Talking Landscape Photography and Waterfalls with Hui Cha Stanek

As long as he's been a writer, William Robert Stanek has been an artist and photographer. For most of his career, his original works of, paintings and fine art photography, were handled by World Galleries and also featured around the world in independently owned galleries and in branded studios. Now, he and his wife regained control over his studio brands, including 360 Studios, 1North Studios, Studio 24 and Robert Stanek Studios, moving to virtual galleries online.

Here's a quick Q&A with Hui Cha Stanek from a past interview about William's Landscape Photography

William’s landscapes, especially his waterfalls, are truly stunning. Few others even come close to his level. What’s your work together like? 

"We’ve worked together so many years," Hui Cha says. "We have a rhythm. It works, but we don’t just show up and start taking pictures. There’s a lot that happens behind the scenes."

You’re talking about planning before you go out to a location? How does that work?

"We pick locations and study the area," Hui Cha says. "Everything is timed so that our arrival is optimal. The right time of day, the right time of year, the right positioning, the right equipment. All of this means that once we go, William can just do his thing."

You’re being modest. You’re always there with William and behind the scenes in the planning. Aren’t you?

"Yes, I am with him," Hui Cha says smiling, "By the time we’re on location though, I tend to stay out of his way and let him do what he needs to do. I’m there to assist when he needs me."

Sometimes things happen on location. You can’t control the weather. Things like that. 

"True," Hui Cha says, "we do our best to optimize travel based on forecasts, but you can’t predict the future. You can’t control traffic, closures and such either."

William’s the guy others try to emulate in their work, especially in landscape photography, even if they don’t realize it. How do you feel about that? 

"William and I have been doing this for thirty years. Our work is everywhere. It’d be disappointing if we weren’t seen as setting the standard others are trying to achieve."

William’s use of natural light always amazes. More amazing, year after year, he does things differently than others, even himself. You’re with him behind the scenes. How does he capture, say a waterfall, in a way no one else has? 

"By thinking differently," Hui Cha says, "by not just showing up, by studying and watching.”

To help everyone understand this, can you give an example? 

“Sure," Hui Cha says. "In Adelboden, William studied the falls from a distance for days before going out to the site, not to mention all the driving we did around the area to get to know the lighting."

And the results are breathtaking... 

"I think they are," Hui Cha says smiling. "You never know what the day will truly bring until you’re there, but sometimes it all comes together just right."

Thank you for talking with us!

"Glad we could. Until next time!"

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Find William's fine art photography and prints from his original oil paintings in the online studios:

360 Studios - https://www.pictorem.com/gallery/360.Studios

1North Studios - https://www.pictorem.com/gallery/1north

Studio 24 - https://www.pictorem.com/gallery/24

Robert Stanek Studios - https://www.pictorem.com/gallery/robert.stanek

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360 Studios is the parent company of 1North Studios, Studio 24, and the creative studios of Robert Stanek. During their decades in operation, their family of galleries represented nearly 100 professional artists and photographers.