Mario Lezaun

@mariolezaun

Winner Nomadict's Editing contest vol. 4

I live in Victoria, Basque country. There are many beautiful places around, but never thought about photographing them. I got into photography because of some friends: They bought a camera and I really liked what they were able to create with it. So I bought my own camera, a very basic one, right before starting a study exchange at a university in Norway. That was 1,5 year ago and I recently bought a new camera. During my time in Norway I had the opportunity to photograph incredible landscape with that very basic camera, so even though I am super happy with my new and more advanced one, I have learned how to get great pictures even when you don’t have the most sophisticated camera. 

I know that there is a lot to learn about photography; there are many skills to acquire about how to use a camera and how to apply different parameters when editing to get an attractive result. But when it comes to actually taking a picture, I believe that this is something that comes from within you.

"You have to be creative and imagine the result before pressing the shutter and I think that this is something instinctive; it’s a feeling."

I figured out myself how to use the camera and how to work with the editing programs, though I am always looking for professional photographers to learn from. When I was in Norway, I developed my skills very fast. I feel like it’s much easier there, because almost every place is photogenic, it’s so beautiful over there. In addition, you can find many photographers out there who can teach you different techniques and their favorite spots. I’ve been lucky to camp in the mountains many times, discovering unique places. I was also lucky to visit the Lofoten in Winter, a place that is on the wishlist of many photographers. I saw the northern lights for the first time during that trip and that is one of the most magic moments I have ever lived. 

"That is one of the reasons why I love photography; it provides you with the opportunity to see many parts of the world from an artistic point of view. I’m not just talking about mountains, but also the streets, the people, the routines…"

So besides landscape photography, I enjoy lifestyle photography a lot as well. And since I am a music fan, I love shooting at concerts too. In my opinion, that is one of the best things to photograph if you want to catch emotions, passion, glances, leaps… I have got the opportunity to photograph a concert in the Basque Country when I came back from Norway, that was just amazing. Obviously I would love to be super good with all types of photography, but I guess that’s not realistic. I try to work hard to improve day by day in the different fields, so maybe one day I can turn my passion into my work. 

Since I came back from Norway, I remained active with photography and participated in different contests. I won a contest that was organized in Norway and I got a recognition for ‘Olympista from August’ with Olympus Spain because of another photo.

"And now I won this editing contest hosted by Nomadict. Especially winning this contest was super special for me."

Mainly because the photo from Robin, which I edited and won the contest with, was taken in the Lofoten. The time I spent in Norway was life changing for me, and my trip to the Lofoten was unforgettable, so when I saw that picture, I really felt the photo. It was special editing it, and even more winning the contest with it.

Sincerely, all the four photos from Robin were great. I edited each of them differently, but I have to say that I put most of my effort in that one from the Lofoten. I aimed to emphasize what characterizes this place the most: the cabins. This is the element that identifies the Lofoten and I really wanted to take care of the color. At the other hand, I tried to highlight the strong Norwegian Winter by using cold tones in the water and just a little clarity in the sky and mountains. This way I tried to take care of the identity of such a magical place and appreciate it as how it really is.

"It means a lot for me to have won this contest; thank you!"

Hi! If you enjoyed this post... You can share it!

Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn

Be inspired by:

@withmazur_Maksym Mazur_Nomadict 2024_10

Maksym Mazur (@withmazur): Best of the week 35 at #nomadict 2024

Mazur’s journey intertwines his love for travel with a deep commitment to capturing the world’s fleeting beauty. His work often reflects his awe of nature, such as in his image of the jungle that won Best of the Week at Nomadict, taken from above at sunset with perfect timing and serendipity.

Read More »
@katarina_mandarina_Nomadict Best of the Year 2023

Katarina Batuta Višekruna (@katarina_mandarina): Best of the Year 2023 at #nomadict

From the wild beauty of Vermillion Cliffs to the depths of Mexico’s cenotes, Katarina’s work reflects a deep connection with the environment and a love for visual storytelling. With 18 years of experience and the co-founding of her production company, HiishiiPhoto, Katarina continues to evolve her craft. Katarina’s photo of the Vermillion Cliff was chosen for Best of the Year 2023 by the Nomadict community.

Read More »
@arnaud_ribeiro_OrangeLines

Arnaud Ribeiro (@arnaud_ribeiro): Best of the week 26 at #nomadict 2024

Arnaud’s journey into photography began in 2023, inspired by a friend’s breathtaking road trip photos. Starting with a basic drone and a desire to capture the beauty around his home, his passion quickly grew, leading him to invest in a camera and fully immerse himself in the craft. Though still early in his journey, Arnaud’s dedication to practice, patience, and embracing mistakes has already shaped his evolving style. One of his images won the Best of the Week at Nomadict.

Read More »
@cunodebruin_Nomadict 14

Cuno de Bruin (@cunodebruin): Best of the week 33 at #nomadict 2024

From his early days experimenting with a DSLR to capturing breathtaking drone shots in the mountains, Cuno’s work reflects his love for storytelling through images. In this article, he shares the experiences and lessons that shaped his career, from winning awards to balancing his creative pursuits with family life.

Read More »
@harrysohalphoto - Nomadict

Harry Sohal (@harrysohalphoto): Photographer based in Canada

In this article, photographer and creative director Harry shares his journey from a college hobbyist to a professional creative, rediscovering his passion during the pandemic. He delves into his approach to capturing authenticity, his techniques for brand promotion, and the tools he uses to achieve a distinct, film-like aesthetic.

Read More »