(Matt Drzik/Beaver County Radio)

“I want to show the beauty for what we have around Beaver County and in the Tri-State area.”

Since entering Beaver County in the early 2020s, Emmanuel Panagiotakas has done just that. The owner and lead photographer of Emmanuel Fine Art Photography in Beaver has taken photos of nature and cityscape throughout Beaver County following years of doing so in the Pittsburgh region. The Greece native joined Matt Drzik on the November 21 edition of A.M. Beaver County to talk about his journey to Beaver County and some key tips to wintertime (and anytime) photography.

“Number one: you have to understand how light works,” Emmanuel spoke. “It is the time of day where the light’s for you to see it better in your pictures. The outside light is too much with the light bulb light–you know, that artificial light.” Emmanuel defines artificial light as any light that isn’t ambient, and also speaks of “light pollution” that can corrupt the purity of the image the photographer desires.

Another key component to photography: stability. “This is one of the best tips I’m going to give you: use a tripod if you use a DSLR (Digital Single-Lens Reflex),” he added. “If you don’t, use your iPhone or another phone…I know my iPhone, it will stay still for a second and after a second I can absorb even if have enough light. I think it’s a pretty good way to go with an iPhone too.” Emmanuel also suggests planning out and timing shoots of 10-15 minutes on one particular shot, and learning from your mistakes and trying again if a shoot doesn’t get the best shot.

Along with his website, (link above), Emmanuel’s works and updates can be found on his Facebook page and his Instagram profile. For the full interview with Emmanuel Panagiotakas, click on the Facebook feed below!