Nick Steinberg / Member Interview

Nicholas Steinberg is an award winning, published, and self-taught landscape photographer residing in the San Francisco Bay area. His passions include chasing fog, shooting moving water, and long exposure photography among many others. Nicholas's dedication to photography sets him apart from the rest. He does whatever it takes to get, "the shot" and be unique despite living an area with many photographers who shoot in similar iconic territories. That passion and distinction has earned Nicholas the Grand Prize for the National Geographic Travel "Visit California" photo contest. He is regularly featured on ABC7 News, Kron 4, U.S. Department of the Interior, Yosemite Conservancy, Berkeley Times, and many more. You can find Nicholas from the wee hours of the morning to the late at night chasing the light creating memorable imagery and teaching his techniques to others.

What inspired you to become a photographer?

What inspired me was moving to California where I was exposed to the most beautiful landscapes I’ve ever laid eyes on. From the iconic Golden Gate Bridge to amazing coastlines to the majestic Redwoods forests and Sierra mountains ranges. The most influential thing though was perhaps the Bay Area fog.

Tell us about your first photo that really validated your interest as a photographer.

The first photo was a shot I took in 2010 when I first started shooting. I was on the way to a photo class I was taking and was about to cross the Golden Gate bridge when I noticed tons of beautiful fog spilling over the Marin Headlands and nice clouds above it. I figured the worst that would happen would be I would be late for class, so I went into the Marin Headlands and witnessed the most dramatic display of fog I’ve ever seen. One of the shots from that day would later become a multiple award winning shot and one of my best-selling prints.

What do you enjoy photographing the most?

For me it is definitely water and fog. Wherever there is water you will most likely find me there and I’m always chasing fog. What I love about fog and water is the changeability and dynamism of it. No two shots are ever the same and you can get really creative with different shutter speeds.

What has been your proudest moment as a photographer?

My proudest moment was winning the grand prize for National Geographic Travel "Visit California" photo contest. It was my shot I conceived of called, "Sun Francisco" that was taken on California street with the sun aligned and Cable Car on top. From the conception to the final output I was amazed I could make that idea a reality and win a prestigious contest with it.

What is your best photography related tip?

My proudest moment was winning the grand prize for National Geographic Travel "Visit California" photo contest. It was my shot I conceived of called, "Sun Francisco" that was taken on California street with the sun aligned and Cable Car on top. From the conception to the final output I was amazed I could make that idea a reality and win a prestigious contest with it.

What would you like for people take away from your work?

I would like them to find some sort of education of our natural world, fascination, and feeling of peace from my images. Hopefully it stimulates people to go outside more and discover this awesome and wonderful world we live in.

What are some ‘must have’ items in your camera bag?

I would highly recommend some ND filters (3, 6, and 10 stops), a remote shutter release to get hands-free and tack sharp images, plenty of charged batteries, extra formatted memory cards, a dust blower, and microfiber cloth.

If you were stuck on a deserted island, what is the ONE photography book you would want to have with you?

I know you aren't going to like my answer, but I have never read a photography book in my life. I have read some reference books from Michael Frye on Yosemite and some guide books to Point Reyes National Seashore by Richard Blair. Most of what I learned was from YouTube, social media like Flickr, and going out and shooting every day. But I do hear that the book, "Mountain Light" by Galen Rowell is highly recommended.


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