This week we’re showcasing the work of one of our free photo contributors, James Wheeler. If you use landscape photos at your website/blog or in your designs of any kind, you’ll definitely want to see what James has to offer.
Here at Vecteezy, we’re happy to have so many talented designers and photographers that contribute their work for everyone in our community. Each contributor has their own unique strengths and James certainly excels in the area of landscape and nature photos.
Below, you’ll see a small selection that highlights some of James’s photos, but his portfolio includes many more photos that can be downloaded and used for free. As you’re browsing this page, if you see a photo that you like, click the image and you’ll be led to a page where you can download it.
We had a chance to sit down and chat with James about his background and his approach to photography.
Vecteezy: How and when did you get started with photography?
James: “In 2003, I moved to Asia and purchased my first camera to record my travels and adventures. My interest grew from there.”
Vecteezy: Can you tell us about your process for taking these epic mountain lake photos?
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James: “First, I always research the location online so I understand when and where the sun will rise and set. Based on this research, I will decide if I think it is better to shoot at sunrise or sunset, or if both are options. When possible, I scout a location during the day first to get familiar with the location and possible shots. Then I will come back to the location at sunrise or sunset, which is when I get most of my shots. Personally, I prefer shooting at sunrise because there is typically less wind and fewer people around so I can just enjoy the scene and take photos based on how the light is that morning.”
Mountains, Lakes, and Reflections
Is there a more iconic scene for landscape photography than a beautiful mountain lake? Some of the highlights in James’s portfolio are stunning photos of picturesque lakes and reflections.
Moraine Lake at sunset
Rocks in water near mountain range at sunset
Mountains by body of water at sunset
Vecteezy: What attracted you to landscape and nature photography?
James: “I love traveling to beautiful and unique places, so I started to capture them during my travels. From there I just worked on my skills to get more realistic photos.”
Vecteezy: What is the best advice you’ve ever received from another photographer?
James: “Get the postcard shot out of the way, then have fun shooting. When you do landscape photography, most locations have the ‘iconic shot’ that is the classic ‘postcard shot’. This is the angle that everyone shoots the location from. Someone once told me that you have to get that shot or you won’t feel like you photographed the location, but don’t stop there. Get the postcard shot just to get it out of the way, but then try other angles or ideas to put your own take on the location so you get photos that are slightly different than everyone else’s.”
Landscapes at Sunrise and Sunset
Sunrise and sunset are obviously among the best times for landscape and nature photography, and James has a number of photos that showcase amazing sunrises and sunsets. The selection below includes both vertical and horizontal photos, so you can find the right shot for your needs.
Cloud covered landscape at sunset
Ocean waves crashing on rocks
Jerry Sulina Park at golden hour
Vecteezy: What camera and lenses do you use?
James: “I have a Panasonic S1R and a Panasonic G9. I typically use the S1R, but if I have a long hike into a location or am on a multi-day hike, then I will bring the Panasonic G9. I always carry a wide-angle lens and use a tripod.”
Vecteezy: Do you have a dream location you’d love to photo that you haven’t visited yet?
James: “Yes, I would love to go to Bhutan.”
Long Exposure
Long exposure photos use slow shutter speeds to emphasize the movement in the scene. Landscape photos often seem to be still, but there is usually some type of movement present. James has some great long exposure photos that show the movement of water or clouds.
Rocky seashore with mountains
Time lapse of clouds at lake during dawn
Time lapse of moving water
Vecteezy: What hobbies/interests do you have outside of photography?
James: “I have three kids and run a business, so those combined with travel and photography take up all my time. But I am lucky to love all I do so although I am always busy, I wouldn’t have it any other way.”
Explore a Variety of Nature Photos
Although we’ve looked at a few specific types of photos so far, you’ll find a wide variety of landscape and nature photos if you browse through James’s portfolio. Below, you’ll see photos of rainbows, a forest path, and a landscape with mountains in the distance.
Double rainbow over field
Brown wooden pathway
Brown grass field near lake and mountain under blue sky
Thank you, James for contributing these amazing photos to Vecteezy!
If you like the photos that you’ve seen here, be sure to go to James Wheeler’s profile page and see all of the free photos that he’s made available to Vecteezy users. You’re sure to find plenty of landscapes that you can use in your own work.
Are you a photographer or a designer? Learn more about becoming a contributor.
