What’s in your camera bag?
- Nikon Z9
- Nikon D500
- Nikkor 14-24mm f/2.8 Z mount
- Nikkor 24-70mm f/2.8 F mount
- Nikkor 70-200mm f/2.8 F mount
- Nikkor 200-500mm f/5.6 F mount
- Nikon Z30 with kit lens
- Nikon Camera Flash
- Zomei M5 Tripod
Are there any specific equipment or gear innovations that you believe will have a significant impact on the industry in 2024?
I don’t look for there to be any significant gear innovations that will have a significant impact on the industry until 2026. At least any affordable innovations.
Where do you get the latest news on new gear? Where do You usually buy new gear?
I get the latest news on new gear from YouTube, other social media platforms, and PetaPixel. I usually buy new gear from Adorama.
How is photography making the world a better place in 2024?
It is making the world a better place by spreading awareness of pressing issues as well as providing joy to people around the world by showcasing locations and subjects that they may never have the chance to see in person.
What emerging photography trends do you foresee gaining popularity in 2024?
One trend that I foresee becoming popular is photographers combining their photographs with aspects of AI, not in a wrong way, but in a creative manner.
If you could pick a photography mentor in 2024, who would you pick? Why?
I would pick Tony or Chelsea Northrup. They both have so much experience as photography educators as well as experience in so many niches of photography. They have expert advice on gear, and I believe that I could learn a lot from either of them through personal mentorship.
The unavoidable question: How do you see the use of artificial intelligence or machine learning impacting photography in 2024?
I don’t see AI having a significant impact on photography in 2024. At the end of the day, you will need a photographer and a camera to capture a scene. Although I believe AI will adapt and begin to showcase real-world locations, it will be by combining and stealing photographs from photographers rather than actually depicting and capturing the scene in real life. I think this will create a lot of confusion for the average media consumer, especially on social media.
What is your favorite photography-related book or resource that will continue to have a significant impact on your career in 2024? Why?
The book Stunning Digital Photography will continue to have an impact on my career. Tony and Chelsea are always creating updated images of the book, and I feel like there is still more for me to learn every time I pick it up.
What is your go-to method for overcoming creative block and finding inspiration in 2024?
My go-to method for overcoming creative block and finding inspiration is scrolling through Pinterest and Instagram.
Practice makes perfect. It’s cliche, but it’s true.
Rylan Meadows
Can you share a specific tool, technology, or software that has revolutionised your workflow and significantly enhanced your creative process as a photographer?
The best tool that has revolutionized my workflow is the autofocus capabilities of my Nikon Z9. I can lock on and focus on moving subjects and capture sharp photos of them faster than I ever could with my DSLR.
NFT and photography? Any thoughts?
It’s definitely an interesting topic and concept. I personally don’t understand the hype.
What is your biggest strength and your biggest weakness as a photographer in 2024?
My biggest strength is my ability to quickly create engaging social media content. My biggest weakness is focusing too much on how my content performs online.
What is the biggest challenge in your photography genre in 2024? What are the solutions?
I think the biggest challenge in my genre of photography is being able to find sufficient locations to photograph nature as well as having the patience to capture a perfect photo.
What is the most important factor to consider when choosing a photography niche or specialization in 2024?
Choose something that you are already interested in and passionate about.
- Which social media platform do you use the most as a photographer?
— Instagram - Will you use or experiment with NFT in 2024?
— No - Do you think the always-improving cameras on smartphones will result in less work for professional photographers in 2024?
— No - What is your motto for 2024?
— Focus more on my work and less on my social media performance. - Favourite photography digital tool in 2024
— Lightroom and Photoshop - Favourite Photographer in 2024
— Chelsea Northrup
- Name one unconventional source of inspiration that photographers should explore for fresh ideas in 2024.
— Photography exhibitions - Which photography trend will dominate the industry in 2024?
— Something to do with AI - Three must-have photography gadgets or tools for aspiring photographers?
— Tripod, lens filters, and a sturdy camera bag - Which photography conference, workshop, event, exhibition, etc., would you recommend to photographers in 2024?
— Imaging USA… I will be there!
- One underrated photography technique that can instantly enhance a photographer’s portfolio.
— The rule of space (compositional technique) - Who to follow on social media or take inspiration from in 2024?
— Chelsea Northrup & Christian LeBlanc - What is the most innovative use of technology you’ve seen in photography recently?
— Using AI to remove distractions in photos - Which online platform or marketplace is currently the best for photographers to sell their work and reach a wider audience?
— Facebook
