Layne Koyle recently won the grand prize in the scenic division of The Herald Journal’s outdoor photo contest with this stunner:
…Which led us to ask him about his other life as a photographer.
“I wouldn’t necessarily consider taking photos to be my other life,” he said. “But for this article we can certainly focus on that.”
Here’s the story of how he got that shot: “When some friends ditched out on taking a hike with me up the Wellsvilles last October, I figured I might as well take advantage of the beautiful fall colors that were already present. When driving by this barn in Mendon and seeing the beautiful mountain backdrop, I braked instantly to snap a shot at it. Even now, I am in awe of the colors that were captured in this photo.”
Q: Why do you take pictures?
A: It makes me happy! I sit at an office computer for most of the day while at work, so I have come to gain an appreciation for the joy that a photo can bring to a person.
Layne took this photo on a hike up Mount Timpanogus.
One of my favorite things to do for holidays or vacations, is to travel to national parks or other scenic sites to see how well I can do on my own at capturing being there. … I like to find a way to capture the moment to the extent that a person becomes speechless!
Q: Do you do anything special to get a good photo?
A: Although I was a photographer on a Jr. High Yearbook staff, and have won various ribbons at county fairs in the landscape divisions, I have never been professionally trained in photography. I like to think I have a good eye for it though. I start out by getting a basic camera without too many functions. Next, I practice taking pictures using all of the different settings. Then I just shoot away. I figure if what I am taking a picture of elicits feelings of awe and wonder inside of me, then it probably will do the same for others.
Mesa Arch, in Canyonlands National Park
Q: What’s the weirdest thing you’ve done to take a picture?
A: There was this one time when I treaded water in Porcupine Reservoir for about 10 minutes so that I could get a decent photo of my friends cliff jumping.
Q: Did you have a waterproof camera?
A: No, I was just using the same camera that I have used for the past 4 years. It is a Kodak easyshare that I bought for about $75 on the day after Thanksgiving in 2008. I just held the camera above my head and treaded water with my feet! … Those photos didn’t turn out as well as I’d hoped, though.
Q: What’s the next step for you and your photography?
A: Thus far I have only used the photos for my own viewing pleasure, or to share with friends via Facebook. After winning the competition, several people have prompted me to turn it into a business by making calendars, Christmas or thank-you cards, wall-portraits, etc.
Layne on the Crimson Trail up Logan Canyon (he had a friend snap the photo).
We’d like to thank Layne for sharing his work with us.
“My other life” is a recurring feature that highlights CPD employees away from their desks. We will return to our regular programming in the fall.
Tags: my other life