Recently, we had the opportunity to catch up with adventure, lifestyle, and landscape photographer, Michael DeYoung. He shared how getting the right shot is like batting averages in baseball – it takes many strike-outs to get the hit. We think Michael is batting a thousand!
His Path to Photography
Also a wilderness traveller and workshop leader, Michael has been shooting professionally for 25 years. He developed a passion for photography while serving as an Air Force meteorologist when he borrowed his then-girlfriend’s camera and discovered a love for landscape and nature photography as well as a knack for the technical aspects. By the way that girlfriend, Lauri, became his wife, shoot assistant and business partner. Together they travel for commercial shoots and host photography workshops in Alaska, Montana, New Mexico, and Zion National Park in Utah.
Michael’s award-winning work has been recognized and is seen in many publications, including The Alaska Travel Association, Backpacker Magazine, and Outdoor Photography to name a few. In addition to his many workshops and photo tours, he loves to mentor and teach others that are passionate about photography.
The Perfect Shot
[Photographer Note – the location of this shot is actually east of Anchorage]
This shot, Turnagain Arm Lupine, is one he’s been chasing for many years. Taken in Alaska along Turnagain Arm, the shoot was done close to midnight and just after sunset. It was the perfect convergence of blooming lupines, alpenglow, and high-low tide.
Michael used his Canon 5D Mark III camera, a Canon L series 17-40 zoom lens, and a Singh-Ray 3-stop soft step graduated ND filter. Known as a lighting master, he tells us about what went into getting the foreground lighting just right for this beautiful landscape shot and wow…it’s a can’t miss lesson in photographic lighting.
Michael’s Purpose and Message
In all of Michael’s landscape photographs of Alaska, his purpose is to refute the stigma that it’s a cold hard place and show the Alaska he knows – warm and inviting. He strives to create emotionally powerful photographs that remind people “we need places like this to be around for many, many generations to come.”
Having recently become familiar with the TruLife® Acrylic face mount, he loves the modern look and the way it enhances the soothing pastel color palette he works in. Michael embraces the technical aspects of photography and is “looking forward to learning what pictures are the best candidates to be showcased by the TruLife® Acrylic face mount.”
To see more of Michael’s work, visit him at
Portfolio Website – michaeldeyoung.com
Workshop Website – https://deyoungphotoworkshops.com
Blog – http://michaeldeyoungphotography.com/blog/
Facebook –https://www.facebook.com/MichaelDeYoungPhotography
Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/michaeldeyoung/
LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaeldeyoungphotography/
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