Interview With Stephen Hamm The Magazine For Photographers. The Interview has been conducted through my email magazine ''The Magazine For Photographers'' - the world's best free photography magazine.
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Can you introduce yourself to our readers?
My name is Steve Hamm, and I’m a Colorado-based landscape photographer. Photography has been a big part of my life for six years now. I teach workshops, sell prints, and am passionate about capturing the beauty of nature. Besides photography, I’m a husband, father, and grandfather to four amazing kids and one grandbaby. I work full-time as an executive chef at Denver International Airport.
What initially drew you to nature and landscape photography?
I've always had a deep love for being in nature, which stems from my childhood when my family and I often went hiking together. My father and I bonded over these outdoor adventures, which became a significant part of my life. As I got older and found myself working long hours—50-55 hours a week as an executive chef at a restaurant in Denver International Airport—I realized I needed an outlet to decompress and recharge. My job involves serving over 2,000 people a day, and while I love what I do, the stress can be overwhelming.
I picked up a camera to reconnect with the peace I found in nature. Photography quickly became a passion. It allowed me to capture the beauty and tranquility I experienced on my hikes. What started as a way to relax and unwind soon became an obsession. I dedicated all my free time to learning the art of photography and challenging myself in different environments and situations. I began traveling as much as possible, driven by a desire to see and capture the world’s beauty through my lens.
When I’m out shooting, nothing else matters. Composing a shot, waiting for the perfect light, and being present in the moment brings me a sense of peace that’s hard to find elsewhere. Photography has become my way of slowing down and clearing my head—a way to be in total harmony with the world around me.
How do you approach planning for a shoot in the wild? Do you rely more on spontaneity or preparation?
Honestly, I don’t plan much at all, though I probably should. I find that just packing up and heading out, especially after a stressful week, is what I need most. The spontaneity of it—just being in nature without an agenda—is what I love. I’m not always chasing the “perfect” conditions; I’m more focused on the experience of being out there. That said, I realize that with a bit more preparation, I could capture more dramatic images, but for me, the peace and calm of nature are the priorities. The photos are a bonus.
Can you walk us through your creative process when you’re in the field? How do you decide on the perfect moment to capture?
When I arrive at a location, I like to take a moment to catch my breath and take in the surroundings. I’ll walk around and explore, looking for interesting elements to use as a foreground. If there are mountains, I’ll find the best angle to capture them, or if I’m near water, I’ll get low to frame the shot with the waterfall or river.
I don’t usually set up my tripod right away. Instead, I take handheld test shots to see how the light interacts with the landscape. I observe how the light changes, especially around golden hour and into blue hour, which are my favorite times to shoot. I try to maximize my time by exploring different compositions in a single location rather than focusing on just one shot.
The key is to stay aware of what’s happening around me. Light can change quickly, and being ready to adapt can lead to some of the best images. By keeping my options open and not getting too fixated on a single composition, I often walk away with various shots that tell a more complete story of the location.
What challenges do you often face when photographing in remote or difficult environments, and how do you overcome them?
As a type 1 diabetic, managing my blood sugar is a significant challenge, especially when I’m hiking in remote areas without cell service, often at higher elevations. To mitigate this, I use an insulin pump and a glucose monitoring system that updates my pump every five minutes. It alerts me to potential issues before they become serious. I always carry snacks and a Gatorade mix to stabilize my sugar levels throughout the hike, along with glucagon in an emergency.
Another challenge I’ve faced is forgetting to charge my camera batteries, which has happened a few times. To avoid this, I now carry multiple batteries in my bag, ensuring I’m always prepared for a long shoot.
Can you share a memorable experience or adventure you’ve had while shooting in a particularly stunning or unique location?
One of the most memorable experiences I’ve had was during a trip to Death Valley. It’s an incredible place, and one of my favorites to explore and photograph. I made the trip after hearing about the return of Lake Manly—a rare occurrence when the rains of 2023 caused Badwater Basin to flood, covering the salt flats with a few inches of water. The entire basin looked like a giant mirror, perfect for capturing reflections.
