Contests

In this article, Christoph shares how a childhood dream of the far north became a life in northern Sweden, from his award-winning blue hour image of a lone tree to his top photography spots and four lessons that keep his work grounded.

In this article, Massimo shares seven practical strategies, from embracing atmospheric haze to mastering complementary contrast, that transformed the way I approach golden hour.

Raised on film photography and shaped by years of architectural study at the Bauhaus in Dessau, Christian Stark brings a structural eye and a traveler’s instinct to everything he shoots. Now based in Sweden, he photographs the world from camper van roads across Europe to cold mountain summits in Germany — always with an open mind and often with just one camera.

Mehdi Tadlaoui is a visual storyteller blending cinematic precision with a refined sense of composition and emotion. Shaped by art, film, and a background in 3D and VFX, he uses photography to explore atmosphere and narrative. This foundation guides his fieldwork, where fleeting moments become carefully composed visual stories.

Inês is a nature photographer drawn to wild, remote places where weather, wildlife, and mood shape her storytelling. In this article, she shares the behind-the-scenes journey of capturing the Best of the Week image: a puffin trio on the Faroe Islands. She explains how she approached the edit of this image, and shares key lessons she’s learned through experience.

Ribka Malise is a passionate underwater photographer whose work captures the quiet beauty and emotional depth of marine life. Deeply inspired by childhood evenings spent watching wildlife documentaries, she now uses photography as a powerful tool to tell stories of the ocean and advocate for its conservation.

In this article, Katarina shares how her creative process has evolved since the last time she won Best of the Year 2023. Now, she is focusing less on chasing the perfect shot and more on letting the moment reveal itself. Through reflections on her recent work at the Turkish salt flats, she invites us to see photography as a quiet dance between space, light, and presence.

For Nick, the outdoors have always been more than just scenery—they’re part of his identity. What began with a camera on a family trip in Colorado has grown into a lifelong pursuit of capturing the raw and often unpredictable beauty of the natural world. In this piece, Nick shares the lessons, stories, and creative evolution that continue to shape his journey behind the lens. He also provides some insights about his image taken in Patagonia, which won Best of the Week 12, 2025.

Christopher West’s journey into photography was shaped early by his father’s influence and a growing obsession with the mountains. From Scottish highlands to Icelandic peaks, his work reflects a connection to wild places and the unpredictable beauty of nature. In this piece, he shares how travel, chance, and a little push from his partner led to breathtaking images and unexpected recognition from National Geographic. He also shares his story behind the winning image of Best of the Week 14.

Through years of exploring Indonesia’s volcanic landscapes, Fikri’s camera became a way to honor their beauty and emotion. In this article, he shares the story behind his award-winning Mount Bromo image and the vision that guides his work.

This article explores the creative journey of French photographer Edouard, whose passion for visual art began with childhood sketches and evolved into a full-time career in aerial and travel photography. From his first drone flight in 2017 to publishing an acclaimed photo book on sports seen from the sky, Edouard has developed a unique artistic voice grounded in perspective, light, and storytelling.

Magnus is a wildlife photographer known for his moody and artistic approach to capturing animals in their natural habitat. His primary passion is bird photography, and his image of a Ural owl chick won Best of Week 4, 2025.

In this article, Brad shares his journey from hobbyist to professional, highlighting key moments like landing his first client collaboration. He also discusses the importance of connecting with others in the industry and the shot that won the Best of the Week 5, 2025.

Natascha is a passionate photographer and media designer whose love for capturing the world around her began at an early age. Her journey into professional photography was shaped by her deep appreciation for aesthetics and storytelling, which she honed while studying media design.

Jay is a passionate traveler and photographer whose curiosity drives him to explore both faraway landscapes and hidden gems in his own country. In this article, he shares how travel and photography intertwine as journeys of discovery, growth, and creativity. Jay shares insights into his process, the lessons he’s learned, and the story behind the photograph that won the Best of the Week 46, 2024.

Max and Carina are passionate photographers who transform every journey into a discovery of nature’s unique moods and moments. Their work captures the interplay of light and shadow, and through a deep understanding of key elements, they create images that tell a story and evoke emotion.

In this artile, Long reflects on a transformative year of creative growth, exploring new ways to tell visual stories and collaborating with like-minded creators. Through personal anecdotes, client projects, and insights into his artistic process, Long shares his journey of finding inspiration and pushing the boundaries of his craft.

In this article, Prabu shares his journey from discovering photography in Vietnam to leading successful photography tours, highlighting the creative process behind his work. With a blend of personal insights and practical advice, Prabu offers inspiration and guidance for aspiring photographers seeking to refine their craft.

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.

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.

Derrick is a photographer from the Navajo Reservation (New Mexico), a member of the Navajo Nation tribe, and an electrical engineering student. A recent highlight was capturing his dream shot of Shiprock surrounded by fog, a photo that won the Best of the Week at Nomadict.

