Jan Brezina, Autor Fripito

10 Questions for: Daniel Suh, United States

14Sep By Jan Brezina

Daniel Suh is great US photographer. We met at Photo Plus Expo 2015 for first time and start cooperation. Because he is passioned traveler and landscape photographer, We did together great Washington DC travel guide for photographers and cooperation continue. So meet Daniel Suh.

1. Can you introduce yourself a little?

I was born in Los Angeles, lived in Kazakhstan during my childhood, then returned to the US in time for high school. Studied Biblical Studies at Azusa Pacific University and most recently worked as a financial analyst for the Federal Government. I always loved photography as a hobby. It was only a few years ago that I got into it professionally.

The first year of seriously learning photography. I watched over a 1,000 youtube videos, read hundreds of articles and blogs from pros like Elia Locardi, Chris Burkard, Colby Brown, Ben Von Wong, Peter Hurley and B&H channel. I realized what my style is, what I like, the type of photography I want to do. Every time I learned something new I went to a near by park and did practice shoots. I also did planned photo walks with friends and other photographers. Got to do one with Trey Ratcliff, you can actually find him in one of the Washington DC guide photos if you look hard enough. Like photography and I think it is great to be able to make money while doing what you like to do so I got involved with Fripito.

Daniel Suh - Washington DC — Daniel Suh – Washington DC

2. What is you favorite photographic topic of Daniel Suh?

I love Landscape/Nature photography. About 80% of my work is connected to landscapes and nature, the rest of the 20% is stuff I find to be unique, interesting, cool, this could be anything. I am amazed every single time I see the beautiful colors of an open flower or a gorgeous sunset over a vast ocean with red, orange lit clouds overhead, etc. I enjoy capturing “beauty” and sharing my personal experience of that emotion with others.

3. Are you a full time professional photographer?

I do not work for a monthly paycheck, so in that sense I am not a full time photographer. However, I am a full time photographer in the sense that I have an online gallery and sell prints 24/7. Feel free to visit and purchase anything you like on my website. You will find a wide collection of images to choose from. Also, check out my Instagram page which I update fairly often and let me know if you have any questions, I will be happy to answer them there! (@dsuhphoto)

4. Is it complicated to become a professional photographer in US today?

I would say it depends on the person and circumstances. It is definitely hard if you do not know much about photography, the style you want to shoot, your own camera and lenses, how to run a business. As with most things, I think the main ingredient for success is to invest a lot of time and be smart about whatever it is you want to do. There are many tools out there to learn from, youtube, blogs, the internet. I have some friends for whom it was easy and have started doing photography for pay from a young age, I also have friends for whom it has been a hard journey and still have a hard time finding clients or selling prints. I think it depends on the person, but opportunities are there.

5. What is different for a photographer in comparing Washington DC and Oklahoma?

Washington DC is where I got into photography on a deeper level but still mostly did it for personal enjoyment. Oklahoma is where I started to think about it more professionally. In DC I was mainly occupied with my career, friends, and church life, Oklahoma allowed me to slow down and focus more on what I loved doing in my personal spare time, photography. It was there I created my blog website, professional Instagram account, and now have been published 6 times in the official newspaper of Oklahoma, The Oklahoman. The slow pace of life in Oklahoma definitely allowed space to establish my online presence.

6. You travelled a lot. What is your favorite photo place worldwide?

This is a hard question, I like them all! I have been to South Korea, Russia, Mexico, Europe, Uzbekistan, U.A.E, and all over the US. If I really must choose a place, it would be Philippines. It is vastly different from every place I lived in because of it’s tropical climate and geological structure of over 7,500 islands. I have a fondness for things that I am unfamiliar with, I like experiencing new things, exploring, so it is natural for me to enjoy this new to me country. I have now travelled there twice in the past 3 years and would love to go again.

7. What is your favorite camera or lens?

My favorite lens at the moment is the Rokinon 12mm f2.0. I am a sucker for fast wide angle lenses because I have a deep appreciation for the sky and hence astrophotography. After visiting lonelyspeck.com and watching a few of Ian Norman’s videos I was determined to capture the sky the way he did. I bought the lens after reading multiple reviews because it is not expensive, it is fast, sharp. I love wide angle shots of landscapes, and it fits my E-mount Sony Mirrorless camera.

8. Is there any dream photography job or destination for you?

This is another hard question. I love traveling so something along the lines of working with National Geographic or Discovery would be cool. As far as destinations, Alaska is on top of my list to visit. It carries a lot of natural beauty, icebergs, northern lights, unique wildlife most people do not get to see. I think Alaska is very unique to the rest of USA so it would be a vastly new experience for me to visit there.

