Various artists are driven by a multitude of factors. Through their creation we get a glimpse at their vision, their experiences, and their values. This month we go to Pavia, Italy, and meet Ugo Cei. Ugo is a photographer who combines an eye for the beautiful, a passion for the scene, the light, the moment, and an engineer's dedication to application of technical knowledge. With no further ado, I present to you, the work and words of Ugo Cei.

Nubble Light, Cape Neddick, Maine

Gondola, Venice

Dancers, Bali

How did you get interested in photography?

I like to define myself as an amateur photographer, using the word amateur in its most noble meaning of somebody who just loves what he’s doing. In reality, I am an IT professional whose job tends to send him around the world once in a while. That’s why I sometimes joke that I work during the day in order to be able to take photos at night. I think it was the combination of art and technology inherent in digital photography that attracted me so much to it.

Pura Ulun Danu Bratan, Bali

How long have you been a photographer?

I’d been shooting film since I was a kid, but without really knowing what I was doing and mostly taking family vacation snapshots. I only started getting serious about photography with digital around 2008.

And Then A Miracle Happens

What is your favorite place to photograph? Or subject?

Any place can look beautiful if the light is great. I look for good light, wherever I can find it. I love most of all the blue hour that precedes sunrise and follows sunset. A breathtaking landscape, whether it is natural or man-made. Finally, the small details, the gestures, the expressions of people that define cultures that are foreign to me and that I would love to immerse myself in.
 

Harbor Lights, Boston, MA

A bridge across the sky, Pura Batu Bolong, Bali, Indonesia

How can photographers help change/impact the world, while they are traveling?

I think it would be a good thing if at least one of my photographs helped raise awareness of social or economical issues, but I cannot say I am a socially engaged photographer. Other photographers, like Jeremy Cowart with his Help Portrait project, or Colby Brown through The Giving Lens, are creating something that impacts directly the lives of their subjects. Kudos to them.

Pray. Tirtha Empul, Bali

Are there rules in other countries people need to be aware of about who or what you can or cannot shoot?

A lot and the problem is that, often, law enforcement officials are unaware of our rights as photographers. I would suggest always erring on the safe side and ask permission, if you can. You will be surprised at how much, in most countries, people love to be photographed. It's mostly us in Western Europe who seem to have grown an exaggerated concern for privacy.

Masked, Venice

Only in Haight-Ashbury. San Francisco, California

Any photography tips you want to share?

I still consider myself a newbie, so the idea of providing advice seems a bit strange. I will limit myself to repeating the advice given by a photographer who is much better than me, Ken Kaminesky, and that I quoted in a recent blog post: Go the extra mile!

Sometimes you are tired, the weather is horrible, you are hungry, etc., but if you persevere you might just get that image you were looking for.

The Gods Used To Live Here. Candi Sewu, Prambanan, Indonesia

Portland Bill Lighthouse

Soft

Is there anything else you'd like to share with us?

I remember a story told by the late nature photographer Galen Rowell of how he skipped dinner one evening and ran one mile in order to align a rainbow with the Dalai Lama’s Potala Palace in Lhasa and captured one of his greatest images. Especially in landscape photography, perseverance is the key.

Painted Ladies

Sunrise On The Coast Of The Pine Tree State. Pemaquid Point, Maine

Find me online at:

My website: http://ucphoto.me
My Google+ profile: http://google.com/+UgoCei
My blog: blog.ucphoto.me

Old Harry Rocks, Dorset, UK

Vernazza

Jordan Oram is the Photography Editor for Wandering Educators.

He has a passion for encouraging and empowering others to realize the combinations of their unique passions and strengths. In April of 2012, with $250 to his name, he travelled more than 10,000 km, over 8 months, across Canada and back, to encourage people to rock out their awesomeness. Find him at www.maplemusketeer.com

All photos courtesy and copyright Ugo Cei