Amir Shuja is a Photologo Community member currently living in Las Vegas, Nevada, USA. He was born and raised in Pakistan and moved to USA about 25 years ago. He’s a full time doctor but 15 years ago discovered a great passion for landscape photography.

How did it all start?

I started my photography journey while I was in high school. My father owned a fewowned few cameras and I started from them. Yashica G Range finder and MAT, Minolta and then Canon. Initially, I started, just like many others, by taking pictures of family and friends. With time, I developed an interest in landscape photography. Many years of life were dedicated to studies and medical training, so I was away from photography for a few years. I started back about 15 years ago, and since then, it has become a passion. 

Exploring nature and capturing its beauty is the most relaxing moment for me. Running away from the daily hectic routine, nothing is more satisfying than to spend time in the wilderness and capturing the best of it

Is there a specific project you are proud of?

Every trip and location makes me happy to be there, but two locations where I have enjoyed the most are Iceland and Yosemite National Park. Winter in these two places is just out of this world. Words cannot justify true beauty. In winter of 2019, I planned to capture the famous Firefall in Yosemite as well as the beauty of sunrise and sunset from the Valley View. Nature was on our side and I was able to capture some nice moments. Also, I love America’s West. There is so much to photograph. I have been to many places and always want to go back.

Amir, give us 5 actionable tips to take better Landscape photos

There are many, but in my opinion, the most important are :

1. Patience and wait for the right moment and light. Patience pays off most of the time.
2. Framing the composition. 
3. Tripod should be your best friend while doing landscape photography. 
4. Wide angle lens is not the only lens needed for landscape photography. 
5. Know your system and its capabilities.

How do you progress over time? What do you feel has been your most improved quality? 

Photography is a constant learning field. I always try to learn from my last trip. I will go through my images multiple times and try to find what I miss, where I made a mistake and what could I have done to make it better, so that I won’t repeat them in my next trip and location. This practice has definitely improved my photography skills, especially in composition and use of natural light.

I always want my picture to be pleasing, presentable and bring the actual scene and colors to the viewers.  In my opinion, a logo is a must. It really improves the presentation of my pictures and it also looks so much more professional.

I had been looking for a good signature watermark for a long time. I saw a Photologo ad on social media and checked it out. I was really impressed by the designs and styles. I ordered but the first one I received wasn’t the perfect match with my personality. I requested a second choice as it was offered for free. I loved the revised one and since then, I am very happy with it.

What do you value the most as a member of the Photologo community?

I have been it’s member for quite a long time now and I love posting my images. I have always received very nice and encouraging feedback from the rest of the members. People are very nice and always encourage other’s work. Diversity is also a very important factor. We have members from all parts of the world and all sorts of life. Everyone brings their own vision and I learn from many of them. I am very happy to be a part of it. 

I am currently building my site “photographingworld.com” which is partially up and running. 

www.photographingworld.com

www.500px.com/drshuja

Instagram : photographing.world