Beginning of a Beautiful Journey into Landscape Photography
“I think I want to dive into photography,” I said, breaking the comfortable silence. We sat in our usual spot—our little sanctuary within the house. Omar was on the floor, his laptop perched on the couch above him, typing away at something, while Sagar, with his hand in a cast from surgery, was pretending to work.
They both stopped and looked at me.
It was mid-pandemic, with the first wave of COVID swirling outside, and somehow my stir-crazy brain had latched onto the idea of landscape photography. It didn’t seem entirely rational, but the thought lingered. Surprisingly, Omar nodded, his face lighting up.
“I was thinking the same thing,” he said, as if my words had echoed his thoughts.
We both turned to Sagar, who was now looking at us with an amused smirk. He shrugged and leaned back, carefully cradling his injured hand.
“I’m a good mobile photographer,” he quipped.
Introduction: A New Journey Begins
Who doesn’t dream of freezing time, capturing a moment so breathtaking it feels like it could last forever? It’s almost universal—except for maybe a few of those free-spirited types who insist on “living in the now.” But let’s be real, everyone wants to hold onto those fleeting, beautiful moments. And if there’s one art that lets you do just that, it’s photography. It’s like a time machine, taking you back to the exact second when the world around you felt just right.
With that in mind, I decided to dive headfirst into photography. I put all my savings into it, buying a camera and two lenses. After endless debates with Omar over whether to go for the Fuji X-T200 or X-T30, I eventually settled on the latter. Sure, the X-T30 was older on paper, but it boasted the same processor as Fuji’s flagship X-T3. It felt like a worthy investment—if I was going to spread my wings in photography, I might as well have the processing power to match when my skills caught up.
The X-T30 is a sleek, retro-styled APS-C mirrorless camera, much lighter than I expected, which was perfect for someone just starting. It had a cool, almost nostalgic look, but with all the modern tech packed inside. I couldn’t wait to put it to the test, so I set off on my first photography adventure.
The First Light: Clingman’s Dome, North Carolina
I drove 11 hours straight to North Carolina, where I met up with my cousin. After a short stay at his place, I made my way to Clingman’s Dome in the Great Smoky Mountains. I waited for the sunrise, and eventually, it arrived.
That first shot—my first real photo—was during the dawn light at Clingman’s Dome. The landscape unfolded before me, valleys and mountains bathed in the soft glow of morning, with clouds rolling lazily in the distance. This was the moment that sparked my photography journey. I hesitated at first, afraid to aim my camera directly at the sun, worried I’d fry the sensor. Turns out I was half wrong. But that’s all part of the learning curve, right?
As I started the drive down from Clingman’s Dome toward the mountain town of Gatlinburg, TN, I felt a mix of exhaustion and contentment. The road ahead was winding, packed with tourists at nearly every viewpoint. But then, I stumbled upon one that was empty, completely untouched by the crowds. The view took my breath away—rolling hills stretching endlessly, painted in a stunning palette of colors under the golden light. At the time, I didn’t fully appreciate the nuances of light. Now, I’d prefer a softer, more diffused glow, perhaps using an ND filter. Back then, I didn’t even know what an ND filter was. I thought the harsh midday light would somehow work for the shot. It’s funny how much you learn over time.
After soaking in the moment, I continued the drive back down the mountain and eventually headed home to New Jersey. Days passed quickly, and before I knew it, a week had gone by. Yet something was different—I felt recharged like a spark had been reignited within me. My passion for programming and creating, something I’d lost touch with, was suddenly alive again. It felt like magic, and I realized it was photography that had brought me back to life in a way I hadn’t expected.
Embracing this newfound balance between photography and work, I was eager to take another trip. This time, I set my sights on Maine, with a clear goal: to capture the iconic Portland Head Light. I convinced a friend to join me on the adventure, knowing it would be another memorable experience, both for the photography and the journey itself.
Wandering the Coastline: Portland Head Lighthouse, Maine
I’ve always been drawn to the idea of experimenting with the ocean and the structures that stand defiantly beside it. Something is awe-inspiring about lighthouses, some of the most resilient man-made structures in the world, built to withstand the relentless power of the ocean. The ocean, with all its unpredictability and raw strength, is one of nature’s most formidable forces. For a structure to hold its ground against such a force, it must be incredibly strong, both in design and purpose.
What fascinated me wasn’t just the physical strength of the lighthouse, but the metaphor it represents. Standing tall in the face of crashing waves, a lighthouse symbolizes resilience—the ability to remain unshaken as life’s problems surge around you. I wanted to capture that strength, that unwavering resolve, in my photos. To me, it was more than just a scene; it was a lesson in endurance.
This shoot was meant to happen during the golden hour when the light would be soft and warm, but we arrived late. By the time we reached the spot, the sky was already dark, with only the last golden rays of the sun striking the lighthouse. As it turned out, the timing gave the scene an unexpected beauty. A faint light from a nearby cabin added depth, while the waves crashing at the base of the lighthouse created an almost ethereal atmosphere. In that moment, I captured exactly what I had hoped for—the strength of the lighthouse against the powerful ocean, an image of resilience in the face of adversity.
Capturing Moments: The Emotional Connection to Landscapes
As I look back on these early adventures in photography, I realize how much they’ve shaped my journey. From the breathtaking sunrise at Clingman’s Dome to the resilient lighthouse at Portland Head Light, each moment has taught me something valuable about both photography and life. These experiences have not only honed my skills but also deepened my appreciation for the world around me.
Photography has become more than just a hobby; it’s a way of seeing and understanding life’s beauty and challenges. Each shot I take is a reminder of the strength and resilience I aspire to embody.
Looking Ahead: The Journey Continues
As I continue this journey, I’m excited for the new scenes and stories that lie ahead. The road is long, and the possibilities are endless. Thank you for joining me at the beginning of this beautiful journey. Here’s to many more moments captured and lessons learned along the way.