Raised in coastal Australia and settled in the mountains of New Zealand at the gates of a national park, landscape photographer Will Patino has been surrounded by natural beauty all his life. However, it wasn’t until he picked up a camera that he began to truly see the beauty all around him.

Now, a decade into a career as a professional photographer, Patino can’t imagine any other way of seeing the world. 

Through the lens, he began noticing things more acutely. This act of noticing proved to be transformational. It led to appreciation, reverence, and opened the gateway to spiritual connection. 

Alpine Parrot Kea; Fiordland, New Zealand. (Photo: William Patino)

The obvious outgrowth of this has been inspired action, to ensure protection of the natural world for generations to come—including for his two young children.

It has also branched into teaching his beloved art of photography, authoring a book on the subject and creating courses to mentor students around the globe.

Kinute recently caught up with Patino, fresh from the field where he'd been teaching, to chat about photo tips, connection to nature, and what a photographer's life is really like. 

Fiordland coast (Photo: William Patino)

Tell us about your relationship with the natural world and how it’s evolved throughout your life.

I grew up in the suburbs on the east coast of Australia which meant I was always close to the ocean, but nature didn't play a huge role in my life. My earliest memory of really connecting with nature was when I visited some local rainforests and waterfalls, around the age of eight. It really left an impression on me, enough so that I can recall the experience all these years later. 

It wasn't until I picked up a camera in my early 20s that I really gained a love and appreciation for the natural world. Photography helped me see the world in a whole new way and I developed a child-like curiosity which drove me to explore and pursue fleeting moments which so easily pass us by if we're not watching and observing.

Fast forward several years and I live with my wife and two young children in a mountainside town in the south island of New Zealand. At the doorstep of Fiordland nature park, we're completely immersed in nature. Photography is my full-time career, where I specialise in teaching and running photography workshops. Light, weather and the natural world is as much a part of me as anything else. It's what I live and breathe and it's hard to comprehend any other way of life.   

Aurora Australis; Fiordland, New Zealand (Photo: William Patino)

Why are you drawn to landscape photography?

I was hooked the very first sunrise I set out to photograph. There were no preconceived expectations but in that moment, looking through the lens as the sun rose above the sea, I felt free and deeply connected with something far greater than anything else I'd experienced. I've since spent thousands of hours and many years pursuing special moments in some incredible places and I still feel that deep reverence and awe out there. I'm simply compelled to do it. I feel it in my chest, it ties in with my faith and I'm just so thankful my images have resonated with people. 

Fiordland seascape (Photo: William Patino)

What power do you believe photographs hold?

In the digital age and with the rise of AI images, I know that people are more skeptical and even somewhat desensitised to photography (and art) but a photograph can still elicit all kinds of emotions for the viewer. It can stir up nostalgia, fond memories or simply cause us to get lost in wonder. I think the most powerful thing is when a photographer looks back at their own photos, because it serves as a time machine to transport us back to the exact moment the image was made. That's one thing I'm so grateful for, it's all the memories I have when I look at my work. Most people get to experience this 'power' when they look back at all the photos in their phone. Photography can't ever be replaced, especially the experience itself which led to the moment being captured. 

Milford Waterfall (Photo: William Patino)

Being a professional photographer sounds like a dream job to many, what are some of the less glamorous aspects of your profession?

There's many avenues you can take to make photography a sustainable career. I really enjoy teaching and taking people out into the landscape, so my business is heavily based around education. I run group and private workshops in NZ and AU, run a Youtube channel, create video tutorials and also sell prints/images. I'm very fortunate that I get to photograph what I like and photography is still an outlet and escape for me. 

Like most full-time creatives and business owners, you really need to be a jack of all trades and you don't necessarily get to spend much time with your craft. I spend a lot of time being in front of the camera making videos, editing video for Youtube or tutorials, emailing, driving, being active on socials and having the pressure of keeping clients safe and happy out in the field for multiple days. Sometimes I feel like I'm doing a thousand things at once and there's no end. Not to mention trying to still have quality time with family and friends. But I certainly can't complain though, I'm really thankful to be able to do this. I have a lot of support from my wife and she really helps with a lot of the admin with the business. I couldn't do this alone. 

Snow covered beech forest; Fiordland, New Zealand (Photo: William Patino)

What is your favorite part of your job?

The rare, powerful moments I get to experience every now and then. The really moving ones where everything aligns and you're out there alone in nature witnessing something very special as the light, atmosphere and landscape all come together and unfold in a glorious symphony. And then, it's gone as fast as it arrived. The other part I really enjoy is seeing my clients light up and be ecstatic when they see some places and sights for the first time. I love being able to relive those moments through their eyes. It means I don't take it for granted. 

Winter in Fiordland (Photo: William Patino)

In your opinion, what elements comprise a perfect shot?

Obviously there is no perfect image but I think there are 4 core components that make a great photo. It's what I call the '4 pillars' of landscape photography; Location, composition, light and post processing. When all 4 of these pillars are at a high calibre, then you will have a great photograph. The finer details of each are completely subjective. 

Breaksea Sound (Photo: William Patino)

What tips can you offer to folks who are getting started?

Spend less time on your screen and as much time as you can outdoors with your camera. Become an observer. Learn from your mistakes and enjoy the process. There's no end goal. Art is limitless and the most important thing is enjoying the journey.   

Milford Sound waterfalls (Photo: William Patino)

What are your thoughts on editing vs. raw images?

Smartphones apply an instantaneous edit to photos, same as cameras that are shooting in jpeg files. The problem though is that these files are compressed and can't be adjusted too heavily. RAW files are like film which need developing. They appear flat and certainly don't match what the eye necessarily saw in the field and certainly will look worse than an image off a smartphone. The benefit of RAW files is having a large amount of data which can then be adjusted in post processing. Common examples would be darkening down a bright sky or revealing shadows in a scene. Of course anything and everything can be done to a file, which is completely subjective, but editing is just about critical when shooting RAW. Personally I like to create images of real locations and try to be tasteful with my processing, maintaining a sense of reality and integrity. 

Water stones Lake TeAnau (Photo: William Patino)

You offer workshops, online tutorials, and have written an ebook on photography, why are you passionate about educating others?

The first time I helped someone with their photography I found it so rewarding. I know what it's like to be confused or struggling to get results you're after, so it's such a privilege to see people have those breakthrough moments and really take their photography and enjoyment for it to another level. Ultimately, photography has changed my life for the better and I want others to also experience this same gift. It really makes you see the world differently.    

Aurora Australis, New Zealand (Photo: William Patino)

When you’re not capturing stellar photographs, what do you love to do outside?

The simple stuff. Hiking, walking the dogs, picnics, lake swims, kayaking, and barbecues. 

You can learn more about Will at his website: williampatino.com