In this article, Alex Pantela shares key strategies to deepen your connection with nature through content creation, his favorite environments to stay creative, techniques for storytelling, the vision behind his work and editing style, and most valuable lessons!
Growing up in Cyprus immersed me in the beauty of the outdoors from an early age. My childhood was filled with moments spent in my grandparents’ garden, climbing trees, camping, and living by the sea. These experiences nurtured a deep connection with nature that has stayed with me throughout my life. Even now, nothing brings me more joy than being outside, exploring nature’s hidden gems, and reconnecting with the sense of wonder that Cyprus instilled in me from the beginning.
My connection to nature has deeply influenced my creative work, shaping my vision and process. Growing up in nature instilled a sense of patience and attention to detail, which now guides how I compose and capture my art. Nature has expanded how I see the world, inspiring me to focus on subtle, overlooked moments and authentic beauty.
It also taught me to slow down and work mindfully, letting the environment lead my creative choices, making my creative work a reflection of my relationship with the natural world.
There are different levels of connection with nature. On a basic level, it’s about simply appreciating the beauty around us, like enjoying a walk in the park or a day at the beach. As the connection deepens, it becomes more about mindfulness and awareness – truly engaging with the natural world, noticing its rhythms, and feeling a sense of peace and belonging within it.
At the deepest level, it’s about understanding our role within nature, recognizing our interconnectedness with the earth, and feeling a responsibility to protect and nurture her.
At this stage of my life, my connection to Mother Earth feels deeply rooted in understanding and responsibility. It’s no longer just about enjoying nature but recognizing my role within it and the impact my actions have. I feel a strong sense of harmony with the earth and a desire to protect and care for it, knowing that I am part of a much larger, interconnected system.
To connect with nature through content creation, immerse yourself in your surroundings and practice mindfulness. Explore different environments like parks, forests, or beaches, paying attention to details such as colors, textures, sounds, and scents. Capture what speaks to you through photography or video, and share your experience authentically, expressing your emotions and reflections.
I believe my creative work can inspire others to reconnect with nature by showcasing its beauty and serenity. By emphasizing our connection to the natural world, I hope to encourage sustainable practices and a collective responsibility to protect the planet for future generations.
One of the most unforgettable moments in nature that deeply impacted me was during my travels to Tenerife, Canary Islands. I witnessed one of the most breathtaking cloud inversions of my life, above 2000 meters in elevation, with Mount Teide rising majestically above a carpet of clouds during sunset.
The view was surreal and felt like being in another world, where the sky and earth seamlessly merged. That moment not only left me in awe but also elevated my love and appreciation for Mother Earth’s creations. It reinforced my desire to capture and share the beauty and power of nature through my work.
My favorite environment to shoot in is lush green forests. As a Capricorn, I feel a deep connection to the forest, which feels like home to me.
There’s something incredibly grounding about being surrounded by trees and greenery. The forest engages all my senses – there’s so much to see, hear, smell, and feel.
The rustling leaves, the earthy scents, textures, and all the tiny insects singing in harmony heighten my awareness and allow me to fully immerse myself in the moment – almost like a meditation.
I love capturing the raw beauty and simplicity of these environments, where every detail seems alive and filled with meaning.
Playing the native flute deeply influences my creative process by helping me connect with the ancient wisdom of our ancestors, who were deeply in tune with Mother Earth.
As one of the oldest instruments, the native flute carries a sense of history and grounding that allows me to express myself in a raw and authentic way.
When I play, it helps me relax, calm my mind, and find clarity, allowing me to be fully present and focused in my creative work. It’s a powerful tool that brings me back to my roots, enhancing my creativity and connection to nature.
One of the many challenges I face while capturing remote natural landscapes is the unpredictability of weather conditions.
I’ve learned to embrace these moments, adjusting my approach to photos and videos to work with the current weather, which often leads to unique and unexpected shots.
Another challenge is adapting to drastic changes in scenery, especially when shooting something completely new. However, I believe challenges are essential for strengthening my craft, and I’m always ready to push myself and learn something new every day.
