera: Canon 7D mk II
Lens: Canon EF-S 18-135mm
Shutter Speed: 1/640
Aperture: f/4.0
ISO: 100

Was there any special preparation required to capture the photo?
Nothing specific. I always keep my camera with me just in case I notice something compelling or there’s an opportunity to shoot.

How long have you been shooting?
I started shooting seriously about two years ago after realizing I needed something more than an iPhone to capture the essence of the places I was going.

What's your camera of choice?
I have only ever used my Canon 7D mk II. I love the quality.

What’s your favorite subject matter to shoot?
My favorite subjects are landscapes and bouldering photos.

Do you shoot with a crew or shoot solo?
Solo. I’m almost always with a small group of friends when exploring, but I’m usually the only one shooting.

What excites you about photography?
I love being able to explore new places and capture the beauty of nature from my own perspective.