Destin Sparks / Member Interview
Sparks' formula to making great photographs is about capturing the perfect lights and colours straight in the camera rather than resorting to Photoshop or post digital processing.
Predominately known for his panoramic prints, Sparks also shares his expertise via photo tours and workshops. For more information, please visit his Website and Social Profiles via the links provided.
Brisbane, Queensland - Australia
What inspired you to become a photographer?
As much as I’d like to tell the story of a single event that truly inspired me to start capturing the world, I can’t. Photography is more or less something I fell into for lack of a better option and little direction in life. It began when I was working in a camera store and the manager challenged me to upstage his photo after I made a snide remark at his expense. With nothing more than an overwhelming need to prove others wrong and a camera at my disposal I chose to accept. From there inspiration soon followed, often stemming from Mother Nature.
Tell us about your first photo that really validated your interest as a photographer.
It was a photograph of the Brisbane City skyline from a popular vantage point that validated my interest as a photographer. However, it was less about the content and more about what was happening behind the camera… a new found understanding of reciprocity and how shutter speeds, apertures and ISOs all correspond with one another was like an epiphany, it revealed a new journey I had to embark on.
What do you enjoy photographing the most?
Landscapes of course, though snow-capped mountains, lakes and forests would be among some of my favourites. Essentially anything that takes my breath away.
What has been your proudest moment as a photographer?
It’s rather hard to narrow down my proudest moment to one single event but rather a series of events. Every time I’ve captured ‘that perfect shot’ there’s an overwhelming feeling of satisfaction and accomplishment, especially with film.
How do you feel photography has impacted the way you see the world?
Hopefully without sounding too melodramatic I would say that photography has allowed me to see the world, period. If it weren’t for photography I simply wouldn’t have the motivation to travel, to explore the unknown, be adventurous or daring. If it were not for photography I’m not sure how my life would have turned out. It has been character building to say the least.
What is your best photography related tip?
Get it right in camera. Use filters and camera techniques to control and work with the available light. If the available light isn’t the right type, then pack up the camera and just enjoy the landscape. The more you do in post-production the less you value your photographs. You are your own worst critic, start with self-value and quality will soon follow.
…and finally, make mistakes and lots of them. Almost everything I’ve learned about photography has come from failing first.
What would you like for people take away from your work?
Inspiration mostly. Inspiration to travel and see the world and to experience firsthand some of things I have experienced; to see the beauty I have seen and breath the air I have breathed.
What are some ‘must have’ items in your camera bag?
There are of course the fundamental accessories such as a tripod, polarising filter, light meter and graduated neutral density filters which I couldn’t live without. Though aside from the obvious I generally don’t go out shooting without carrying a whistle should the unthinkable happen, table salt for leaches, and an Asthma inhaler.
If you were stuck on a deserted island, what is the ONE photography book you would want to have with you?
A rather lateral interpretation of the question but I’d have to take “Bhutan: A Visual Odyssey Across the Last Himalayan Kingdom” it’s the world’s largest published book. Initially I could use the cover to shelter from the elements before attaching some logs and setting sail for dry land. Honestly, my book reading ability is comparable to that of a four-year-old, I just tend to look at the pretty pictures (I’m a visual person after all).
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