Northwest Exposure: Photography Tips from Dean Zulich

If you’re looking to enter the 2015 Northwest Exposure Photo Contest, you could do a lot worse than taking tips from Dean Zulich, the winner from the the 2014 contest in the Offbeat Outdoors category.

This year, we’ve replaced the Offbeat Outdoors category with Fun on Trail. Fun on Trail is an open invitation for you to show us how you have fun and experience trails in your own unique way. Capture photos of friends and fellow hikers on the trail enjoying the outdoors and having a good time.

It’s great to talk with you, Dean, and congratulations on your 1st place finish in the Offbeat Outdoors category last year. What inspires you to capture scenes in the outdoors?

Although I have been a commercial photographer for over eight years now, I still enjoy capturing the outdoors whenever I can. As a matter of fact, landscape photography is what initiated my career. Having lived in the great Pacific Northwest for over 16 years, I could not resist photographing stunning scenery of the area. Living in Downtown Los Angeles for over three years now, I have to say I miss the Evergreen state and its eternal beauty.

In your eyes, what makes an interesting photograph?

In addition to strong composition and great lighting, I think it's always important to add a sense of story to the image. Sometimes less is more, as I also enjoy a minimalist approach to photography. Truly, there are many different ways to capture a quality image, yet there are only few that stand out from the rest.

What advice can you give new photographers looking to improve their skills?

As far as advice to new photographers, I always say shoot, shoot and then shoot some more.

The benefit of digital photography is that one can immediately review images and see what needs to be improved. The information is available as never before, online and in photography books and magazines.

And lastly, go hiking. Travel as much as possible. Find remote locations that are not easy to get to and are not overly photographed. Take risks and welcome challenges -- the results will come.

___________________________________________________________________________

The 2015 Northwest Exposure Photo Contest closes Oct. 19. Get more info on the categories and prizes, or check out our FAQ. We’re looking forward to seeing your submissions!