Prepare To Be Blown Away By The Photography Skills Of This 27-Year-Old Software Developer

Some of us are just born creators. The thought of sitting still and binging a Netflix show, while nice in theory, isn't possible in reality. We'd be bored. We'd rather be out and about exploring.

If this description fits your personality, then you'll feel like you already know Austin Cameron. He's a 27-year-old software developer based out of Louisville. When he's not working, electric skateboarding (huh?), and working on his next startup, he's practicing photography. And that's why we reached out to Austin. He is this month's featured Photographer Spotlight.

So, without further adieu, we're gonna hand the mic to Austin.

Cincinnati Refined: What first inspired your interest in photography?

Austin Cameron: As a teenager, I remember I always had to have the latest and greatest camera phone on me at all times. High school photography was one of my favorite classes, but the hobby really became a passion during an RV trip out west with my friend for my birthday. I figured that was the best time to start a “New Year’s Resolution” and challenged myself to post a picture to Instagram every day for a year. At this point, I’m approaching 500 days!

CR: My favorite subject to shoot is _____.

AC: I really dig moody city vibes and long exposures, but my favorite is probably abandoned buildings.

CR: Camera of choice?

AC: My go-to camera the last couple years has been my Canon G7X. It was always super handy, being able to carry the camera on me at all times; and these days, point-and-shoots have some very impressive capabilities. However, just last week I’ve finally upgraded to the Sony A6500. I’m excited to see what it can do.

CR: The one lens you can’t live without is _____.

AC: When I have to travel as light as possible, I’m normally using an 18-200m as my all-purpose lens.

CR: How would you describe your photographic style (i.e. what makes an Austin photo unique)?

AC: I’d have to say just about everything in life is a remix, but I really appreciate attention to detail in the composition, straight lines, specific vivid colors, not too saturated, a soft vignette, and just the right amount of sharpening.

CR: What’s at the top of your photography bucket list?

AC: I have a few abandoned spots on my photo mission to-do list, but the biggest would be a long exposure of San Francisco’s rolling fog over the Golden Gate Bridge. I have been after that shot for a few years now.

CR: You’re based out of Louisville but have been to Cincinnati before. How would you compare the two, from the personal perspective and from the lens of a photographer?

AC: I was born in Louisville; however, I lived in Cincinnati for a year and a half while working out of The Brandery accelerator. They both have gorgeous skylines and numerous bridges to capture. I appreciate Louisville’s vast waterfront, but Cincinnati’s highway layout under the city makes for some fantastic long exposures. Additionally, I love all the vantage points the hills of Cincy have to offer.

CR: Any advice for aspiring photographers?

AC: Consistency. Set specific goals on how often you want to share content, then stick with it. It forces you to explore more, create more, and practice more. Along the way, you normally end up meeting some really cool people.

CR: What are some of your favorite accounts to follow on IG?

AC: A couple of my favorite community accounts are @createcommune and @artofvisuals. While my favorite personal accounts would be @livejn and @michaelste. My favorite Cincy account lately has been @steve_zeinner. Definitely worth a follow.

CR: Motto to live by

AC: Try to create something every day.

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If you're digging Austin's vibe, check out his website and give him a follow on Instagram.