Featured Photographer - James Neeley

Something else I'd like to do is to introduce you all to the photographers I admire. There are several of them online whose work I closely follow and learn a lot of from, and I will have an interview with several of their favorite images posted as time goes.

Today's featured photographer is James Neeley. I first came accross James on Flickr looking at his pictures taken in Moab, Utah, a place I love to visit as well. His work fits the kind of work I like - landscapes and the beauty of the American West, and he does it with his unique style that's easily distinguishable and he is very passionate about it, as you can see from how often he posts his work. Take a moment to visit his photostream to check out his amazing art and following is his interview.

-How did your interest in photography started?
I have enjoyed photography for many years, since I was a teenager following the lead of my grandfather who was a avid amateur photographer. About 9 months ago I discovered HDR which has revolutionized photography for me, opening new possibilities to capture great images under difficult conditions.

-What are the goals you have that relate to photography?
I really look at this as a personal pursuit rather than a competition. I love to try different types of photography and master different processing techniques. I would really like to be a better portrait or people photographer.

-How would you describe your style?
Eclectic for sure. I like anything than looks beautiful, interesting, funny, stunning etc.

-How do you get the inspiration in the creative process?
I think my inspiration usually comes from nature and especially sunrise or sunset. I also love geometry and shapes whether it's in a natural composition, rocks, trees, or building and architecture.

-How do you define a successful photograph?
First, how I feel personally about it but then the feelings it stimulates in others. If I can help someone feel what I felt when I saw a beautiful scene then the photo was a success.

-What is the future for photography?
May be this only a wish but I would like to see more depth in digital cameras. RAW should be true 16 bits instead of 12. That's a 10,000 fold increase in depth! How about a single shot HDR camera? That would be a great day.

-What has been your favorite location to be at with a camera?
Any where along the Snake River or maybe Glacier National Park, or maybe Arches, or Slot canyons, or Zions, or Tetons...that question is too hard!

-What’s one location you would love to shoot at?
Italy.

-What’s your favorite piece of equipment and why?
Nikon D2x 18-200mm VR lens because of it's versatility.

-What are your favorite techniques of processing an image? Definitely HDR with Photomatix. 2nd would be LucisArt plug-in.

What are your favorite three images?
That's difficult! It changes every day but here are some I like.