As I stood in the water watching the sunset, the clouds began to form these incredible shapes, and as the sun dipped behind the mountains, the sky lit up in brilliant reds, oranges, and yellows. The water reflections created a scene resembling a phoenix rising—a truly once-in-a-lifetime moment. The colors transitioned to blues, magentas, and purples, and just when I thought the show was over, the sky exploded again in an afterburn, allowing me to shoot for another 40 minutes. I stood there in awe, completely immersed in the experience. Moments like these make all the challenges and long hours worth it.
How do you handle unpredictable weather or lighting conditions that can drastically change the scene you intend to photograph?
I embrace it. Unpredictable weather often leads to the most amazing shots. Patience is key—I’ll wait for the right moment, knowing that a small break in the clouds or a shift in the light can create something magical. Not every attempt works out, but when it does, the results are often stunning. I’ve learned to appreciate nature's unpredictability and use it to my advantage.
What role does patience play in your work, and how do you stay motivated when conditions aren’t ideal for capturing the image you envision?
Patience is crucial in landscape photography. Sometimes, the conditions aren’t ideal, and it can be challenging to stay motivated, especially when you’re cold or standing in the rain. I keep moving, exploring different compositions and capturing moody images even when the light isn’t great. Waiting for that perfect moment—when the clouds part, or the light shifts—can transform an image. It’s those small windows of opportunity that make all the waiting worthwhile.
Any tips for beginners?
The biggest tip I can give to beginners is to practice. The old saying, “Practice makes perfect,” couldn’t be more true in photography. With practice, you’ll develop your style, learn what you love to shoot, and improve your editing skills. I still practice constantly—revisiting locations, trying new techniques, and experimenting with different angles. Growth as a photographer comes from continuously challenging yourself and refining your craft.
What do you think about AI in photography?
I see AI as a useful tool, but not something to be feared. Like any new technology, it’s met with skepticism because people are unsure of it. For me, photography is about disconnecting from the world and finding peace in nature, something AI can’t replicate. I shoot to experience the outdoors, and AI doesn’t change that. What concerns me about AI is when it’s used to create images that don’t reflect reality, leading people to believe in something that doesn’t exist. My work has been accused of being AI-generated, but I assure you it’s all real.
How do you choose the locations you shoot?
I draw inspiration from other photographers, friends, and my own research. I use platforms like Instagram, Google Earth, and AllTrails to discover new spots. I’m willing to drive long distances—sometimes over six hours—to reach a location because I thrive on the excitement of exploring new areas. Familiar locations can become monotonous, so traveling keeps me motivated and inspired.
What gear do you use?
I’m a Sony shooter and have been for a long time. I use two camera bodies, the A7Riii and A7Riv, along with a range of zoom lenses: a 12-24mm f/2.8 GM, a 16-35mm f/4, a 50mm, and a 70-350mm. I typically shoot wide and do a lot of compositing. Additionally, I have a Mini 3 Pro drone and an iOptron Sky Tracker Pro.
What is your all-time favorite photo location?
Death Valley is hands down my favorite place to shoot. The desolation and beauty of the landscape are captivating. The rich colors during golden and blue hour, the textures, and the unique shapes make it a photographer’s paradise. The wildflowers that bloom in such an arid environment are stunning, and the night skies are some of the darkest and most breathtaking I’ve ever seen.
I also love the San Juan Mountains. In the summer, I love driving old mountain passes that old miners used to use. The towering peaks stand tall, with gorgeous basins at the base full of wildflowers. The crystal-clear lakes mirror glass. And the rich mining history is everywhere. The fall brings even more beauty. The mountains explode in yellow and orange colors. And if you're lucky, a snowstorm will cover the landscape in a clash of the seasons.
What editing software do you use?
I use Helicon Focus for focus stacking, Lightroom, and Photoshop for most of my editing work.
What role does composition play in your images?
Composition is everything. It’s what makes an image compelling and draws the viewer’s eye to specific elements of the photograph. I use light to create atmosphere and drama, often shooting during blue hour to illuminate my scene naturally. I pay close attention to foreground elements to create depth, using shadows, highlights, and color to evoke the desired mood in my images.
How important is light in photography?
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