Seeking adventures in wild places most of his life has been Adrian Klein’s most important photography learning experience. He knew the natural world of Northwest America long before it became the palette for his success as a landscape photographer. He had often seen the lines and shapes that create these spectacular and subtle scenes, which has drive his passion to capture and share these images with the world. Now, as a professional photographer, he has translated his visions into digital compositions, resulting in publication, awards and the opportunity to help other photographers through his workshops. His Web site is adrianklein.com.

 

What event or experience first attracted you to photography?

 

Being in the outdoors, hiking and backpacking with the desire to capture snapshots of my adventures.

When did you know that you wanted to pursue a photography career?

 

After I became involved with some professional organizations, going to seminars and conferences. I learned much and decided that I wanted to make this a business.

Did you receive any formal photography education? Where? Degree earned?

 

I do not have formal education in photography. I have attended some workshops and conferences, with self-study of books, magazines and online material.

Were you influenced by a famous photographer’s style? Who?

 

There are many photographers that influence me today from the iconic Ansel Adams to Guy Tal to all of my peers in Photo Cascadia.

What was your first professional/commercial photography assignment?

 

My first paying gig was a wedding. I eventually shot portraits and weddings full time.

Do you specialize in a specific type of photography? Why?

 

Yes. I focus on nature and landscape photography. This is what drives my photography. I had a love for traveling outdoors before I loved photography. They are a happy fit.

How many years have you been a professional in this field?

 

If I measure it by when I obtained my business license and all that fun business stuff, then it's been just more than 5 years, since 2007.

What was your most memorable photography assignment/job/project?

 

Shooting a 12-month calendar with semi-nude images of a lesbian dragon boat team. It required multiple shoots and I had a blast working with them everyday.

How would you describe your specific style?

 

Most of my work reveals the lines and shapes in nature if you look closely. This is a concept or technique I emphasize when I teach a workshop.

In which major publications have your images been published?

 

Digital Photo, Professional Photographer and Photo Plus.

Have you published any books: photography or instructional? Titles and years?

 

Not yet.

Which photography awards have you received?

 

• Art Wolfe ICPA 2nd Place Landscape Category.

• Professional Photographers of America Loan Collection.

• Professional Photographers of Oregon Court of Honor and other awards.

• Center For Fine Art Photography Juried Exhibits.

• Kodak Gallery Award Commercial/Illustrative.

Which photo of yours is your all-time favorite?

 

"Above The Clouds" was a once-in-a-lifetime magical moment that I photographed while hiking to the summit of Mount St. Helens, WA.

Where have your photographs been exhibited? Please list a few future exhibitions, with dates.

 

Center For Fine Art Photography, Ft. Collins, CO and Museum of History and Industry in Seattle, WA.

Do you conduct photography workshops: names, future dates? Please describe for what level of photographer.

 

Yes. Kevin McNeal and I host at least a few weekend workshops each year and I will do private tours in the Northwest when available. The weekend workshops are normally Columbia River Gorge (spring), Palouse Hills (spring) and Oregon Coast (summer).

What is most amateur photographers’ #1 mistake?

 

I often observe these two...

1. Buying a cheap tripod. I wish I had realized that a good tripod and ball head was not a want but a need for landscape photography.

 

2. Pricing your work or services much too cheap. I learned the hard way like many photographers. I lost many of my early portraits clients because I had to raise my prices when I went full time. Price your work correctly from the start.
    

With what brand name equipment do you shoot: Camera, lens, etc.?

 

Canon EOS 5D Mark II is my main body with three primary L series lenses: 17mm–40mm, 24mm–70mm and 70mm–200mm.

Do you shoot video and create multimedia presentations?

 

Not much yet, however, I plan to do more video during the future.

What is the most important lesson you learned during your career?

I could think of many. One is networking and building relationships with your peers. The value and experience I received from these relationships have been huge, not to mention the true friendships that have developed and I enjoy.

What advice would you share with aspiring professional photographers?

Success does not normally happen overnight. Don't feel the need to rush constantly to the same scenes and comps as everyone else. Take your time to learn, explore and create what you feel and see. This will only help you in the long run. Best of luck in your business!

Photo copyright Josh Olona