I was recently approached by Travel + Leisure to be featured in their weekly Instagram series "Behind The Views." I have been following T+L for some time now and it was such an honor to be considered for this series! Read the post with snippets of our interview here!
Full interview below
How/when did you get into photography?
High school is when I remember taking an interest in photography. Back then, I was using point-and-shoot cameras. I spent my free time photographing nature and interiors and doing photoshoots of my sisters for fun. I’ve been a creative person with a love of nature and traveling for as long as I can remember. Photography was a unique way to capture and convey my artistic vision while exploring- whether abroad or in a local park. It allowed me to use my creativity to compose and frame images that evoke emotions or tell stories. I love being able to freeze a beautiful moment in time and share it with others
"The Pier" Virginia Beach. Hannah Vega Photography
Can you remember the first photograph or video you took where it all clicked for you? Tell us about it.
One of the first photos that moved things in motion for me was a photo I took of Cape Perpetua on the Oregon coast. My friend and I were on a month-long vacation visiting the West Coast for the first time. During our short stay in Yachats, OR, we visited Cape Perpetua during low tide to do some tide pooling. We returned to the same spot during high tide to experience the crashing waves and dramatic scenery. During the hike, I snapped photos of the cape while the waves crashed against the cliffs and fog settled into the evergreen trees. And then the images just sat on my phone for a few years as memories to look back to of that fun road trip. It wasn’t until a few years later, when I started my photography business that I revisited some of my old photos that I found this gem again. While editing this “Oregon Coast” photo, I felt a new love and inspiration from my photography and my developing photographic eye. This iPhone photo has been my highest selling in my shop thus far! I am constantly told by Oregonians that this image captures the essence of the Oregon Coast.
"Cape Perpetua" Oregon Coast. Hannah Vega Photography
Tell us about the photos from your first trip as a travel photographer.
I bought my first DSLR camera (Canon 80D) for a trip to Iceland. Traveling to Iceland was my first time out of the country, and I wanted something more than an iPhone! I spent eight days traveling around the island's entire perimeter with two friends. The landscape was unlike anything I'd seen before- even other-worldly, and the weather was CONSTANTLY changing. In hindsight, I didn't take as much time to learn my camera as I should have. So as a photographer, it was a bit more challenging than I imagined. However, I learned so much and still got some amazing shots of the varying landscapes and learned a lot in the process! One of my favorite spots to photograph while on that trip was Reynisfjara- a world-famous black sand beach on the South Coast of Iceland next to the fishing village of Vík. Violent waves, jet-black sands, and basalt column cliffs characterize this beach. I loved being able to portray the dramatic scene!
"Two Pillars" Vik, Iceland. Hannah Vega Photography
How do you approach photographing/video on your trips? What do you look for?
Before traveling, I plan out a few key places I want to explore and photograph. While in those locations, I first and foremost want to have fun and take in the scenery. I want to be in the right mindset and set my intentions before I pick up my camera. I don't stress too much if I don't get the "perfect shot" because I'm always learning and love the process. Along the way to my destinations, I also like focusing on the less noticeable things around me- interesting plants, rock formations, etc. Travel photography is a way to slow down while exploring purposefully and to see the world around me more intimately.
"Sweet Honeysuckle". Hannah Vega Photography
Any advice you’d give to aspiring photographers?
Learn to develop a photographic eye, love what you do, and have fun BEFORE buying the expensive camera. Building skills and your unique style takes time, so be patient and keep taking pictures. Revisit old photos to learn from them- but also because you might find gems. When out and about, try to look at the scenes as a camera would. Analyze light, colors, and composition. Over time, your skills come more naturally!
"Good Morning Shenandoah" Virginia. Hannah Vega Photography
What is in your go-to gear bag?
I recently upgraded my travel gear since selling my older camera and gear. I’m currently sporting a Sony Alpha a7riii, Sony FE 24-70mm f/2.8 GM Lens, a 50mm prime, B+W 82mm MRC Polarizing Filter, Sony VG-C3EM Vertical Grip (a game changer- can hold two batteries), a portable tripod, memory cards, lens cleaner, and a snack bar (not pictured).
