Through his lens, Martynas captures the essence of diverse landscapes, vibrant cultures, and compelling human stories. In his article, we learn about his journey and lessons that helped him perfect his work, as well as his plans for the near and far future. We also get to know more about Lithuania, his homeland.
My passion for travel and photography has roots in my lifelong attraction to the Arts. Growing up, I was always drawn to creative pursuits, initially expressing this through music. However, recognizing the challenges of a musician’s career, I pursued a degree in Economics, which ultimately led me to the restaurant business. This detour was serendipitous, as it unveiled another latent passion of mine: cooking. It was the aesthetics of food that sparked my interest in photography.
I started dabbling in food photography using a Fujifilm X-A2, trying to replicate the captivating images I admired on Instagram. I soon realized the secret behind these striking pictures was the artful manipulation of light. This realization prompted a dedicated study of professional photography, with countless hours spent poring over courses and practicing my craft. For two years, I was so engrossed in learning that I sometimes forgot my primary role as a restaurant owner. But this intense period of study was instrumental in shaping the photographer I am today.
As my confidence and curiosity grew, I wanted to extend my photographic exploration beyond food. This led me to discover the captivating world of travel and nature photography. This genre allows me to escape the city’s hustle and bustle, immersing myself in the enchanting serenity of the natural world. There’s something truly magical about waiting for the perfect shot as the sun begins to rise, the birds start to chirp, and nature awakens with its unique symphony of sounds. These moments are addictive and deeply fulfilling, and I firmly believe everyone should experience such a connection with nature, camera in hand or not.
Some of the most awe-inspiring moments in my photography journey have been born out of serendipity, especially during my adventures with drone photography. The thrill of piloting a drone, watching it as it soars above breathtaking landscapes, is an exhilarating experience in itself. Yet, it’s the unexpected moments that truly etch themselves into my memory. One such instance that stands out is when I was capturing a meticulously planned shot, my drone hovering above a pristine lake at sunrise. Just as I was about to take the shot, a flock of birds burst from the tree line, their silhouettes perfectly framed against the golden sky. They added an unforeseen, but utterly magical element to the scene, elevating the image beyond what I had initially envisioned.
It’s moments like these that remind me of the dual role we play as photographers. We are both meticulous planners, with pre-visualized images and carefully coordinated shots, and spontaneous artists, ready to adapt and find beauty in the unexpected. These experiences have not only enriched my portfolio but have also shaped my approach to photography and life, teaching me to value the balance between planning and spontaneity.
My pursuit of travel photography is also fueled by an intimate understanding of the need for solitude amidst the whirlwind of life. As a dedicated family man, I deeply cherish the time spent with my loved ones. However, I’ve also learned to appreciate the value of personal space and self-reflection.
Every year, or at the very least every year and a half, I set out on a journey of self-discovery, exploring the unspoiled corners of the world. These expeditions are not just geographical, but emotional and spiritual journeys that offer a chance to reconnect with myself while capturing the raw beauty of nature.
Imagine closing your eyes and listening to the whispered tales of nature or waking up surrounded by towering peaks, their sheer beauty washing away all worldly concerns. These experiences have been instrumental in deepening my love for nature photography. For me, shooting in nature is akin to scaling a towering peak. It’s a journey that not only satisfies my artistic desires but also serves as a form of meditation, allowing me to reset, recharge, and emerge with a renewed sense of purpose.
It’s been an incredible six-year journey so far, and I still find it surreal that I get to call this passion of mine my profession. Photography is no longer just a hobby; it’s an integral part of my life, as cherished and constant as a lifelong companion. It’s taught me several life lessons I benefit from every single day:
My journey in photography has reiterated the age-old wisdom that mastery demands patience and practice. I often receive messages from budding photographers asking about the secret behind my skills. I always emphasize that my proficiency is not a product of luck or innate talent, but the result of countless hours spent behind the lens. So, my advice to newcomers is simple – practice, practice, and practice some more. The journey may be demanding, but the growth and gratification you experience are worth every effort.
