BRANDON SEBES
Brandon Sebes is high school student and award-winning photographer based in Cary, NC. He combines his love of wildlife, adventure, and nature to tell stories through photos.
In addition to pursuing a career working with wildlife, Brandon is also a sought-after photographer for USA Climbing competitions.
HOW DID YOU DISCOVER PHOTOGRAPHY?
“In the summer of 2021, while searching for a remote control, I found my dad’s old DSLR and immediately fell in love with capturing the feeling of a moment through a photograph.
Every morning, I take a two-mile walk on a nature path near our house. I started bringing the camera, trying to capture photos of the small wildlife, like rabbits, squirrels, birds, and turtles, along the way. Those early shots weren’t my best photos, but they are some of my favorites because each one feels like a chapter in the story of my photography career.”
HOW DID YOU GET BETTER?
I started by watching a YouTube tutorial by Chris Bray, a National Geographic photographer from Australia. He explained the basics from how to hold the camera to what all those camera settings mean to how to think about exposure. Then, it was all about time behind the camera. I took as many photos as I could.
During that time, I used a 14-year-old DSLR camera (Nikon D40x) with the original lens. Even though I didn’t have a choice, using an old camera was the best choice I made. It forced me to learn the technique rather than rely on technology. Later, when I upgraded to newer gear, I knew what it was doing and I could make the most of it. I’m grateful to have learned first hand that a good photographer doesn’t need expensive equipment to take great photos.
WHY WILDLIFE PHOTOGRAPHY?
In the summer of 2021, while searching for a remote control, I found my dad’s old DSLR and immediately fell in love with capturing the feeling of a moment through a photograph.
Each day, first thing in the morning, I take a two-mile walk on a path near our house. I started bringing the camera, trying to capture photos of the small wildlife, like rabbits, squirrels, birds, and turtles along the way. Those early shots weren’t my best photos, but they are some of my favorites. Each one feels like a chapter in the story of my photography career.
HOW DID YOU GET BETTER?
I started by watching a YouTube tutorial by Chris Bray, a National Geographic photographer from Australia. He explained the basics from how to hold the camera to what the camera settings mean to getting the right exposure. Then, it was all about time behind the camera. I took as many photos as I could.
I still read and watch as much as I can, but right now, looking at great photographs is one of the best ways that I improve my skills. A photo of wildlife by Ami Vitale, or a climber by Daniel Gajda, or an adventurer by Jimmy Chin, forces me to consider what’s missing from my photo.