In the second #CreatorConversations – an AMA (Ask Me Anything) series hosted by @sonyalpha on Instagram – we check in with Alpha Collective member Nate Luebbe (@nateinthewild). See some of the highlights below and visit the post for the full AMA. Make sure you’re following @sonyalpha and #CreatorConversations to stay connected.
“Do what you need to stay healthy and sane during one of the most unusual times we've ever seen." – Nate Luebbe #CreatorConversations
“Any tips for those who are just starting photography?” – @lukas.ide
Nate: “Practice, practice, practice. Then review your photos and decide what you do and don’t like. It’s VERY important to take note of what you did right, because you want to push yourself in that direction. Don’t just focus on your mistakes.”
“Is it possible to make a living off of photography? If so, how?” – @christinahuynhphotography
Nate: “I make a living off my photography, so it’s definitely possible! As for how, that’s more of an entire book rather than an Instagram comment, but my main advice would be to diversify your revenue streams. Very hard to get a single avenue to pay ALL the bills, but if your photos are earning money in 3-4 areas then you’re doing great.”
“What lens would you pick for astrophotography? Any tips on getting your focus dialed in for night shooting?” – @wanderinglensphotos
Nate: “The new Sony 20mm f/1.8 is as good as it gets! Focusing at night is hard, but using the focus magnifier is extremely helpful. Also, use the EVF rather than the back LCD because the resolution is higher which should help you fine tune easier.”
“What’s your go-to wildlife lens?” – @avlblakestakes
Nate: “Depends on the animal, but I’m a HUGE fan of the Sony 400mm f/2.8 GM. The Sony 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 GM is a FANTASTIC substitute, as well!
“What’s your favorite snack?” – @peggrammer
Nate: “I’m a sucker for trail mix. LOVE it!”
“What would you say is most important while doing landscape photography?” – @thesunkissedlives
Nate: “Being patient. Sometimes it’ll look like the weather won’t work and then you end up with the best sunset of your life as a surprise! Wait it out - always.”
“What are the most important post processing techniques you use in your photos?” – @craiger902
Nate: “Be careful not to overdo it! Subtlety is key, and be aware of your finished goal before you even start shooting.”
“Do you use only Adobe Lightroom for post-processing, or Photoshop as well for minor tweaks/color corrections? And how much time does it usually take for you to finish processing one RAW photo to its final form?” – @whorohit
Nate: “About 90% Lightroom, 10% Photoshop. Some photos take 30 seconds, some take 30 minutes. It all depends on what we start with and the final goal! I just put a new editing video up on my YouTube if you’d like to see it all the way through.”
See the full AMA here.