A common misconception I’ve encountered, and one I held myself initially, is that a professional camera guarantees remarkable photos. In reality, an adept photographer can work wonders even with a basic camera or a smartphone. A good camera doesn’t make a good photographer – the skill and vision behind the lens do. So don’t rush into hefty investments when starting your photography journey.
Photography is a shared journey, a collective pursuit of capturing the world’s beauty. I encourage every photographer to follow and interact with their peers. Attend meetups, join photography trips, and be an active participant in the community. Most photographers are generous with their knowledge and will offer tips and tricks that can drastically improve your work. Sharing your insights and learning from others is part of the beauty of photography. There’s nothing more rewarding than helping a fellow photographer capture that perfect shot, one they’re so proud of, they could hang it on their wall.
Understanding the dynamics of light – how it moves, how it can be softened or enhanced, and the optimal timing for different shots – has been instrumental in elevating my work. Light is the lifeblood of photography, and mastering its manipulation is crucial to capturing compelling images.
One image that resonates deeply with me, and where light played a key role, is a photograph captured close to my hometown of Šiauliai, in the serene Kurtuvenai Regional Park. Despite its location in Lithuania, this photo has an unmistakable American feel to it, a quality that I find particularly enchanting. I’ve always been captivated by the grandeur and diversity of the American landscape. Living in Lithuania, a small Baltic state, the USA feels like a distant dream, a sentiment shared by many here, much like Americans yearning to explore the rich history and culture of Europe.
The picture captures the ethereal beauty of the blue hour, that magical period just after sunset when the sky is painted in varying shades of blue. The scene almost feels like a movie set, with a moody forest backdrop and an American pickup truck emerging from the trees, its headlights casting long beams of light that dance on the quiet road.
This shot wasn’t the product of chance but rather the result of careful planning and patience. I had visualized the image in my mind, a picture that would showcase Lithuania in a different light, triggering surprise and curiosity. I knew I wanted a vehicle with prominent headlights to create a cinematic effect. Therefore, I positioned myself on a semi-empty road during the blue hour, ready to capture the moment when the right vehicle appeared. The anticipation was intense, and I could have waited for hours, my drone hovering above, ready to immortalize the scene. The result was an image that not only fulfilled my artistic vision but also brought a piece of my American dream to my Lithuanian homeland.
Lithuania is very photogenic; it is a tapestry of vibrant seasons, each with its unique charm. Autumn sets the landscape ablaze with its color palette, where leaves transition from verdant green to a spectacle of russet hues. Winter drapes the countryside in a pristine blanket of snow, lending a serene, sometimes frosty -24 degrees Celsius atmosphere that’s perfect for capturing stunning nature shots. Spring signals rebirth, the meadows reawakening in a burst of green, dotted with wild creatures stirring from their winter slumber. Summer bathes the landscape in a warm, golden glow, casting long, dreamy shadows that make for captivating evening photos.
Though we lack towering mountains, Lithuania is graced with an abundance of lush greenery, mirrored in my photography. Our country has stunning lakes encircled by verdant forests, and as summer gives way to autumn, the morning fog lends an ethereal quality to these natural gems.
Lithuania is also a tableau of quaint villages, expansive meadows, and seemingly infinite plains. Our coastline is embraced by the Baltic Sea, and the Curonian Spit—a unique feature with historical significance dating back to the Crusaders’ scripts of 1385—adds a maritime charm. In addition, from the smallest creatures to the more formidable predators, Lithuania is home to diverse wildlife, adding to the richness of our natural landscapes. Finally, our history, while marked by trials, has shaped us into a resilient, vibrant country. Lithuania is not just a haven for photographers like me, but also a welcoming destination for creatives worldwide. Its unique blend of natural beauty, history, and culture makes it a place truly worth visiting at least once in a lifetime.
To narrow down my favorite photography spots, my top three would be:
1) Nida in the Curonian Spit: Nestled on the narrow strip of land between the Baltic Sea and the Curonian Lagoon, Nida is a place of unparalleled beauty. From its iconic lighthouse offering panoramic views, to the immense dunes that change their shape with the wind, every frame captured here tells a unique story.
2) Veisiejai Regional Park: The tranquility of Veisiejai Regional Park, with its myriad of lakes reflecting the sky above, is a sight to behold. The park’s undulating landscape, punctuated with charming villages and historical monuments, provides a wonderful setting for both landscape and cultural photography.
