Recently, a few of our Tahoe BP 150 backpacks traveled from our headquarters in Northern California to the University of Southern California (and beyond) to hang out with aspiring photographers. Check out photos from their journey below – and notes from friends they made along the way – below!
Photo by Fah Aramthanopon
Fah Aramthanapon
My name is Fah Aramthanapon and I am a Communication major and International Relations minor at the University of Southern California. I enjoy exploring underrated locations in the city while capturing spontaneous moments of people going about their everyday lives. I would describe my photography style as lifelike and expressive.
Photo by Fah Aramthanopon
I like to focus mostly on lifestyle shots in a café or a nearby park, as well as everyday encounters from different cities I travel to. Whenever I take photos, I would like them to resonate with my viewers. While breathtaking, photogenic sceneries never fail to impress me, I am more interested in transforming simple locations and subject matter into meaningful photos. I find that most of my favorite photos are from times when I least expected them to happen, which is why I always remind myself to carry my camera around with me.
Photo by Fah Aramthanopon
Whenever I travel, I usually carry a Canon 70D along with my 11-16mm 2.8 for landscape shots and 35mm 1.4 for portraitures and close-up shots. For a more casual outing, I carry my Sony A6000 mirrorless with me and a 50 1.8 for portraitures and detail shots.
To see more of my work, visit my website at www.fahtagraphy.weebly.com or follow my instagram @fah_ara
Photo by Fah Aramthanopon
Photo by Fah Aramthanopon
Allen Huang
My name is Allen Huang. I’ve been shooting for about 8 months now, and I haven’t developed a favorite subject matter to shoot. I find that my photography tends to be more moody and candid. I really like to capture moments when I’m shooting my friends, and when I’m browsing Instagram. Those shadowy pictures always catch my eye.
Photo by Allen Huang
I think the darkness of the photo gives it a mysterious feel, which means I can make up my own narrative behind the shot. That’s probably the biggest thing for me; I always want my photos to tell a story because when a still image can express more than what’s in the frame, that’s when you’ve really stretched your camera to its limits.
Photo by Allen Huang
As for my gear, I shoot with a Sony a6000. It’s a tiny little thing, but it gets every shot that I can imagine in my head. I can throw it in my backpack whenever I go out, and it barely adds any weight or space.
Photo by Allen Huang
I tend to find myself using my 50/1.8 because I love the extra depth of field I can get over my 30/2.8, but the 30 is always nice to have when I want to capture more of the environment. Those two lenses always stay in my bag along with extra batteries, a charger for my phone, and my cleaning supplies.
My Instagram: @a3shoots
Model: @emmafowler_
Shoutout: @uscphotoclub for making this possible!
Photo by Allen Huang
Joe Goldberg
Photo by Joe Goldberg
Photo by Joe Goldberg
Kira Emborg
My name is Kira Emborg, I live in Bozeman, Montana. As a young photographer, my style can only really relate to that of cognitive dissonance; always growing and evolving into something totally new. I crave warm light, the glimmer of snow, and faces that tell stories.
Since I mainly shoot portraits, my bag is made up of two small parts: the problem-solvers and my gear. I shoot with Nikon cameras, a D5500 and a D610. In my small collection of lenses I have a NIKKOR 50mm f/1.4, a SIGMA 24-70mm f/2.8 and a telephoto kit lens.
Photo by Kira Emborg
When it comes to problem solvers, I have a few things that each serve an important purpose! Clear suckers for the restless kiddos, safety pins for quick wardrobe adjustments, extra hand wipes and a small first-aid kit are all of the things I need to be successful when on commercial shoots, without weighing myself down.
Photo by Kira Emborg
I think paying attention to past “road blocks” is what makes my setup so unique. It took a few temper tantrums from toddlers to realize that a little corn syrup goes a long way, and one too many impromptu dress hems to realize that safety pins are a must. The ability to easily adapt is a crucial skill as a photographer, and is an integral part of my checklist for the perfect photo!
Photo by Kira Emborg
Jordan Kanes
Photo by Jordan Kanes
Photo by Jordan Kanes
Photo by Jordan Kanes
Photo by Jordan Kanes
Scott Valena
My name is Scott Valena. I am from Chicago, IL and am a sophomore a USC, studying Human Biology and Music Production. I have 6 years photography experience. If I had to pick one word to describe my photography style, I’d choose “mercurial.”
Photo by Scott Valena
Even though I’ve been into photography ever since my family first bought a Nikon D7000 and a 50mm f/1.4 during my first year of high school, I still don’t really have a defined style of shooting. But I think that’s not necessarily a bad thing because it allows me to break out of my comfort zone and explore new ideas and techniques.
Photo by Scott Valena
I’m a very “go with the flow” kind of guy, and no matter what type of photo I’m taking, be it a portrait or a landscape shot, I always try to approach the same scene from different angles and see where the most interesting shots could be hidden.
When it comes to post-processing, I really like looking at the raw file and letting the “feel” of the photo decide how I want to color grade and stylize the photo. For example, when I shoot on really overcast and gloomy looking days, I tend to go for a more desaturated or even black and white aesthetic.
Photo by Scott Valena
On the other hand, if I’m shooting on a gorgeous day, I really like making colors pop out when I’m editing.
Photo by Scott Valena
At the end of the day, I try not to impose my “style” on the photos I take. Instead, I let the feel of my photos influence my creativity and my imagination.
Facebook: Scott Valena Photography
Instagram: @scottvalena
Website: www.scottvalena.com
Photo by Scott Valena
Photo by Scott Valena
Trevor Sochocki
My name is Trevor Sochocki. When I began taking photos, I thought it would just be a fad, something I would be interested in for a few months then slowly give up. Little did I know that years later I would be here. Thus, my style has had years to develop.
Photo by Trevor Sochocki
I still am not really sure about what I like to shoot, since I take a lot of portraits for my business, sports for the school paper, and landscapes for my portfolio when I travel. I always enjoy a good matte on a photo, and a little bit of clarity in a sports photo or intense portrait. I wouldn’t say this is the endgame though, since every time I explore other photographers’ portfolios, I’m always finding inspiration.
Although I’ve always been about capturing the moment, I do need quality gear to do that with. I’m an avid Canon user, with a 6D and five different lenses. I always trust Manfrotto with my tripod or monopod needs, and I always look to Lowepro for my bag.
Photo by Trevor Sochocki
I currently have the ProTactic 450 AW when I’m going out on a serious shoot and need all my gear and more, and the RidgeLine Pro BP 300 AW for everyday school use. I think my favorite part of both bags is the weatherproof covering. Many times I’ve been shooting or had to walk in the rain and those coverings have saved my gear.
