How did you become a photographer and what genre of photography do you enjoy most?
After spending a few years taking photos on my smartphone and sharing them with my family and friends on Facebook I realised how much I enjoyed this pastime. I spent a lot of time looking into other people's work and eventually (in 2018) I purchased my first DSLR camera. It was certainly a big move for me and not what I expected nor could ever have anticipated, my photographic journey full of challenges and lots of learning which I have loved.
I consider myself a landscape photographer and it is definitely this genre that I enjoy the most but I have also dabbled in both wedding and astrophotography.
What motivated you to sell your work via the Excio Image Library?
Family and friends' support is my motivation to put up my work for sale. I see no purpose in having my work sitting on my computer, I'd rather share the amazing landscape and scenery I get to explore with other people.
I had never previously made my work available for sale with traditional stock photo libraries as when I asked people about their experience selling their photos online their response was "it's not worth it" which always puts me off. But, as an Excio member already, when I heard about PhotoTokens, I didn't hesitate. The concept of FairShare is very appealing for both photographers and customers.
Can you tell us about your best-selling / most popular photos?
There are a few photos I have sold privately which I captured locally.
My two Manukau Lighthouse photos, a sunrise shot, and a night shot with the stars were taken during the 2nd lockdown in New Zealand / Auckland. Living rurally allowed me to travel without breaking lockdown restrictions. I checked the weather forecast one August Friday afternoon after work and was very excited to see we would have a clear sky that night as I planned to visit the Manukau Lighthouse to capture the milky way above the lighthouse.
On arrival, I came to realise that this particular location is a challenge and it would be near impossible to capture the galactic kiwi / milky way core right above the lighthouse. After a few test shots, I set up my gear and started shooting the milky way. I had to get creative so used my phone to light the lighthouse which I think worked quite well.
I started to get cold, so I decided to head home but on my way down to the car park, I wondered what sunrise would be like at the lighthouse. I ended up sleeping in my car for a couple of hours.
When I woke up in the morning and started walking up to the lighthouse, I noticed a very thick layer of fog coming from the harbour and was very disappointed. But soon after the first shot, I noticed the amazing colour and started looking for composition. As I mentioned, the location is very challenging so it took me some time to find a good composition but in the end, I was very happy with it.
What does photography mean to you?
For me, photography allows me to travel and explore more. It allows me to connect with others who have the same passion and hobby and learn from them. Photography has taught me to appreciate nature, people, and technology.
For me, photography is about being able to capture the moment, tell a story. Photography is not just clicking photos nor is it about owning the most expensive gear. You have to understand the basics of photography and have, or learn, the skills but most importantly you must have passion. Photography has allowed me to learn more about myself. I have learned that I can do it and that when I push my boundaries, nothing is impossible.
Fellow photographers - Be patient, keep trying and never give up.
What are your hopes/plans/dreams for the future with your photography?
For the last year or two, I have been thinking about what I want to achieve but have never been able to land on a straight answer. I always want to improve and develop my own style and one day I'd love to be able to do photography full-time, have a website, and sell my work to more people.
Where can we find you online?
You can find me on Facebook and Instagram as Isaac Khasawneh photography and on Twitter as Isaac Khasawneh.