3) Labanoras Regional Park: This is Lithuania’s largest regional park and a paradise for nature lovers. It boasts a mosaic of forests, lakes, and peatlands, offering an array of captivating backdrops for photography. The diversity of plant and animal life further enriches the photographic potential of this location.
The magic of photography doesn’t end when the shutter closes at a great location. A large part of my artistic process comes alive during the editing phase. My goal is always to create an image that feels both cinematic and dreamy, yet retains its natural essence. One of my favorite examples of this approach is a photograph I took in my number 3 location, Labanoras Regional Park, Lithuania, at sundown. The setting sun on the left cast a dreamy glow that I knew would translate beautifully in post-processing.
Here’s a step-by-step breakdown of my editing process for this image:
1) Cropping: I began by refining the composition using the crop tool, creating a more balanced and polished frame.
2) Basic Adjustments: I then moved on to basic adjustments like exposure, contrast, highlights, and shadows, carefully tuning the whites and blacks. I typically reduce the saturation a bit to ensure the final image doesn’t appear overly vibrant. All this while, I kept a close eye on the histogram to make sure the image retained a balanced contrast and wasn’t overly bright or dark.
3) White Balance: An important yet often overlooked element, white balance can greatly influence the mood of the photo. I usually set it to ‘Auto’ during the shoot and maintain the same in Lightroom. If I’m not satisfied with the result, I manually adjust it to achieve the desired effect.
4) Tone Curve: To add depth and dimension to the image, I work on the tone curve, usually aiming to achieve an ‘S’ curve. This involves enhancing the shadows (which lend softness and dreaminess to the image) and slightly reducing highlights.
5) Color Grading: Given the nature-centric theme of my work, greens, and yellows are dominant in my photos. I focus on these hues during color grading, adjusting their saturation, brightness, and tone to create a unique aesthetic.
6) Spot Removal: I also take the time to remove any unwanted elements that might distract from the main subject of the image.
7) Masking: I often use masking techniques to selectively enhance certain parts of the image. Especially for the sky or light source (like the sun), I reduce clarity to diffuse the light and apply a dehaze effect within the mask to simulate a foggy atmosphere, thus creating a dreamy ambiance.
Each of these steps helps me transform a raw image into a dreamy yet natural representation of the scene. The key, I believe, lies in striking the right balance between basic corrections, tone curve adjustments, and color grading to craft a style that’s true to the natural world, yet bears the unique imprint of my artistic vision. Instead of overly vibrant, “sweet-looking” images, I aim for a more subdued, realistic color palette that mirrors the true essence of the landscapes I capture.
Every image I create holds a special place in my heart, as they are all fragments of moments and emotions, witnessed and immortalized through my lens. However, if I have to single out one category as my favorite, it would undoubtedly be the photographs featuring my wife.
There’s an indefinable aura of intimacy and authenticity in those images that transcends the usual aesthetics of photography. Perhaps it’s because she is my constant companion, my partner in life, and my favorite travel buddy. Her presence adds a special dimension to my work, a personal touch that makes those images much more than just beautiful landscapes or nature scenes. She doesn’t just add a human element to my frames but also brings a unique narrative into them. Our shared experiences, the adventures, and the quiet moments we’ve spent together in those places, all seep into the frames, making them an extension of our journey. And what makes it even more rewarding is that she loves being part of this process, engaging with the surroundings as I frame my shots.
Despite this personal preference, I must say that every photograph I create is a labor of love. They are all manifestations of my passion for photography and my dedication to the craft. From conceptualizing the idea, scouting the location, and waiting for the perfect light, to the final edits, I put my heart and soul into each one of them. It’s this commitment and love for what I do that makes each image unique and close to my heart; it is a key ingredient to a great photograph besides the following more theoretical ones:
Ingredient One: Captivating Light
Lighting is the cornerstone of exceptional photography. I favor the delicate light of early morning, just as the sun peeks over the horizon, or late in the evening when the day is about to bid adieu. These moments offer a softer, less harsh light that casts long shadows, adding a layer of contrast and dreaminess to the images. Alternatively, overcast days can lend a moody, dramatic quality to photos, creating an entirely different, but equally compelling atmosphere.
