Austrailian landscape photographer William Patino talks of his struggles with depression a few years ago in his post on Bored Panda. He writes, “There was an emptiness deep inside that suddenly reared its head, and I found myself in a doctor’s office being diagnosed with depression. Life had lost its color and light. Nothing no longer appealed to me. I was in a dark, scary place and didn’t even really know why.”
On a vacation to Europe with his wife, William took an interest in using the DSLR they had brought with them. Having read the instruction manual on the flight from Australia, he used some of what he learned on that trip. After the trip, he put the camera away. A while later, William became inspired from landscape photos he saw on Instagram. He took the forgotten DSLR out and photographed a sunrise and “fell in love with landscape photography.”
I really became obsessed with it all and the way it made me look at the world differently. It came into my life at a time when I needed it most and I think that’s why I really became obsessed with it. I would read books, online articles and learn from my mistakes. I just loved being out in nature, my days became much more fulfilled.
This year, William transitioned to photography full time, teaching workshops and amassing numerous awards and an impressive client list which includes Apple and Samsung. William was kind enough to answer a few questions for us about his photography journey.
What is your greatest accomplishment in photography?
Without a doubt, it is being able to provide for my family and live off something that I love.
Describe your dream photo assignment.
In February 2014, I traveled to Yellowknife in Canada, on a campaign with the CTC and photographed the Northern lights. That was pretty special. It was winter time there, and I was out shooting in -42 degrees C at 1am. Something I won’t ever forget. There are so many places in the world I would love to photograph. I am just passionate about good light and scenery that testifies of something greater than ourselves.
Tell us about your gear
Currently, I shoot completely mirrorless. For bodies, I use the Sony A7R and Samsung NX1 with a range of different lenses. My go-to lenses are the Zeiss 21mm f/2.8 and Samyang 14mm f/2.8, and I use Vanguard tripods.
Anything else you’d like to share?
I would just like to encourage people to take some time each day to go outside and be with nature. In this hi-tech age we live in, I think it is important for us to try and have some down time, to switch off away from screens and computers. I love having my camera with me, but the best moments are when I have my hands free and my mind empty, just to sit and reflect.
As for photography, one of the best things I did was stop comparing myself to others. A while I ago, I stopped looking so much at social media and other photographers’ work and tried to be influenced by my own thoughts and experiences. Your best work will come when you create from the heart.
[REWIND: LANDSCAPE PHOTOGRAPHY TIPS | A BEGINNER’S GUIDE]
Where can our readers find you and your work?
Like most people, you can find my work everywhere. On a daily basis, I post to Instagram on @william_patino and Google+. My main collection of work can be found on my website www.williampatino.com
CREDITS: Photographs by William Patino are copyrighted and have been used with permission for SLR Lounge. Do not copy, modify or re-post this article or images without express permission from SLR Lounge and the artist.
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