Every other Friday in a series called "SmugMug Corner" here on the Corner Blog, we have the chance to meet a popular photographer from SmugMug and check out some of their favorite photographs. Today we meet high-tech Project Manager Ryan Lusher - a fantastic landscape photographer from Arizona by way of the Pacific Northwest.

Name: Ryan Lusher
Website: roadtripphoto.com

Abandoned Car - Vulture Mine, Arizona

Tell us a little about yourself.

My name is Ryan Lusher, 38, and I work in the high tech industry as a Project Manager. I was born and raised in the Pacific Northwest and now reside in the greater Phoenix area. I have been serious about photography for about 10 years, and the majority of my work I have captured on my travels, both domestic and abroad. I love to explore and experience new places, and photography allows me to do that. My passion is landscape photography; I love photographing subjects that have a story and personality.

Assay Office - Jerome, Arizona

Bryce Canyon, Utah

What is your background/training in photography?

My formal training is limited to one black and white class in high school and a couple of small workshops. Most of my knowledge has come from reading books, magazines and practice. If I see a photograph I like, I will investigate the technique used and then go out in the field and practice until I learn it and can incorporate it into my workflow.

Born to be Wild - Jerome, Arizona

How long has photography been a passion for you? When, where and how did it start?

I have been interested in photography since I was 10 years old. I remember reading National Geographic and being fascinated with the photos and the thought of being a photographer in some exotic land and wondering what they must be seeing on their travels. I received my first camera (Pentax ME Super) when I was 13 and I was immediately hooked. I loved how the camera could capture moments of time and I remember taking thousands of pictures but never really understood what was happening inside the camera.

It wasn't until my late 20's until I really started getting into understanding the technical and creative aspects of photography and what makes a good photograph. Since then, photography has been my passion, and brings me great amounts of enjoyment. When I am behind the camera – I can put all my worries behind me.

Stagecoach - Tucson, Arizona

Watson Lake - Prescott, Arizona

What equipment is in your camera bag?

Canon EOS 5D Mark II body, Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 L USM lens, Canon EF 17-40mm f/4.0 L USM lens, Canon EF 24-105mm f/4 L USM lens, Canon EF 100mm f/2.8 USM lens, Canon 85mm f/1.8 USM lens, Canon 12/25mm Extension Tubes, Canon 430EXII Flash, Manfrotto 190CXPRO4 tripod, Canon Remote Switch, various polarized and neutral density filters.

Cape Blanco Lighthouse - Port Orford, Oregon

What are your favorite places/subjects to photograph? Why?

I love capturing history. Photography has taught me to look at things differently. Before I started making pictures, I never cared about the texture of the peeling paint on an old truck or the way the sun reflects through an old bottle in a window. When I photograph an old ghost town or an old car in the desert, I am not only challenged by how I can capture its essence, but also learn about who lived in that town 100 years ago or who drove that car out in the desert and walked away – I love that!

Milk

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Who are your biggest photographic influences? Why? What about their work influences your work?

Ansel Adams was my first real exposure to dramatic landscape photography and what can be done with a camera. Since then, most of my ideas come from what I see from fellow photographers in galleries and on the Internet. Sometimes I see a location or a technique that someone is using and I practice it and try to use it in my own creative way.

Lower Antelope Canyon - Page, Arizona

How long have you been Smug with your photographs? What features do you most enjoy with your SmugMug account?

I have been a SmugMug customer for a little over a year now, and love the service. I needed a simple way to create a full turnkey webpage and SmugMug made that easy. I am also impressed how SmugMug is always making improvements to their services and features.

Old Typerwrite - Jerome, Arizona

Route 66 - Truxton, Arizona

If you had do sum up in 50 words or less the impact SmugMug has made on your photography/photography business, those 50 words would be...

SmugMug has given me the tools to easily transform my photographs from my hard drive to a webpage where I can share them with the world.

Smile - Jerome, Arizona

If you had to give one piece of advice to those wanting to pursue photography, what would you tell them?

Photograph what you love and what you are passionate about. Photography is not just about clicking the shutter and capturing an image, it's about exploring new places, meeting new people and learning new things. Enjoy the journey!

Butterfly - Tucson Arizona

Great Horned Owl - Flagstaff, Arizona