Felipe Gutiérrez Contreras
@viajoenfotos
Best of the week 28 at #nomadict 2020
A simple desire to obtain visual memories of the places that surround me, many of them unknown with great scenic beauty, developed into a passion for photography and travel. My studies in Tourism fit perfectly with that and my home country Chile plays a role in here too. I think I am lucky to have been born at this point on the globe that is clinging to the mountains, so as not to fall into the sea. I like the way Pablo Neruda describes it: “A long petal of sea and wine and snow, with a belt of black and white foam.” The drama of its landscapes combined with an adequate light, is what constantly shapes my photography.
"Since the moment that I discovered art, in my adolescence, it has influenced the way I approach photography and my surroundings, and it still does."
For me, poetry is part of that art and it’s one of the elements I give importance to lately. I have wanted to change the basic description of the place I visit or what I did and go a little further, focussing on what that photograph causes within me – words sometimes help to intensify the moment. I draw my words, poetry, from personal experiences and also from music. Often a poem, words, are connected to a photo and when talking about photography, it is inevitable not to talk about music. For me, these two coexist and enrich my worldview. There are things that I cannot express with photography just as there are things that I cannot express with music.
"It is these two forces that give me balance and continually make me aware of my surroundings and its infinity of details."
"Nature and travel are essential elements of life; I see it as an excuse from the universe to show and teach me something much more important, that is “being”."
Photography allows me to “be”, to be fully present in a natural environment without having to cause a negative impact on the environment. The photograph that won the contest is a perfect example of a moment that I felt very grounded and connected to nature. It’s very special for me because the photo was taken in one of my favorite places in the world: Torres del Paine National Park, Patagonia, Chile. The place that I call my second home.
WINNING PHOTOGRAPH
BEST OF THE WEEK 28
When looking my travels abroad, Chamonix, France has been one of the most memorable moments in my life as a traveler. Together with a friend we hitchhiked down the mountain with the idea of sleeping anywhere. We had a tent, and that was enough. Without knowing the language or the place, we were driven to Chamonix city by a very kind man who, after taking us to places where we could camp, offered us to sleep in the patio of his house since he realized that we only wanted to get to a spot with forest and spend the night there. By introducing ourselves to his partner who spoke English, we were able to communicate better and had a chat.
"After talking a lot about our and their experiences, they invited us to stay in a cabin for the days we wanted. People like that have enriched my worldview."
It can make such a difference when you connect with people, start a conversation even though there’s a language barrier, and be open to get to know other human beings, their passions and dreams. You never know how you can help, learn, positively influence and enrich someone’s life.
In my case, friends and people I met along the way have been super important to keep growing both personally and professionally. And without a doubt, my colleague and great friend @vimart.cr2 has been part of that growth.
"We were only 17, self-taught when photography was not yet a big thing, and today we are the result of trial and error, which we share on our social networks."
Would you like content like this sent to your inbox?
Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
BEST OF THE WEEK APRIL
BEST OF THE WEEK MARCH
BEST OF THE WEEK FEBRUARY
BEST OF THE WEEK JANUARY
NOMADICT
ART GALLERY
THE LATEST STORIES
WRITEN WITH PASSION TO INSPIRE YOU
Miroslav Maršík (@miromarsik): Photographer based in Czech Republic
In this article, Miro shares how his love for cinematic music evolved into a deep passion for photography and how he uses light, color, and atmosphere to turn the streets of Prague into living film scenes.
Aurora photography panorama workflow: A guide to camera settings, editing, and color
In this article, Stefanie reveals how her background in physics sparked her passion for astrophotography and how she blends science with creativity to capture the beauty of the night sky. Readers will discover her approach to color, contrast, and editing, as well as her aurora photography workflow.
Yhabril (@yhabril): Best of the Week 33 at #nomadict
Spanish photographer Yhabril captures the profound connection between humans and the mountains that shaped him. Growing up in the Pyrenees, his work bridges outdoor sports, landscapes, and celestial scenes — often blending athletes, moonlight, and wilderness into striking visual stories.
Ariane Totzke (@besondersschwierig): Photographer based in Switzerland
In this article, Ariane shares how photography helped her navigate personal challenges, connect authentically with people and animals, and develop a philosophy rooted in empathy and artistic freedom. Readers will also discover her ethical approach to wildlife photography and her trusted equipment for both camouflage techniques and cameras.
How to photograph Dutch tulip fields: A guide to light, gear, composition, and colors
Discover how to photograph Dutch tulip fields in their most magical light. From choosing the right gear and lenses to mastering composition, color, and aerial perspectives, this guide shares creative techniques to capture the beauty of the Netherlands’ tulips. Learn how light, color grading, and proportion bring emotion into every frame.
Cinematic city photography: An essential 6-step workflow
In this article, you’ll learn how to read and use light in your home city, choose the right technical settings for low-light scenes, and refine your editing workflow to shape color and atmosphere step by step. In addition, Dominik shares how to find fresh perspectives on familiar locations, five lessons that transformed his photography, and insights on the future of street photography.
Kyle van Bavel (@kylevanbavel): Photographer based in the Netherlands
Kyle van Bavel is a macro photographer with a distinctive, dreamy style that transforms the unseen details of nature into magical worlds. In this article, he shares how his unique vision, shaped by a journey of self-learning and overcoming dyslexia, has become his greatest creative strength.
Inês Preto (@minespreto): Best of the week 20 at #nomadict 2025
Inês is a nature photographer drawn to wild, remote places where weather, wildlife, and mood shape her storytelling. In this article, she shares the behind-the-scenes journey of capturing the Best of the Week image: a puffin trio on the Faroe Islands. She explains how she approached the edit of this image, and shares key lessons she’s learned through experience.
