Nicolas’ love for photography blossomed during his transformative journey across Latin America in 2018. Since then, Nicolas has been carefully crafting photos to show the vastness of nature. He prefers using desaturated tones to reflect the emotions he experiences, and the most important techniques he uses are linear and radial gradients. Nicolas’ winning photo perfectly captures his unique style and artistic vision.
Photography became my true love when it coincided with my burning desire to explore the world. It was in the transformative year of 2018 that I embarked on a life-altering journey across Latin America, spanning six months. Little did I know that this trip would leave an indelible mark on my soul. It was during this adventure that I took the plunge and invested in my first camera.
However, as the journey unfolded, I realized that I had only managed to capture a handful of truly remarkable photos—a fact that remains one of my greatest regrets to this day. This disappointment became a catalyst for change, urging me to embrace the art of capturing moments so that I would never again be left with a sense of missed opportunities. I learned the importance of seizing every opportunity to document my experiences, ensuring that I would have a treasure trove of memories to cherish, rather than regrets to lament.
Among the myriad of experiences I’ve had in my life, few compare to the awe-inspiring moments I encountered during my visits to Machu Picchu and the Salar of Uyuni. These remarkable destinations had held a special place in my heart for an extended period, and finally setting foot in these extraordinary wonders was a dream come true.
Ever since that unforgettable trip to Latin America, photography has remained an integral part of my life. It continues to fuel my passion for travel, allowing me to document the extraordinary moments that unfold in front of my eyes. As I explore new horizons and capture the world through my lens, I am reminded of the transformative power of travel and photography in shaping my perspective and enriching my soul.
The significance of my winning photo holds deep meaning for me, as it encapsulates a poignant moment captured during a cherished family trip to Iceland. It had been over a decade since I had last embarked on a journey with my loved ones, making this adventure a precious opportunity to introduce them to my way of life. Serendipitously, the winning shot was taken on the final day of our excursion as we made our way back to the airport – a perfect farewell, both to the captivating landscapes of Iceland and to the treasured time spent together as a family.
I’ve always enjoyed experiencing the immense power of nature and realizing how small we humans are in comparison. That’s why I picked this particular composition for my photograph – it perfectly represents this perspective that I love capturing.
For me, photography is not merely about capturing beautiful scenes or picturesque landscapes. It is a means to portray the grandeur and overwhelming force that nature exudes, reminding us of our place in the larger tapestry of existence. I seek to encapsulate the raw power of elements like towering mountains, vast oceans, or tempestuous storms, while simultaneously highlighting the delicate and fleeting nature of our human presence.
During this trip, I wasn’t in the ideal situation to create content because none of my family members are into photography. However, I discovered that capturing a great photo doesn’t always require planning. Sometimes, fate works its magic and presents us with unforgettable moments that leave a lasting impact.
After every trip, I make it a habit to edit my photos. It’s during this process that a sense of melancholy and longing often washes over me. As a result, I find myself naturally gravitating towards desaturated, deep, and cool tones that mirror the emotions I experience upon returning home.
When it comes to editing my photos, the most important techniques I use are linear and radial gradients. These tools enable me to add more detail by bringing light to darker areas or, conversely, to darken less significant parts of the image.
A linear gradient, by the way, involves a gradual transition of color or tone along a straight line. This means that one end of the line will have one color or tone, while the other end will have a different color or tone. The software blends the two colors or tones smoothly, creating a gradual change from one end to the other. This gradient can be applied horizontally, vertically, or at any angle, depending on your desired effect.
To capture a successful landscape photo, I rely on four key ingredients:
1) Standout subjects: I choose subjects that catch the viewer’s attention without overcrowding the frame.
2) Emotive message: I strive to convey a meaningful message through the relationship between the subjects I include in the photo.
3) Guiding lines: I incorporate lines or elements that naturally guide the viewer’s gaze toward the main subjects of the composition.
4) Captivating light and sky: I seek out favorable lighting conditions and a sky with character to enhance the overall impact of the photo.
By combining these elements, I aim to create landscape photos that captivate and evoke a sense of wonder in the viewer.
By sharing my work with the world, I opened doors to various opportunities. One of my proudest accomplishments is becoming a photographer and ambassador for the well-known French outdoor brand @lafuma. This achievement holds immense importance for me, both in my professional career and on a personal level. Moreover, it has allowed me to grow and enhance my photography skills through valuable experiences.
In the next 10 years, my main goal is to find happiness by fully embracing my passion. I aspire to keep exploring the world, as our planet holds countless wonders that I wish to experience. However, with the limited time we have, it’s impossible to see them all. Nonetheless, I am determined to make the most of my time by dedicating all my energy to expanding my creative horizons. I plan to offer courses on photography and editing, sharing my knowledge with others. Additionally, I aim to secure new professional contracts and offer my services to further grow and develop my artistic universe.
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