Week 45 Winner
The winner of Week 45 of our #52weeksofnature photo contest is Oliver Ambros (@oliver_ambros). Perspective, color and composition are crucial when it comes to photography. Oliver balanced these elements perfectly while photographing some hikers trekking through Eagle County, Colorado. Oliver has won a $100 gift code to hippytree.com and we are donating $100 to the Surfrider Foundation in his name. Learn more about Oliver below.
Where was the image shot?
Northwest Colorado, where Marugg Creek hits the Piney River.
What camera did you use and what were the settings?
Camera: Canon T3
Lens: Canon EF-S 24mm
Shutter Speed: 1/80
Aperture: f/10
ISO: 100
Was there any special preparation required to capture the photo?
This one just came together. I noticed the difference between the colorful river valley floor and the green tree line, as well as the scale it created against the hikers down below and thought each element contrasted with the others really well.
How long have you been shooting?
I've been shooting since sophomore year of high school, but really began ramping it up in the past four years as I hit the road more often.
What's your camera of choice?
I'm still working with my first camera body ever, the Canon T3. I've been meaning to upgrade for awhile, but because of money it's been hard to make it happen. That said, it has been with me across the world, up walls and summits, and perpetually has sand in its cracks. Memories right there...
What’s your favorite subject matter to shoot?
I've more recently gotten into action photography because it poses both a challenge as a photographer and an athlete. Putting yourself in the right position requires IQ in both the sport and behind the lens.
Do you shoot with a crew or shoot solo?
I usually shoot solo, but I help run a creative outdoor adventure journal called The Goodland, which has let me meet some really rad athletes, photographers, and creative minds in general. As a team of college kids, we use the platform to share photography and creative writing, while hoping to inspire individuals to get outside and enjoy the fresh air.
What excites you about photography?
I think digital photography has created endless possibilities while also over-saturating the medium. I was down about this for awhile until my mentality shifted a few years back. Only so many people are willing to research a place for days or weeks, wake up at 3:30 am, hike for hours in darkness or jump in cold surf before the sun is fully up, and be stoked during the process. It is more than just the final product, it's the journey and the story behind an image as well.