Liam Alford is a self-taught nature and wedding photographer with a passion for capturing the special moments in the world through his lens. In this article, we learn about his journey, valuable lessons from his outdoor experiences, and his shooting + editing approach to the image that won the Best of the Week 33, 2024.

In this article, photographer Ferry, born and raised in Dordrecht (NL), shares his journey from an adventurous safari in Tanzania to becoming a passionate wildlife and landscape photographer. He delves into the lessons learned, the intricacies of his creative process, and the story behind the shot that won the Best of the Week 23.

Based in Iran, photographer Danial shares some thoughts behind his winning shot of Nomadict’s Best of the Week contest in this short story. He also gives away a few lessons that helped him improve his shots, and live life with joy.

Tim is a passionate travel photographer dedicated to capturing nature’s beauty and inspiring others through his visually compelling images. In his story, we learn about his memorable experiences, valuable lessons, and the meticulous approach he takes to achieve his goal of becoming a successful travel photographer.

Through constant self-challenge and engagement with other creators, Anthony has significantly grown as a photographer, learning valuable lessons along the way. His work aims to convey powerful stories and emotions, reflecting his commitment to raising awareness about the planet’s fragility.

Sam’s journey as a photographer is one of transformation and passion. Growing up in Portland, he embraced hiking, then expanded to mountaineering, diving, and rock climbing. Pivotal experiences, including a solo trip to Italy and Slovenia and meeting his wife, shaped his path as a dedicated traveler and photographer. Now in New Zealand, Sam captures the beauty of nature and life’s moments through stunning photography.

Pawel is a photographer inspired by travel and the fleeting nature of life. Focusing on mobile photography, he has become a Samsung ambassador in Poland, demonstrating the power of phone cameras. He values vision and commitment over equipment and believes in continuously improving skills, trusting intuition, balancing life, and collaborating with others.

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.

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.

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.  

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.

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.

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 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.

Inspired by his Alpine upbringing, Jannik began photographing in 2021 to capture the world’s beauty. Through his journey, he’s gained insights into creativity, self-appreciation, and light’s transformative role. Join him as he shares the story behind his winning photo and reflects on his photography path.

Kelvin’s passion for photography ignited during his six years in Japan, where a shift in perspective led him from a focus on academics to a love for capturing memories. Transitioning from a phone to a camera, he explored the Japanese countryside, uncovering the beauty of snow-capped mountains, bamboo forests, and ancient shrines. In this article, we learn about his winning photo and the philosophy behind his art.

This article shares Kyle’s personal and professional journey, which emphasizes the transformative power of solo travel and the profound impact of photography on perception and appreciation. Kyle also shares four valuable lessons learned through experiences and the evolving philosophy of prioritizing moments over material possessions. The article concludes with reflections on his winning photograph, aspirations for the future, and a commitment to a simpler, more minimalist lifestyle.

This article teaches about Forrest’s winning photo and creative workflow. Forrest explains how to capture dynamic ranges of textures and colors and how to use masking, gradients, dodging, and burning techniques to control light sources and guide the eye of the viewer.

In this article, we delve into the journey and distinctive approach of photographer Zane, unraveling the insights and lessons embedded in his artistic pursuits. From the nuances of his creative process to the challenges he has overcome, the narrative provides a comprehensive exploration of Zane’s evolution as a photographer and a dive deep into his winning shot of Best of the Week 34.

Inspired by the enchanting captures of the night sky from the Rockies’ summits, Ash embarked on a transformative photography journey, capturing the breathtaking beauty of Canada’s picturesque landscapes. Along this journey, Ash learned valuable lessons, from the importance of getting out to embracing a unique composition style. Ash emphasizes purposeful creativity, finding solace and joy in immersing oneself in nature. Join Ash on this inspiring voyage through the lens, where each image tells a story of connection and creativity.

Maksym Mazur blends personal experiences with a deep curiosity for the world. Volunteering in a remote village sparked a commitment to document stories through photography, emphasizing people’s resilience. Working with Ukraine’s tourism ministry fueled his career growth, and in his article, we learn from his most valuable experiences, tips, and tricks as a professional photographer. And, of course, his winning photograph!

Dave is a Swiss-based landscape photographer with a lifelong passion for capturing the world’s beauty through his lens. Living in Switzerland, he’s drawn to the majestic mountains, where he finds inspiration for most of his landscape shots. Dave believes in the power of location, the significance of light and conditions, the art of composition, and the impact of post-processing to create truly remarkable photographs. All these ingredients made his winning picture!