9. Do you see any difference between US and foreign photography?

I definitely see a difference between US and Asian wedding photography styles. Generally speaking, in US you have your standard engagement and wedding photographers who do the usual shots of the bride, the groom, the dress, ring, cake, flowers, venue, and relatives. It is driven by trying to capture the wedding experience well. The Asian style tends to lean on being more flashy, staged, and with added special effects in capturing the couple. Just google “American wedding photography” and then “Korean wedding photography” for example or check out the pictures of the top Filipino wedding photographer Lito Sy and you will see what I mean.

10. Why did you choose to become Fripito author?

I remember watching some video on landscape photography from B&H and at the end the speaker recommended some apps to check out, one of them was Fripito. I liked his work, so I decided to check out the app. Looked through a couple of the guides and decided I wanted to be a part of what Fripito was doing. I love shooting places and love sharing with others so it was only natural for the connection to take place. So I contacted Fripito and now I have a guide.

If you want see more of Daniel Suh work or you are heading to Washington DC, download Fripito app to iOS or Android and check his guide.

10 Qustions for: Leonardo Paris (Brasil)

12Sep By Jan Brezina

Leonardo Paris is young talented photographer from Brazil. We met first time at Prague, when he was working on photo job for client. We started cooperation and the result is great photo guide for Rio de Janeiro. Here is 10 questions and answers about photography in Brazil and Leonardo himself.

How did you start with photography?

Well, when I was only eight, I used to take my mom’s camera to take landscape photos. I liked the surroundings. But in that time it was all about film cameras. We had to buy the film, pay to reveal…not impossible for the family photos, but quite unaffordable for landscape photos taken by a boy.
So, in 2004, when I was a statistics intern in a school, I had the oportunity to work at the weekends and holidays. I earned R$100,00 by each weekend and during fifteen weekends I saved the money to buy a Sony P92, a huge 5.0 megapixel camera in that time. It was such a compact camera and I took advantage of this feature carrying it on my pocket while strolling around in Rio. I had not to buy and reveal films any more and the results were instantaneous, like a polaroid. Perfect. What a great revolution. That’s how everything started.

Leonardo Paris - Rio de Janeiro — Rio de Janeiro. Photo by Leonardo Paris

What is you favorite photographic topic of Leonardo Paris?

Beauty (lol). Beauty moves me. Ok, I know that the question is about themes. Above all, the landscapes are my favorite. But the nude and sports photography brings huge interest. Its a pitty that I can not devote myself into learning (and saving money to buy the appropriate equipaments ) and practicing these themes. Time is also a constraint.

Are you full time professional photographer?

No – part time, and that’s just the reason I have no time. Unfortunately, professionally speaking, photography is a very (or was at that time ) restrictive activity due to the high costs. A 70-200mm, 2.8 canon lens costs R$ 10.000,00. Its ridiculous. A full frame camera – not the best – is between 8 and 10k. Its a lot. And even if you have the equipment, until the ‘engine’ starts you need a sponsor. And I just didnt think it was fair to convince my parents to spend such a money. So I’ve decided to go alone and do what was possible.

Is it complicated do photography for living at Brasil?

I dont think so. Its a matter of accessing the right target audience through the many free and high available marketing channels you have today. And of course, if you want to earn high, you have to be the best or to bring a lot of quality. You have to invest, go to courses and practice to be always updated, delivering what people want.

Many traveling photographers ask about safety in Brasil. What is real situation?

In general, as many touristic areas are located in the south zone, the overall safety level is good, but even here I avoid to carry my camera on hand. Its different than most cities in the world, where you can shoot freely and very unaffraid. Of course danger is present in many places and forms around the globe, but what worries about Rio is the general sense of unpredictability of these events. For tourists, my best advice is to always carry the camera inside their bags while not shooting and keep eyes wide open when in city center.

Can you recommend 3 must see photo locations in Brasil?

Choose just three is a pitty because the list is huge. But of course that coming here and don’t visiting Rio is like not visiting Brazil at all. Iguaçu Falls and Chapada dos Veadeiros is also beautiful.

What is your favorite camera or lens?

My current, discontinued Canon T2i (lol). Of course it is outdated but it was the one that brought quality to my photos, the one that helped me to capture beautiful family moments and since 2011, when I bought it, has never failed or broke.

Is there any dream photography job or destination for you?

Ohh yes. This is the best question to be answered. Its so good to dream, dont you think? Let me fly now… . If I had a full frame camera with a 70-200mm together with my current set of lenses, wich include a sigma 10-20mm, I would choose from these two:

1) travel the world, trying to depict its beauty and its reality. The beauty because we are failing on our unsustainable way of developing and people have to know what is being lost; the reality because we are loosing many people – specially children – to wars, drugs and misery in its all faces and I dont realize people around me worrying about these matters;

2) I would like to follow the day to day and the competitions of any team or athlete in an Olympic cycle to then tell the various stories behind the medals – or failures – about them.
The chance to capture ” that moment ” in wich the athlete executes the perfect movement, their pain, their trainning sessions, their glory…and bring it to the general audience is also a dream.

