Q: What camera do you use?

A: I shoot primarily with a Nikon D3200.

Q: You excel at landscape photography. Bringing life to a photo devoid of humans can be challenging. How do you know when to push the shutter?

A: Light is everything. You'll notice few great landscape images are taken at midday. To get the really dramatic images, I have to get up early for sunrise, or stick around until sunset. Ideally, there will also be some clouds in the sky. When the right light and sky conditions come together, the resulting landscape images can be magical. That is when I am inspired to push the button.

Q: What draws you to take photographs?

A: A fringe benefit to photography is that it motivates me to get out of my comfort zone. I have gone places I never would have visited were it not for my interest in photography. I find it rewarding when I'm able to work a scene, and to capture it the way I had envisioned. Believe me, it's not as easy as it might look! Another level of enjoyment comes when I'm able to share the images with others.

Kevin Hawkins

Q: What tips would you give striving photographers?

A: Enjoy the process of being outside and communing with nature. Take the time to look around and feel what is there. Sometimes inspiration comes from being in the moment. If you come home with some great images, that will be a bonus. After all, thanks to photography, you've already had a great day.

Q: How often do you travel and do you have a favorite destination?

A: My wife and I typically take four or five trips each year. If the objective is photography, one of my favorite destinations is the southern part of Utah. The red rock, cliffs, slot canyons and national parks are inspirational. In Minnesota, the North Shore of Lake Superior is great any time of the year.