Marco’s affinity for nature led him to capture mountains, streams, and starry skies. Solitude amidst nature invigorates him. He emphasizes breaking routine for true captures, valuing patience, endurance, and growth. Authenticity guides his editing, while a clear vision and preparation shape his shots. Marco envisions a photography profession in the Dolomites, seeking harmony with nature and personal fulfillment.

Inspired by books, films, and albums that fueled his imagination, Patryk embarked on a journey to explore and photograph sacred places and breathtaking landscapes. Over the years, he has learned valuable lessons about patience, authenticity, and the significance of the people he surrounds himself with. His dedication to honing his craft and sharing his passion promises an exciting future of continued exploration and artistic fulfillment.

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.

Rene’s journey began with a simple desire to preserve cherished memories but soon transformed into a profound passion for landscape photography. His approach to creativity involves forging a genuine connection with the scenery, carefully selecting the perfect perspective, weaving a compelling story, and ultimately captivating the viewer with a mesmerizing journey.

By capturing exceptional lighting, incorporating depth of field, exploring angles, and utilizing adept editing techniques, Asad creates winning photographs that convey the profound essence of remarkable regions like the Sarfaranga Cold Desert. The majestic mountains of Karakoram, the Himalayas, and the Hindukush serve as a constant source of inspiration, with their otherworldly beauty leaving him in awe.

Long has been part of Nomadict’s community for quite some time now and we’ve loved seeing him grow and the diversity of work he is doing. He has won the Best of the Week a few times now and we’ve worked on some projects together. In this article, Long shares the story behind the winning photo, explains his shooting and editing approach, and talks about how he made sure to be effective during the limited amount of time they had. He also shared his favorite projects he’s worked on and what he sees himself doing in the future.

Pawel is a filmmaker who discovered his love for still photography on a trip to Norway in 2007. In the article, he shares some of the lessons he has learned through his travels, including the importance of managing expectations, being kind to people, and not getting too obsessed with taking photos. He also talks about his recent trip to Iceland, where he managed to get an iconic photo of the Skogafoss waterfall that won the best of the week at Nomadict.

“Throughout the night, the volcano erupted, gifting me with the most incredible birthday candle I could have ever wished for.” With this fantastic photo, Adam won ‘Best of the Week 11’ at #nomadict! In this article, Adam shares the background story of the photo and the creative approach, while inspiring us with his most valuable experiences as a professional photographer. 

Anton König won our weekly contest – Week 5 – thanks to your votes. In this article, we learn about his passion for photography, his creative workflow shooting on location, and the post-production techniques and steps that helped him achieve one of his most celebrated images to this day.

Carl is a photographer from Swansea, South Wales, specializing in landscape photography and capturing unique moments in his home country and abroad. He won ‘Best of the Week 1’ at #nomadict thanks to your votes, and in this article, we learn about his winning photograph and creative approach.

“After passing through the waterfalls sector, where we were at Skogafoss and Seljalandfoss, we headed towards Vík. As we continued our journey, we discovered a marvelous place to see the magical sunset. We quickly stopped the car to photograph the setting sun and the golden colors softly painting the beach – a moment full of emotions. We felt happy to finally live our dream, the one we had since we started our photography journey.”

“My first trip to Iceland in 2021 was a turning point in my career. This trip was a life-changing experience and opened up a whole new world for me.”

“In July 2020, I camped at Trillium lake and wandered around the lake for sunrise. This morning was perfect as there was a low fog constantly moving. The fisherman also drifted in and out of view in front of the trees. Seeing this scene in person was just incredible, and looking back at the photos later, I was just over the moon.”

“I try to criticize myself constructively and see the positive side of things. When I recognize I am in the negative thinking cycle, I try to remember that photography brought me so much. Friendships, laughter, and a lot of good stories to tell! And I will remind myself that photography made me who I am now and that my past self would be proud of me.”

“One of the most valuable lessons photography has taught me is to go with the flow, let go of control and embrace what has to happen. It has also taught me that life is always better outside, and I do not just talk about having to travel to create good photos. I talk about getting out of your comfort zone, getting out of what you are used to doing, taking on new challenges, and taking advantage of every opportunity to create something unique!”

“I feel like capturing this image taught me an important lesson: Always think outside the box! If it is impossible to take the photo you had in mind, it is always worth a new try with another composition.”

“What was special about this photo was that there was fresh snowfall the night before. I have never experienced snow clashing with fall colors in Crested Butte. There was perfect cloud cover letting the sun peak through slowly. The peaks were covered in a thin layer of snow, while the lower valleys were covered in golden aspens. It was just one of those mornings when everything was perfect.”

“Photography has changed my view of how I perceive my environment and has opened my eyes to the little things that can be found in nature. It has also taught me not to give up, but to keep going when there is something you enjoy and are passionate about.”