Do you see any difference between South American and US photography today?

This one I wouldnt know since Im not that deep into either photography knowledge. But what I ve seen so far is that both achieved a high level quality, but the american photography (commercial or not) is much more dependent on the product, on the perfect set than the brazilian. Maybe we are more creative on directing models, for example. But this is very personal, a perception between NY and Rio streets, not from academy or studies in the field.

Why did you choose become Fripito author?

Because I wanted to show my work and to be the first in Brazil – and in Rio – to be featured in the app. I always felt the need to show ‘my’ Rio to the people. And Fripito is all about getting to know, seeing and going to far, beautiful places. Fripito opens doors, gives you access with clear, safe directions and tips that is done by people who loves photography and take it very seriously.

In the other hand, when you travel, of course you want to bring photos that capture those incredible views you see just in front of your eyes, so why not to get the advice in your pocket? Why not to join everything together?

Do you want see more photos from Leonardo Paris or do you need travel guide for Rio de Janeiro made for photographers? Then download Fripito for iOS or Android and check Rio de Janeiro guide by Leonardo Paris.

5 Essential Tips for Visiting Metéora Monasteries

06Sep6.9.2016 By Jan Brezina

Metéora monasteries are located in the northwest corner of Thessaly near the towns Kalampaka and Kastraki. This is one of the most spectacular places to visit in Greece. Metéora means ‘suspended in air’ and it is a name for entire rock community of 24 monasteries on the top of almost inaccessible sandstone cliffs. The area of Meteora was originally settled by monks who lived in caves within the rocks during the 11th Century. It is a unique phenomenon of cultural heritage. The most important monasteries of Metéora are The Holy Monastery of Great Meteoron, The Holy Monastery of Varlaam, The Holy Monastery of Rousanou, The Holy Monastery of St. Nicholas Anapausas, The Holy Monastery of St. Stephen and The Monastery of Holy Trinity. All these monasteries are on the top of Metéora rocks.

If you are looking for more in-deep tips, try our Metéora travel photo guide.

Basic facts about Metéora Monasteries

Country: Greece, Prefecture of Trikala, Region of Thessaly
Area: 271.87 ha
Language: Greek
Entrance fee: The entrance fee for all monasteries is 3 Euro per person.

Best Time of Year to Visit

Visit Meteora during shoulder season or off season if you want to make the most of your trip. Otherwise you will be overrun by herds of tourists. Off season starts November and ends in March and during this time, you should have the park for yourself, although it can get a little foggy during fall. Spring might be the best option if you want to get the amazing views without the crowds.

Getting to and around Metéora

Kalambaka is the town at the base of Metéora offers exceptional connectivity and relative short distances to most of Greece’s major population centers, touristic places and transportation hubs. It can be reached by direct train or bus from Athens.

For getting around Metéora, you have 4 options – you can either rent a bicycle, scooter or car or go by bus. Getting around in car can be comfortable, but parking might be a challenge since you can only park in certain areas inside the park. The best option might be the scooter as it is cheap to rent, easy to park and definitely more comfortable for the climb up to the monasteries than bicycle.

Where to Stay and Eat

The nearest town of Kalambaka is the best choice and there are many hotels available. The town offers also many really nice restaurants, the region is well known around Greece for its traditional cuisine and especially the quality of its meats. The nearby village of Kastraki also offers a wide range of restaurants and taverns to choose from for lunch or dinner made with locally produced ingredients.

Meteora Monasteries — Photo by Brendan Van Son

How Much Time to Spend

Plan to spend at least a full day at Metéora Monasteries, a full weekend is our recommendation. You will delight in the play of light on the rocks and their changing moods. On sunny mornings, the red roof tiles of the monasteries glisten in sharp contrast to the weather-stained grayness of the rocks. The late afternoon sun bathes the landscape with a golden glow. At nighttime, the rocks are dramatically illuminated by spotlights.

Visiting the Monasteries

Most of the monasteries are open to public from 10am to 4pm, depending on the season. The entrance fee to each is 3 Euro per person. To enter the monasteries you must respect a special dress code: long sleeves, covered shoulders, long sleeves, long pants or skirts. Find out more attire tips here. Remember to carry bottled water, especially if you are visiting the monasteries by foot. There are refreshment vendors along the road by the monasteries but their prices are excessive.

Are you looking for more travel tips for Meteora? Download our Fripito app for free to iPhone or Android phone and explore more than 30 photo spots selected by Brendan Van Son!