Behind the Lens

I take photos …

My name is Joshua M. *insert hard-to-spell Ukrainian last name* and I think myself to be a photographer. I enjoy wandering around nature and capturing the beauty I see in those areas. This beauty can range from color bursting sunsets to black and white scenes of dead trees. Both are beautiful; both capture my attention. I prefer a simple image, meaning eliminating the distractions from the core of the subject. I've been known to show off images of a radiator in the company bathroom and glorious views from the mountaintops of the Adirondacks.

In 2020 I lost almost all my photos in an extremely unfortunate event. Since then, I've been rethinking my approach to photography and dialing in on what I enjoy so much about it; striving to capture what I find to be visually striking. Building up my collection once again (with a backup hard drive) has been both exciting and at times disappointing. I find that some photos from the long-lost archives tend to bring out the purest of intents of those moments. Seemingly accidental in my technique, I found that those images were indeed my favorites. Today I pursue that full catalog of images I can put my stamp of approval on.

Techs and Specs

The camera equipment is important but must be secondary. What I mean is, it's very difficult to take a photo without having a camera. Very difficult being impossible. So, it is important. However, the camera itself does not make a photo better or worse. It can certainly affect the quality of an image, but I should never rely on my equipment to produce a good photo. Cameras don't take pictures without a photographer's creative eye behind it. A red flag for me is when I begin to think that my ability to capture something is limited by what I currently use. What I capture is my responsibility. If I lack the equipment, I must find an alternative way.

That being said, I can never complain about what I own for camera equipment. I currently use exclusively Nikon gear. Learn why I only use Nikon camera gear. My DSLR is the D850. Learn why I only use a DSLR for all my photography. My favorite lens is my 70-200mm f2.8. I also shoot with my 50mm prime, along with some wider options. I'm due for an upgrade at tripod but won't let that stop me from using it when needed. I carry a few ND filters for slowing down my shutter speed. Everything is neatly stored and protected in my camera backpack that comes with me everywhere. All that in combination with my backwards Buffalo Bills hat is all I need to capture most scenes.

What I Believe

Photography is my creative outlet. It is the primary way for me to express my emotions and feelings through art. My hope is to replicate those emotions and feelings in those who see my work. A shot on the beach should cause one to feel warm air, cool nights, and salty air. 

It is a craft I long to perfect over time. It is a hobby I desire to make a portion of my career path. It is a way to enjoy nature, be outside, express feelings, travel to interesting places, and ultimately, to create.

I believe that we as humans are designed to create. In a world of technology and automation, there is something rewarding and satisfying to have a hand in how something turns out. Though it is digital, it is still interpreted as the creation of something physical. 

I have a long battle with anxiety. In the darkest times of my life I picked up a DSLR. Self-taught, I wandered around my living room and backyard attempting to capture something interesting. That DSLR was a vehicle of sorts to push me beyond my self-inflicted boundaries. Since then I've traveled to new places, climbed to new heights, and enjoyed the outdoors more thoroughly.

What I Do

Photography, for me, is about sharing my passion and creation with those around me. Meaning, there is nothing more encouraging and rewarding than seeing people who enjoy my work as much as I do. 

Though it is not obviously advertised, all my work is available for sale in photo prints and canvas. 

I do some portrait type of photography upon request. 

I also have done an extensive amount of writing / copy for my current employer.