© 2020 Nomadict. All rights reserved.
As a child, I spent a fair amount of time travelling back and forth between Hong Kong and London visiting relatives. There are obviously large differences between Eastern and Western cultures and I adapted to Hong Kong quite easily because it’s similar to London in terms of being very multicultural. It’s fascinating to experience cultures so different from your own that you can’t help but want to see more. I guess that’s what’s stuck with me as I’ve grown up, and has more than likely contributed to my love for travel and exploration.
The moment that significantly impacted my journey to becoming a photographer was a photo I had taken of a goldfish sculpture hanging from the ceiling in a shopping centre. This became my first Instagram post. (It’s still there on my feed if you scroll back far enough). That was also the moment I decided to post one photo a day just using my phone. I liked the convenience of carrying a camera in my pocket and didn’t like hauling around anything heavier. This went on for four years before I eventually picked up a “real” camera in order to push my photography further.
When I first started photography, I think I just wanted to share cool pictures of places I’d visited. As my experiences have grown, I’ve met plenty of amazing people and have come face-to-face with many issues the world is experiencing – it’s very different from sitting at home and watching a David Attenborough documentary from the comfort of your own sofa.
Creating with that goal in mind gives a deeper meaning to my work. Photography is escapism for me. It’s an excuse to travel, to see new countries, to experience different cultures, and to learn more about the planet we live on and the impact we are having on it. And if I can capture memories of my moments along the way, inspire others to do the same, and share what I’ve learned, then I’m happy.
I feel like I don’t have a particular niche; I always carry my camera with me because big cities are just as breathtaking to me as sweeping, panoramic landscape views atop a mountain. In order to avoid burnout from capturing landscapes all the time, I recently started photographing wildlife and portraits. Human or animal, so much emotion can be conveyed through the eyes, and I love capturing that emotion.
It’s easy now to see amazing photos from so many talented photographers around the world and to draw inspiration from that. But it’s also very easy to end up suffering from imposter syndrome; you compare your photographs to other photographers’ work and feel that yours aren’t good enough. I like to travel with an open mind; I’m there to experience the moment for myself and share things from my own point of view.
One day we were navigating through icebergs cast off from a nearby glacier and all you could hear was the cracking of ice all around us, no other sounds at all. And then suddenly a loud crash cut through the stillness as tons of ice plunged from the glacier into the water below. It was a mixture of feelings, honestly. The feeling of being so far removed from civilisation in one of the most remote locations on the planet, coupled with the awe of seeing the effects of global warming first-hand was a sobering experience.
Another photo that is special to me is one that I took of the sunset in Namibia over the Namib desert, accompanied by a couple of my close friends. I was hanging outside a helicopter to get a shot of the view behind us. I wouldn’t say it was necessarily serene or peaceful with the helicopter blades spinning above my head, but looking down at the desert stretching away from us in all directions just brought me a sense of calm.
Even though I grew up travelling, camping and hiking were never really my go-to choices when deciding on destinations. However, I realised that I needed to push myself out of my comfort zone in order to grow both as a photographer and as a person.
Would you like content like this sent to your inbox?
This article delves into Oliver’s inspiring journey, the techniques behind his craft, and his aspirations to push the boundaries of visual storytelling.
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.
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.
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.
In this article, Alex Pantela shares 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!
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.
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.
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.
© 2020 Nomadict. All rights reserved.