Klaus Priebe is a Colorado native and a Santa Fe, New Mexico, resident, but Arizona has a place in his heart. If you've been following our annual photo contest, you already know that: Three of Priebe's photographs are finalists in the competition. We spoke with Priebe to learn more about him, how he got started and why he enjoys being behind the lens. Photo contest winners will be announced soon!
How do you feel about being a finalist in the contest?
It’s exciting as heck. I love shooting and enjoying the outdoors. But when someone recognizes your work, it brings a little bit of happiness to my hard work. I can’t describe the feeling; there’s so many emotions running through my body and mind, and it’s like, "Wow, this is incredible."
Why do you enjoy shooting in Arizona?
I just love Arizona. From north to south and east to west, there is beauty everywhere. You’ve got the Grand Canyon, the Red Rock Country, the mountains, the desert and everything in between. I just love to go out, explore and take photographs — it captured my heart. I spend as much time as I can there, and one of these days, I hope to live there.
Where are you from originally?
I was born and raised in a little cowtown in Northern Colorado called Greeley. I would spend most of my time in the mountains, just wandering around. Being in Colorado is what sparked my interest in photography.
What inspired you to become a photographer?
Growing up, I lived across the street from newspaper photographer Paul Maloney. He was my mentor and inspired me to do photography. My grandfather bought me a 35 mm camera, and Paul taught me how to use it. He took me out shooting with him, taught me how to work in a darkroom, and that’s where it all started.
Then, in my early teens, I used to make my parents take me to the Denver Art Museum so I could look at Ansel Adams' work. I would look at his photographs and just be awed by it — his beautiful black-and-white photography. I just thought to myself, "I really want to do this. I really want to experience these places and capture images like that." I got myself a 4x5 film camera and used to go straight into the mountains and shoot black-and-white photos to try and be like Ansel Adams. His work is what fueled the fire.
Aside from landscapes, what other subjects do you enjoy shooting?
I do a lot of portraits. I don’t really put them out anywhere, but I do enjoy photographing people and doing street photography. Mr. Maloney is who really got me started with portraits. People are such one-of-a-kind things. We’re all our own person and we have own identity, and I love capturing that, especially older [Native Americans]. Their faces have such a story. I see into their eyes, and I feel like I can see into their soul. It enriches me as a person. But my love is in the landscapes. Just being a part of God’s creation — you can’t beat it. There’s nothing else like it, and I wouldn’t trade it for anything.
What is the best advice you can give to aspiring photographers?
Do what you love. Don’t worry about what anybody says or thinks. Just go out, have fun with it and enjoy yourself. For me, I love going out and capturing that beauty. It’s always fun and always an adventure.
— Brianna Cossavella