Joshua’s passion for travel and photography has always been intertwined, each inspiring the other. Photography drives him to explore unfamiliar terrains in search of the perfect shot, often leading to spontaneous adventures. The unexpected moments he captures reflect his belief that the best frames are found off the beaten path, where unique compositions and fresh perspectives set his work apart.
My passion for travel and photography has always been intertwined, each effectively inspiring the other. It started when I was young – I’d take photos of everything I saw, using my camera to document the world around me, even though those first images were often blurry or accidental photos of the sky. Still, this sparked a curiosity that grew into a love of discovering new places, cultures, landscapes, and ways of life. I was heavily inspired by listening to family and friends sharing their travel stories, which only deepened my desire to experience and see the world myself.
Nowadays, photography pushes me to be more adventurous (sometimes slightly too adventurous), often encouraging me to explore unfamiliar places just to capture that perfect shot. At the same time, my travels constantly bring new perspectives and inspire fresh ideas for my photography and next travels. My camera is almost always alongside me when traveling, as it’s often when I least expect it that I come across the best frames to capture. This is also one of the main lessons I learned during all those years of shooting outdoors; The best shots often come when you least expect them.
Some of my greatest images have been captured when I veered off the path – sometimes just around the corner from my planned shot or after hiking a little higher up. These unexpected perspectives often yield unique compositions and fresh angles that set your work apart from other shots in the same location. In popular locations, going the extra mile can result in shots that reflect a more personal and less conventional view, enhancing the overall narrative of my photography. Embracing spontaneity and exploration has become a vital part of my creative process.
Other three lessons I learned and that are worth highlighting are the following:
1) Patience is key: Nature can be unpredictable, and sometimes the best shots require waiting for the right moment – whether it’s waiting for the light to hit in a specific way, the sun to be positioned just right, or for that magical blue hour to unfold. Learning to be patient has not only improved my photography but also taught me to appreciate the entire process and the moments I experience. For me, being behind the camera enhances my appreciation for the scene in front of me; it encourages me to notice the intricate details and subtle changes in my surroundings that I might otherwise overlook. This mindfulness transforms the act of photography into a meditative experience, allowing me to connect more deeply with the beauty of the moment.
2) Experimentation leads to growth: Trying new techniques, perspectives, and styles can open up creative avenues. Some of my best shots come from taking risks and stepping outside of my comfort zone. What I find extremely helpful is approaching a shoot with a clear concept and an emotion I want to convey through the photograph. This focus greatly influences my choice of lighting and subject, hopefully allowing me to create images that resonate more deeply with others.
3) Storytelling is powerful: Every photo has the potential to tell a story. By focusing on capturing moments that evoke emotions or highlight a narrative, I’ve made my work more impactful. Often, the way I edit my photos and the choices I make in capturing them reflect the feelings and memories attached to each image. To invite whoever is viewing them to experience the same emotions I felt at that moment. Whether it’s the warmth of a sunset or the quiet stillness of a landscape, I strive to translate those feelings into my images, making each photograph not just a visual representation, but a piece of a larger story that resonates with the audience.
Linked to the last lesson, the story behind the image that won the Best of the Week represents a powerful story for me too:
The photo was taken just a few hours after arriving in Pokhara, following a sleepless night on a bus from Kathmandu (the country certainly isn’t known for its smooth roads). The bus pulled in much earlier than expected, around 3:30 am, so I had some time before I could check into my hostel. I spent those early hours by Phewa Lake, watching the sunrise in solitude. Though the sunrise was stunning and peaceful, exhaustion soon set in, and I made my way to the hostel. Still too early to check in, I was invited to chill on the rooftop, where the incredible mountain views left me in awe. I pulled out my telephoto lens to capture the mountains as the morning light interacted with them. That’s when I spotted a watchtower perfectly aligned with Machapuchare – known as the ‘Fishtail Mountain’ – in the background, creating a scene I couldn’t resist capturing. A few days later, I hiked up to that same watchtower. It was enveloped in clouds; giving me an ideal reason to return to it in the future!
I used my telephoto lens for this shot because it opens up many more composition possibilities by letting you frame the foreground against the background. In this shot, I noticed the watchtower and the peak of Fishtail Mountain, so I moved around until I positioned the peak perfectly in the center. In post-production, I applied the rule of thirds to crop the image, leaving enough negative space above the mountains to balance with the fog below, giving the image a sense of openness and depth.
When editing photos, I usually start with basic adjustments to lighting and curves, tweaking contrast to set the tone. Then comes one of my favorite parts: working with colors. I aim to maintain a consistent color palette to develop a specific style, often focusing on one main color per image. For this particular photo, I chose blue as I thought it would match the overall calmness of the image, enhancing it through split toning while desaturating most other colors. This technique helps me bring out the natural hues and create a cohesive look in the image itself and amongst my other images sharing the same palette.
The most crucial step in my editing process is masking. Often, I’m so eager to refine specific areas that I begin with masks even before making basic adjustments. Masking allows me to shape the vision I have in mind by selectively brightening or darkening areas to guide the viewer’s eye. It’s all about enhancing key elements while minimizing distractions. To ensure I don’t over-edit, I always take a break and revisit the photo with fresh eyes—this pause helps reveal any areas that may look flat or overly processed, often leading to subtle but game-changing adjustments.
For beginners, I recommend experimenting as much as possible. The more photos you take, the more your skills will naturally improve.
Furthermore, to discover your style, draw inspiration from your favorite creatives, who don’t necessarily have to be photographers. Artists like painters and graphic designers can provide unique perspectives and color palettes.
Also, don’t limit yourself to just creative sources. Look to the natural world, music, and anything that captivates you. By blending your passions, you’ll develop a more authentic and unique style that reflects who you are. Use these inspirations to create something fresh, allowing your style to evolve from imitation to originality.
Then, for consistency, I’ve found that establishing a color palette helps make my images more recognizable and cohesive, but this can also extend to how you shoot your subjects.
By embracing this journey of exploration and experimentation, I was able to refine my own style, a process that truly came to life during one of my most transformative experiences: the nine months I spent backpacking around Asia. During this time, I captured some of my favorite images and immersed myself in various cultures, gaining a deeper appreciation for the beauty of the world. This experience taught me the value of being content with less and helped me build a portfolio that I am truly proud of and excited to share.
Looking ahead, in 10 years, I hope to have traveled to remote and less-explored regions, immersing myself in diverse cultures and traditions. These experiences will enrich my storytelling, allowing me to capture the essence of each moment and convey deeper narratives through my photography. Consistency in practice will be key to refining my unique style and developing a distinct voice in my work. Ultimately, my goal is to host my exhibition, sharing the stories I’ve captured and inspiring others to appreciate the beauty and diversity of our world.
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Joshua’s passion for travel and photography has always been intertwined, each inspiring the other. Photography drives him to explore unfamiliar terrains in search of the perfect shot, often leading to spontaneous adventures. The unexpected moments he captures reflect his belief that the best frames are found off the beaten path, where unique compositions and fresh perspectives set his work apart.
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