Ingredient Two: The Visionary Behind the Lens
The quality of a photograph isn’t solely dictated by the sophistication of the camera. A knowledgeable photographer with a basic setup can create more impactful images than someone with top-of-the-line gear but little understanding of the art. It’s the creative vision and technical skill of the individual behind the lens that truly brings a photograph to life.
Ingredient Three: Unrelenting Practice
Practice is the key to honing your craft in photography. The more time you invest in perfecting your skills, the more your eyes become attuned to what makes a photo great. We are fortunate to live in an era where learning resources are abundant – from photography books to online courses by industry professionals. Scrolling through the early works of successful photographers on Instagram is an exercise I find both enlightening and motivating. It reminds me that every master was once a beginner.
Ingredient Four: Meticulous Planning
While spontaneous shots can produce beautiful results, planning is an essential part of the process. A well-thought-out plan takes into account the location, the timing, and the subject. The ability to anticipate and prepare for the perfect moment can make the difference between a good photo and a truly exceptional one.
I would like to add that a great photograph, created by following the top tips of professionals, does not guarantee success as a photographer. For me, one of the biggest challenges I’ve grappled with in my career has been finding the courage to step out of my comfort zone, seek out uncharted territories, and embrace the inherent challenges they present.
I have been fortunate to experience and undertake a wide range of projects for different clients, and myself. For all of them, I had to be brave and leave my comfort zone behind. However, one particular project that has been the most inspiring yet challenging so far would be an expedition to the rugged terrains of Kyrgyzstan’s mountains – and it has yet to happen!
This project, which I’ll be tackling alongside a close friend from Lithuania, fellow adventurer and photographer Jack Harding and a group of four other photographers, has demanded a fair amount of courage and will demand lots more until the project has taken place. Traveling to Kyrgyzstan is not just about venturing abroad—it’s a journey into an environment that is as unpredictable as it is beautiful. The promise of stunning landscapes waiting to be captured is indeed alluring, but the prospect is not without its fair share of apprehension. However, I’ve learned that it’s precisely these ventures that catalyze the most growth.
This project is more than just an expedition—it’s a personal challenge, a turning point, and a tangible manifestation of the adage “now or never.” The preparation alone has taught me invaluable lessons about resilience, planning, and the importance of camaraderie in this field. The safety and collective experience we’ll share as a group of photographers will undoubtedly add to the richness of this journey.
I’m embracing this challenge with open arms, eager to devote time to my personal growth and the evolution of my craft. I anticipate that this trip will not only yield a collection of spectacular images that will astonish my followers but also mark the start of a tradition of pushing boundaries and seeking extraordinary experiences. Moreover, I believe that the insights and lessons gleaned from this expedition will significantly contribute to my career, fostering a spirit of exploration and daring that will inevitably echo through my future projects.
Looking a decade into the future, I see myself continuing on this extraordinary journey of exploration and discovery, only with a richer perspective and a deeper understanding of the world around us. My curiosity fuels my creativity, and I hope to keep learning, observing, and evolving as an artist and a human being. One of my primary aspirations is to travel more extensively. I believe that every new place I visit, every unique culture I experience, and every distinct landscape I witness, expands my artistic palette and enriches my work. It’s a blessing to be able to capture these incredible moments not just in my memory, but also through my lens, and to share this wonder with others.
To reach this vision, I intend to stay committed to continual learning and development. The world of photography is ever-evolving, with new techniques, technologies, and trends emerging all the time. Staying abreast of these changes, mastering new tools and methods, and pushing my creative boundaries will be critical. Moreover, it’s essential to stay true to my unique artistic voice and to create work that resonates with my ethos and perspective. Authenticity has always been central to my work, and I believe it’s what connects most deeply with viewers.
Hard work, persistence, and a love for what I do have been the pillars of my journey so far, and I intend to keep these values at the core of my practice. It’s not so much about following a set strategy, but more about staying open to learning, staying adaptable, and staying passionate about capturing the beauty of our world.
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