© 2020 Nomadict. All rights reserved.
Jörn Henn
@joernhenn
Best of the week 3 at #nomadict 2022
Four years ago, I went to the Harz Mountains with one of my photo buddies. We checked the schedule to know when the trains would be passing the specific spots. As it was the first time for me to take photos of an old train driving, I was kind of nervous. When the train finally passed I took some shots and when checking them afterward, I realized that they were all quite bad… I felt very disappointed.
The next morning — still upset about my failure from the day before — we waited at the train station to go with the steam train. Having my failed photographs in mind, I decided to try to take some photos when the train would arrive. My buddy wanted to stay inside the station since it was extremely cold and snowing, but I went outside and placed myself some steps into the woods. A few minutes later, I found a nice spot, the train arrived and I took my chance.
Despite the effort, when I checked the results back home, I didn’t think that this particular shot was really striking. There was one “famous” shot of this train at that time, which was pretty outstanding in my opinion. Probably this was the reason I didn’t see the value of the shots I had taken myself.
"Now, some weeks ago, I checked my Harz Mountain pictures again and rediscovered this shot. I was pretty amazed, to be honest. It was like finding a little treasure unexpectedly."
What I like the most when taking pictures of these old trains is the steam coming out of the train’s chimney. I wanted to frame the steaming train with the snowy winter forest scenery and with the edit put the focus even more on the train and the huge cloud of steam produced by it. The surrounding forest shouldn’t be that important, which is why I edited it a little darker and lightened up the train and its pillar of smoke. I tried several edits, but the one that won the Best of the Week was my favorite.
Going through your photos and edits from a while back is really helpful. When I recently saw some of my older edits and photographs and I realized that my editing and my photography skills changed for the good. I guess my constant traveling and therefore taking more and more photos, has helped me develop. Although I’m sure meeting other photographers is the main reason for my growth.
In the last two years, I met some really talented photographers where I was living. Traveling and shooting together and talking about techniques has been quite helpful.
Besides, publishing my photos on Instagram, working on my techniques by watching Youtube videos, winning these kinds of competitions like the Best of the Week from Nomadict and the constant comparison with other photographers are kind of an engine for my photography skill improvements.
But if there’s one thing I’ve learned with this winning photograph, it’s that an instant banger shot is not always the one going to win. Some thoughts, designs, or photographs need to rest for you to see the value of it and know how to leverage the potential. Just put them away, into a specific archive or so. Checking your own results after some months or even years will give you an absolutely new perspective on your own work!
Would you like content like this sent to your inbox?
Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
BEST OF THE WEEK JUNE 2021
BEST OF THE WEEK MAY 2021
BEST OF THE WEEK APRIL 2021
BEST OF THE WEEK MARCH 2021
BEST OF THE WEEK FEBRUARY 2021
BEST OF THE WEEK JANUARY 2021
NOMADICT
ART GALLERY
THE LATEST STORIES
WRITEN WITH PASSION TO INSPIRE YOU
Mehdi Tadlaoui (@tedmed): Best of the week 12 at #nomadict 2024
In this article, we delve into the journey of Medhi, exploring his evolution from a young creative mind in Morocco to a seasoned photographer and VFX artist making strides in Canada’s diverse landscapes. From early inspirations drawn from visual arts and travels to the professional challenges and creative triumphs encountered along the way, Medhi shares insights garnered through years of dedication to his craft.
Witold Ziomek (@witold_ziomek): Best of the week 9 at #nomadict 2024
In this article featuring Witold Ziomek, we explore five essential principles for crafting powerful sunset dune photography through editing. Through a practical example, Witold shares his process of editing his award-winning photograph, alongside valuable insights he has gained as a dedicated traveler and photographer.
Mitchell Leong (@mitchell.leong): Best of the week 10 at #nomadict 2024
This article chronicles Mitchell Leong’s journey, who found solace and purpose through his lens. From the rugged expanses of the Canadian Rockies to the ethereal allure of starlit nights, each photograph tells a story of resilience, exploration, and the profound impact of the natural world. Through his lens, he seeks to bridge the gap between science and art, using photography as a tool for conservation and storytelling. Along the way, he shares invaluable lessons learned, from embracing fear to trusting in the power of storytelling.
Explore with Phil (@explorewithphil): Best of the week 4 at #nomadict 2024
This article follows Phil’s path as a photographer, sparked by his unwavering love for exploration and ignited during post-university travels. Through his lens, we traverse Phil’s transformative journey across captivating landscapes, from the rugged beauty of the Canadian Rockies to the fiery spectacle of Volcán de Fuego in Central America, where he captured the winning shot.
Amirali Boroumand
@amiralibmnd
Best of the week 5 at #nomadict 2024
In this article, we delve into the journey of photographer Amirali, whose passion for photography was ignited amidst the challenges of academic life and the chaos of the pandemic. Through his lens, we witness Amirali’s transformative exploration of landscapes, from the serene landscapes of Finland to the mystic scenes of Montana’s nature, where he took a shot that won the Best of the Week.
Michael Maagaard
@michael.abroad
Photographer based in Denmark
Inspired by a newfound love, Michael transforms the blank pages of his life into a vibrant canvas of nature and exploration. In this article, you can read about the profound lessons learned—from prioritizing living over routine to the art of editing and the magic of impromptu adventures—and witness the evolution of a photographer’s passion amid the breathtaking landscapes of Denmark and Europe.
Mathieu Morel
@mathieumorel_
Best of the week 2 at #nomadict 2024
In 2017, Mathieu Morel’s first trip to Iceland marked a turning point in his photography journey. His photograph taken at Cofete Beach in Fuerteventura reflects the lessons he’s learned along the way. Thanks to the support of our community’s votes, he emerged as the winner of our weekly contest.
Barbara Thoeny
@barbara_ontheroad
Best of the week 1 at #nomadict 2024
Barbara Thoeny won our weekly contest thanks to a golden hour photo in the beautiful Lofoten Islands. This article teaches us about her winning shot, passion for capturing the northern lights, and most valuable experiences as a solo traveller and photographer.
