Member Profile: Donatas Visokis

About me:

Do you consider yourself a Professional/Semi-Pro/Amateur/Beginner photographer?

Photography is my hobby, amateur level.

Who are you?

I am from Lithuania, I came to the UK 20 years ago, I live in London., I’m 49 years old. I worked for Sainsbury's for 10 years, now I work in landscaping and small construction work. In addition to photography, I have other interests: cycling for sports and travel, running, camping and hiking. I also love books, unfortunately I haven't read them in a long time.

Your Photography Journey

I became interested in photography when I was still in school and there were only film cameras. But it was a short-lived interest because it was not easy to acquire equipment. The second wave of interest started when I arrived in the UK and my first digital camera fell into my hands, it was not new but there were a lot of emotions, it was a Fujifilm FinePix S6500 Digital Camera, then I bought my first sony mirrorless camera Sony Alpha A7. I didn't improve with these cameras when I only used the automatic setting and didn't understand anything about the other settings. At that time, I did not know where to get information about photo courses, there was no such service as it is now. Then I sold everything and bought a new Nikon camera for my daughter. My daughter is receptive and I watched her as if she was doing well. Then life was a difficult moment and I had to find a new hobby for myself, and I chose photography. I bought a Lumix G7, which I still use occasionally. Two years ago I upgraded to a much more professional technique and currently use the Lumix S5. I found TSOP courses on YouTube when I was looking for a tripod. Then I found a video with Marc Newton where he explained tripods very well. After this show, I bought a Manfrotto Befree Advanced blue tripod. I liked how clearly the information was presented and then I opened the TSOP website, where at that time the price was very reasonable and I was able to learn. That's how I became your student. Due to the lack of time, I could not finish the course on time, so I have been a perpetual student for several years now. In photography, I like that you can show your self-expression, photography helps me to notice a lot of beautiful things around me... I have passed almost all the courses at TSOP, I try to use them in my development and I like all of them. Now there is still a little left of Fine Art Family Portraiture, Astrophotography Course and Photographing Cities at Night.

What is the most valuable thing you’ve learned from TSOP?

I think the most valuable part of TSPO was learning how to use the camera settings first. Also a general understanding of photography and how it is created. Photo processing is also very important. PS is the hardest for me, but I'm persistent. In summary, I cannot name the most important moment during learning, because all of them are necessary and important for every beginner photographer.

What is your preferred genre?

I like many different techniques in photography and I am looking for which technique to focus on more and it is difficult. I like everything from macro to astronomical in photography style. I'm shy about taking pictures of people and groups of people, but I'm working on making myself feel better about it.

What inspires you to create photography?

I love taking pictures because I can change my environment and routine, learn the secrets of photography, use my knowledge in practice, watch my progress, and most importantly, I can share with others the moments I have captured, which may give them a good emotion.

Describe the first photo you took during your learning journey.

Doing these courses is definitely a sign of progress. Before, I didn't feel the composition, I didn't understand why the photos were out of focus and blurred, I didn't know how to use LR to make my photos much better. After completing most of the course, I can answer many questions about what I did wrong. My photos are much better, I no longer have the feeling that I can't take a good shot, as a beginner. I am still learning and learning about photography every day.

My favourite photograph:

My favourite photo that I’ve taken ©*Donatas Visokis*

What is your favourite photograph that you’ve taken?

My favourite photograph is "Shelduck at sunrise". I did it in a beautiful area in my country when I was on vacation. The sunrise was coming to an end and I was about to go to my apartments when I saw a wonderful pair of ducks. One duck was drying its feather and lovingly turned its head towards its partner, I couldn't resist trying to capture it. I used Lumix S5 camera 20-60mm/60mm f5.6 / ISO125 / S1/25. I had to go down to the water and kneel down to get a good angle for this photo. It wasn't very comfortable, but it was worth it. Thanks to these photos, I want to visit that wonderful place again and again. Its location is Lithuania, city Nida.

What’s next for Donatas?

I wanted to learn food photography, and I also wanted to learn filming and photography with a drone. I'm still working on my skills, at all stages. In the future, I think I will not focus on one style of photography and I will photograph everything that is beautiful and interesting around me. I have a big dream to go to Iceland to take pictures, and I also really love nature where mountains, water and forests are in one place. In the month of May, I will take a short trip to Snowdonia, where I will capture the beauty not only with my eyes but also with my camera.

Conclusion

When I started studying at TSOP courses, it turns out that I was a complete beginner, I gradually started to get to know the camera, to understand different styles of photography and their use in practice. I liked it a lot when I started publishing my work, people said that the quality of my work is getting better. Then I realised that the course really gives me a lot. The School of Photography Members have helped me a lot and are helping me to improve. I thank them all for the good reviews and likes, it's a very friendly environment for everyone, not just newbies. Now I can already classify myself as an amateur photographer who is on the right path and may soon follow the status of a semi-professional photographer. I wanted to become a professional nature travel photographer, but this is only a secret dream. I hope to be friends with your team for a long time, thank you for your important work.

Where can people follow you?

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