Interview with Alicia Liebel-Berg from United States

I didn't study photography, formally. Instead my study has been practice, lots and lots of practice.

The first one I treasured was a photo of my baby brother on a wooden dock at our family lake cabin.

A Nikon D780. I have multiple lenses but my favorite are my Tampon prime lenses: 90mm for macro, the 35mm for everyday use and the 50mm for portraits.

The encouragement from others to keep on shooting and keep developing my craft.

Telling the story of life at scales that some would miss on any given moment. Zooming in on something small or highlighting the details of an activity. Unscripted, I let my voice display its strength on the initial capture. They are viewpoints that hold focus on unique features, layers, and texture. My artistic touch is subtle in post-production using balanced adjustments to elevate the image.

Color.Scale.Layered.

It is always an honor to have your work recognized and appreciated.

I am an owner's representative for a Development firm in Minneapolis. I spend a lot of time on construction sites and enjoy the many details and material textures that they provide. On this particular day, I asked for permission to climb the 131 feet on the construction crane to see the work going on below. It was the last nice day before winter set in, it was now or never.

There was so much activity going on with the trades as they shaped the rebar tensile grid and ties for the post-tensioned concrete structural pour. The layers of material, the bright colors and the lines that intersect, gave this composition an interest that could hold ones attention and let them see something new each time they saw it.

Leaving the scaffolding for the crane was also intentional as I didn't want the photo to be mistaken as being taken by a drone. I chose to enter this image because of its unique perspective. It isn't often that construction sites are documented or are considered worthy of fine art.

Winning awards has launched my photography from digital representation and social media to fine art prints and the invitation to present at art galleries.

Zack Jokela out of Billings Montana.Sarah Cornish out of Fort Collins Colorado.Miriam Hancock from New Zealand.

To photograph, as often as possible. The more you photograph, the more your skills will improve. Practice, practice, practice. Always keep practicing.

To avoid comparing yourself to others, view other photographs as inspiration but do not let the comparison keep you from finding your creative spark.

I keep my creativity active by joining in creative challenges on Instagram. These groups help keep me motivated and their prompts encourage me to take photos of colors, objects and compositions that I wouldn't have considered otherwise. It's good to stretch your comfort zone.

Without challenges, one cannot learn and grow or continue to develop. Without refinement and evaluation, there cannot be growth.