Being a photographer today has always seemed like a world of contradictions to me. On one hand, I love taking photos and being in nature. It’s probably one of the only times that I actually feel present—I remember every detail, and I’m able to find some calm and peace.
On the other hand, there’s all the noise: social media, a job (unless you are one of the few blessed enough to be a full-time landscape photographer), and every other thing that creates a distraction from being in nature and honing your artistic voice. Can you share your photos online without participating in a platform owned by a techno-fascist? Can people who are actually interested in your art even see your photos? Can you stand out among the sea of influencers, AI slop, and algorithms?
This year marks a decade since I first purchased a “real” DSLR. I quickly jumped into creating a photography business (with a partner), called it Vanexus Photography, and took as many photos and watched as many tutorials as I could. I found that my Art History education helped me understand light, but composition was another challenge that needed (and still needs) a lot of work to master. I have been operating the photo business solo for the past five years and, in that time, have found myself less and less interested in participating in the online world of landscape photography.
I’ve continued to take photos, and my love for photography and being in nature has only grown stronger. After a long-ish break from having an online presence, I’m re-launching my website and some social media activity with a brand-new name. I never felt comfortable with the name Vanexus Photography, so I’m re-launching under my own name: Amir Hariri Photography. However, my goals for returning to the online world are very different this time around. This isn’t an attempt to launch a full-time photography business. I’m going to try to be intentional with my presence, to continue taking photos and developing my skills, and any ‘business’ will simply be an added bonus.
My goal now is to share what I see with anyone who might be interested, to highlight nature, to continue to grow as a a photographer, and to challenge myself. I’ll attempt to write more, to participate in social media as much as I can manage, and to tackle videos and YouTube as a new technical challenge. More to come (hopefully). In the meantime, I’m sharing some photos from my “B-roll” and hope to hear from you all!