I incorporate storytelling into my work by focusing on capturing the emotions and feelings that a place evokes, rather than just the scene itself.
Each location I visit has its unique energy, and I aim to highlight the distinctive moments that define the environment.
I want my work to tell a story that goes beyond the visual, inviting viewers to feel a sense of wonder, introspection, or connection to the natural world.
By doing so, I hope each person can interpret the story in their own way, finding personal meaning in the images and resonating with the deeper narrative behind each piece of work.
Over the years, I’ve developed my style to give my photos a moody, earthy, and cinematic feel. My goal is to create a warm, soft look that brings a cozy, homey atmosphere to the images.
Key elements of my signature style include a slightly underexposed look, faded shadows, muted, yellowish greens, and soft highlights. These adjustments help convey a natural yet atmospheric mood.
Below, you can find two examples rooted in my love for nature and desire to reflect its calming and grounded energy:
1) A color palette to convey a rich, earthy feel with muted, natural tones:
302a19 – Dark brown
16130c – Black-brown
4d4329 – Brownish taupe
706240 – Muted olive
a79465 – Warm beige
2) A color palette that creates a warm, earthy, and neutral aesthetic with vintage appeal:
0f0a09 – Deep black-brown
3f2b1e – Rich brown
755640 – Warm brown
e2dad7 – Soft off-white
b38561 – Muted peach/beige
Both color palettes have warm, earthy hues with subtle contrasts between deep browns and lighter neutrals, offering a vintage, muted feel. These tones are ideal for creating a moody, natural atmosphere in your imagery.
Through my work, I hope to inspire people to spend more time in nature, express themselves creatively, and embrace their authentic selves.
I want to encourage a deeper connection with the outdoors and show how caring for nature teaches us to care for ourselves, as we are inherently connected.
By experiencing the beauty of our natural world, I hope people find peace, inspiration, and a sense of belonging, realizing that nature is deeply rooted within us all.
1) To stay grounded and connected to my “free spirit” while managing a digital presence, I prioritize spending time outdoors, immersing myself in nature whenever possible.
2) I set boundaries around my screen time to ensure I carve out moments for creativity and self-reflection away from technology.
3) When I’m out shooting in nature, I always make it a point to leave some time for myself, away from devices, to fully soak in the moment and appreciate the beauty around me. By doing so, I can express my free spirit through my work while engaging with my audience in a meaningful way.
Balancing digital engagement with real-world experiences helps me stay connected to my true self.
When working with brands, I prioritize those that share my values and love for nature, emphasizing ethical practices and a sustainable approach.
Recently, I’ve had the pleasure of collaborating with MindJournal, the world’s #1 best-selling journal for men, and Sttoke, the creator of the world’s first shatterproof ceramic reusable cup.
Both brands align with my commitment to sustainability and promote a lifestyle that encourages mindfulness and environmental responsibility, making these partnerships genuinely fulfilling for me.
A recent project that challenged me was creating content for the tourism board of Cyprus, where my partner Vasilisa (@earthyvas) and I were tasked with producing a one-minute video along with several short-form videos that showcased the bright and positive vibes of each city.
This type of work was outside our comfort zone since we weren’t shooting in nature, but we saw it as an opportunity to explore new creative avenues and push ourselves.
The biggest takeaway from this project was the importance of adaptability and the value of stepping beyond familiar territory. It taught us how to approach our work with a fresh perspective, ultimately enriching our creative toolkit.
For the future, I’m excited about collaborating with brands that truly inspire me and challenge my creativity. I’m eager to work on projects that take me to places I’ve never been and allow me to experience things I’ve never seen.
I want to partner with brands that share my values and aim to make a positive impact in their communities, whether through sustainability, mindfulness, or social responsibility.
These collaborations will not only fuel my passion for nature and storytelling but also provide opportunities to connect with like-minded individuals and audiences.
I believe that working together with brands focused on making a difference can create powerful narratives that inspire others to engage with the world around them.
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