Hi I’m Angela!

I had played around with cameras and photography since my photo class in high school and I thought to myself, “I think it’s time to get more serious about this. The only thing that I have ever been really passionate about in life is photography… why am I not doing that RIGHT NOW?”

How did you get started in photography?

So, July 2008 I bought my first DSLR, a Nikon D80. I felt a little overwhelmed, not knowing all the buttons and functions, but so excited for what lied ahead of me. I thought about all the places I wanted to go to practice and so thrilled that I was actually taking my first steps towards a photo career. From 2008-2010, I started learning a lot more about the principles and practices of photography, finding photographers I liked, and looking at as many images as I could in one day. I tried out many projects such as portraits and chameleon photography (see what I’m talking about here), but it wasn’t until March of 2010 that I discovered what really excited me, HDR photography.

Why HDR?

To me, High Dynamic Range (HDR) puts it all on display. There are many details and colors that our eyes can see, but the camera is not able to pick up. HDR truly brings images to life. I enjoy people looking at my photos and saying “WOAH! That looks almost 3-D!” I think I began to excel at photography when I started to blog every weekday in January 2011. The regular blog posts forced me to practice a lot more and also build my name as an HDR photographer.

It was in 2008 that I decided to dedicate my life to photography. I feel like I was brought to this world to make beautiful images and to make people feel happy when they see them. I can’t think of anything better in the world than experiencing life and capturing those moments with my camera!

How long have you been doing what you do and how did you get to be a travel photographer?

I’ve been in love with photography since high school. It all started in my photo class where I’d always be the last person to leave the dark room and I’d stay after school longer than the teacher. I don’t know how it happened, but from the very beginning, I was immediately hooked.

After looking at all kinds of photography, I found that landscape and nature were the subjects that moved me the most. In 2010, I decided to concentrate the bulk of my photo efforts on travel photography to show people the two main things I love to do in life: explore new places and capture memories.

Tell me about your process…

Well, a lot more work goes into it photography than you may think. Long story short, the work actually starts at least a day ahead of time. I am constantly checking the weather to find ideal photo conditions and best time of day to shoot. Then, I research the places that I want to shoot, try to figure out the images that I would definitely want to capture, and the most interesting views of the place… all from the comfort of my computer. I always plan to show up early to give myself the most time possible, more than I think it will take than my initial expectation. Sometimes, I find myself waiting outside for at least 2 hours to get the perfect lighting. Braving mosquitoes, dangerous waterfalls, or a sore back from carrying around camera equipment, I am determined to get my shot every time, although this does not happen every time. It gets pretty disappointing when I don’t get the shot I’m hoping for (whether it’s due to inclement weather or my own inabilities). This only makes me work harder at what I’m doing and never stop trying to improve my photography skills.

How are you different from other “artists”?

I honestly love what I do. How many people can say that about their job? But I adore photography. I love showing my art to people and being proud of what I accomplish. I think people can see this sentiment in my images. The fact that I can maintain a blog every weekday and post a new image is representative of my passion. It takes a lot of time and energy to come up with interesting images every day, which a lot of times makes me lead a very unexpected, kind of dreamlike life. I’m just glad you all appreciate them. Seriously, I can’t imagine doing anything else for the rest of my life and I have all of you to thank for supporting me.

Why should I buy your art? How will it enhance my life?

It has been said that people feel happier and more productive when they are in a room that is well-decorated. When you look at the art displayed on your wall, the images will provoke the same emotions you felt at the time you bought it. The art can help you create a happier and more peaceful life.

Still not convinced? Check out previous client testimonials

Other than photography, what else do you like to do?

That question took a little while for me to come up with an answer for. Although I love it, it seems as though I spend most of my time working on photography. When I’m not taking pictures, I love to try new things. That’s probably the reason why I love traveling and visiting new places so much. In 2008, my boyfriend, Andrew and I became certified scuba divers. We try to take a trip at least once a year to a dive destination. It’s like a whole new world underwater. What I really want is to get an underwater casing with strobes attached and take some real underwater images. (There I go talking about photography again!)

I also have the best dog in the whole world; his name is Frankenstein but Frankie for short. Everybody may say that about their dog, but honestly, he is so well behaved and cute! Everyone who meets him loves him. He has his own blog too.  I told you he’s the cutest…

Any suggestions on how best to frame my image?

I always suggest getting a mat to fit around the image. This will make your image pop. Other than that, the frame you choose is really based on your individual preferences. You may want to match it with a room’s décor, or with the image itself. But remember, art is an investment. You won’t be doing your image any justice with a cheaply priced and looking frame.

What does ‘limited edition’ mean?

Limited edition means I only print 250 copies of that image. Once I have sold all 250, it will no longer be available for purchase.

I really like your images; can I use them in my blog?

For non-commercial purposes, yes, please feel free to do so. I follow a creative commons policy, which means that you may use, share, or copy any of images with attribution to Angela B. Pan Photography and a link back to my site, www.abpan.com
* If you’d like to an image for profit, please contact me directly at angela.b.pan@abpan.com for further assistance.

What kind of camera do you use? What about lenses?

Since acquiring my Nikon D80, I’ve switched to a full format camera and can officially say that I’m a Canon girl
* Canon 5d Mark ii
* 17-40mm f4 (Wide angle, great for landscapes)
* 100m Macro (Macro photography such as flowers or insects)
* 50mm f1.8 (Great portrait lens)
* 24-105mm f4 (All purpose lens)

Ok Angela, all of this was so great, but I still have a few more questions. Can I please contact you?

OF COURSE! I appreciate all comments and questions. It really makes me excited to “meet” the people who are looking at my work. I’d love nothing more than to hear from you. My email address is angela.b.pan@abpan.com. Or you can tweet me at @abpanphoto.
*For business inquiries, please contact me at (703) 509-9996

Awards and Publications

• JPG Magazine
• FamousDC
• 365 Things to Do in DC
• HDR Spotting
• Washington Post Blog: State of NoVA
• Washington Flyer’s Top 100 Best Travel Blogs
• Travel Channel’s Best Fall Foliage