We are so excited to welcome Derrick Kosea (Ko-say) to the 3LT Pro Team, and we can't wait for you all to meet him and see his incredible talents. So without further ado — meet Derrick!
My name is Derrick Kosea (pronounced Ko-say), and I am a husband, engineer, landscape photographer, and a member of the Navajo Nation.I call northwest New Mexico home, where I am fortunate to live close to the Four Corners region. For the past seven years, I have been capturing the beauty of the Southwest through landscape photography.
My passion for photography has taken me across the vast and diverse landscapes of the Navajo Nation, which spans New Mexico, Arizona, and Utah, as well as into the mountains and deserts of nearby Colorado. Whether I'm hiking remote trails, camping under dark skies, running through scenic landscapes, or exploring new places with my wife, I am constantly inspired by the natural beauty that surrounds me.
Living near the Four Corners region provides endless opportunities to experience some of the most breathtaking scenery in the American Southwest. From towering sandstone formations and sweeping desert vistas to alpine peaks and vibrant night skies, each location offers something unique. Through my photography, I strive to share these incredible landscapes with people around the world and inspire a deeper appreciation for the places I am fortunate to call home.
Was there a single event that made you decide to become a professional photographer?
- I would always use my phone to capture photos of random things here and there. I went on a trip to Denver, CO with my sister and brother-in-law back in 2019 with my first official DSLR camera. On that trip I captured photos of the drive through the mountains and in the city. I was intrigued by learning all the manual settings and understanding how the camera works. Since then, I am still learning while focusing on landscape photography, hiking, and outdoors. I enjoy capturing moments in time that show the beauty of my homeland and being able to share that with others.
What is your favourite location to capture?
- My favourite location to capture is my homeland around the Navajo Nation. From Shiprock to Monument Valley and Canyon de Chelly, everywhere in between is truly special.
Social media – love it or hate it?
- Love it for the ability to reach others from the photog community across the globe.
Favourite camera you have ever used or owned, and why?
- My Sony a7IV. It’s been my work horse for the past couple of years and great hybrid camera. I’ve been diving into short landscape hiking viewpoints lately and this camera functions so well.
What’s in your kit bag?
- My Sony a7IV, 16mm f1.8 GM, 24-70mm f2.8 GM I, 70-200mm f2.8 GM II, and if needed 200-600mm f5.6 GM. Of course, my 3LT Winston 2.0, AirHed Pro ball head, and the ALFIE dedicated L-Bracket. Along with microfiber cloth, SD cards, and small tools for my tripod gear.
Name 5 essential items in your photography bag.
- Aside from my camera and tripod? I say multiple SD cards, battery pack, lens cloth, tools, and headlamp.
Are there any strange/unusual items in your photo bag? Household bits?
- Gum and caffeine pills
How would you describe your style of photography?
- Fine art landscape, astro, and hiking.
What is one thing you have learnt over the past year?
- I am continuously learning and asking questions. I attend fine art markets, and I enjoy being able to talk with other photographers there. I learn a lot from them and appreciate the advice they all give me.
What is your earliest memory of handling a camera?
- I remember as a kid we use to travel places with my family and my mom use to bring those Kodak disposable cameras with us. It was fun capturing different photos and then getting them developed not knowing how they would come out, but we would always enjoy the surprise of not knowing and even laugh at some of the outcomes.
If you hadn’t got into photography, what do you think you’d be doing now?
- I’m currently in school majoring in engineering. I enjoy problem solving and curious about how things work/function. So maybe something in the engineering field but I still do want to explore that once I graduate from college.
What is one question you’d like to be asked and never have been?
- How would you like to do landscape photography full-time?
What is the most random fact you know/love?
- A single teaspoon of a neutron star weighs about 10 million tons, which is roughly the combined weight of all the humans on Earth.