“I always plan my trips according to my goals – pure climbing or photography. Various apps like Kommot or tour sites like Bergfex and Outdooractive help me plan my trips. A must-have app is PeakFinder, to figure out the best spot at a specific moment of the day. For example, to see the lightning conditions and direction. I also work with Sun Surveyor and PhotoPills. With these apps, you can plan exactly when the sun is where and at what time of year.”

“Mount Hasan is a dormant stratovolcano in Aksaray Province, located in a remote area far from any civilization. I knew that we would be at the location for the sunset and during the blue hour, so I was scouting to try to come up with something to complement my goal of shooting Mount Hasan.”

“On a cold morning, with the fatigue felt in our bodies and shown in our facial expressions, we left the warm camper and walked through the still dark landscape covered in fog. Once we arrived at the destination, nature began to wake up. The first rays of sunlight found their way through the thick fog.”

“I wanted to convey the message of the subject in this photo – the tree of life. For that, I tried to follow the natural color tone and light from the morning so that it makes the tree look fresh. I adjusted some lighting, color gradation, perspective, and dodging and burning in Photoshop.”

“This day I was lucky. I waited just a couple of minutes near the den, so I could not believe my eyes when eight cubs came out to enjoy the last sun rays and started playing around so enthusiastically. It was a joy to watch this spectacle, and I tried to photograph it as best as possible.”

“Most people cannot be in the high mountains in the middle of the night in winter. That makes this photo intriguing and catches the attention of people, their imagination. For me, it’s very gratifying to be able to share these moments that many don’t witness, and introduce them to some of the world’s hidden magical views.”

“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 steam.”

“My country is still unknown to the world and has many stereotypes. If I were to describe my country to a person who knows nothing about it, I would say: Kyrgyzstan is like Switzerland 100 years ago, and 5 times bigger. It has more than 2000 lakes, 40000 rivers and 93% is mountain.”

“I love to show others my beautiful home, no matter the season. Though now with the snow, I made sure to preserve the deep tones during post-processing, providing a nice contrast to the white of the snow. The curve in the road is easy to see from the chosen perspective and also shows the slope covered in trees. Going up just a few meters was enough to showcase this.”

“I couldn’t trust my own eyes. I saw something I had never seen before: unbelievably shaped clouds, like huge drops of water, being held up by the sky, threatening to fall down but magically being held. It honestly felt like being in a twilight zone. Instantly I grabbed my camera, shouted at the boys, and pointed wildly to the sky. All were stunned.”

“My winning picture was captured in this area, in Oulanka National Park to be precise. This is prettiest of all 41 national parks in Finland if you ask me. On that day we went for a little hike with my colleagues and friends from work on our day off. The name of the place is Myllykoski and it is incredible to see it on any day of the year. The nostalgic old mill standing over the Myllykoski rapids, with the water flowing down…you can feel and hear the power of nature around you.”

“With the winning picture I wanted to create a classic composition. To do so, I captured the hilly landscape as the foreground, the small huts as the middle distance, and the mountain range with the Orion as the background.”

“When taking photos that morning, I wanted to capture the peaceful ambiance of the lakeside, the moody atmosphere, and try to convey how surreal it felt to be standing there, like something out of a dream.”

“I had been waiting a long time to get such weather conditions to come together in favor of the shot I had in mind. So, although I was hesitant to fly the drone in the given circumstances, I decided to bring the drone up in the air and kept flying until I got the shot I wanted. When I pressed the shutter and knew I got it, I felt intensely happy – getting up early in the cold winter pays off!”

“The world has some amazing views and natural phenomena for us to become aware of. That I can experience at least a part of these is something to be thoroughly grateful for. As a photographer, it makes me happy to share these moments and enable others to see different parts of the world as well.”

“Dream-Catchers”, the image you see, is one of my most beloved artworks up to date and is an ode to the early risers that wake up every morning to chase their dreams and make them come true. It was taken in the coastal village of El Palmar, in southern Spain, on an autumn morning while the first sun rays reflected on the water.”

“The winning photograph encapsulates all the moments we went through on our trip. It was the last day, and we decided to stop by Skógafoss another time. It was one of the few days with no rain during our stay, and you could see a beautiful double rainbow.”

“With the photo I intend to show how caring the mother is toward her calf, keeping an eye on her calf while it swam closer to the surface. I created the composition in a way that this gesture is accentuated. With the editing, I wanted to convey a mysterious mood.”

“The atmosphere at that moment inspired me enormously. On one side, the tall mountains surrounded the lake while the sun rays illuminated the peaks gently. On the other side, shadows of mountains covered the entire lake bringing mood to the scene.”

“Back in October I set out with some friends to the region of Rimouski and before we set foot into the forest we had spoken about that dream shot in the car and low and behold, it came true. I couldn’t believe it was happening! The fox was extremely curious and almost flirtatious in a way with the camera!”

“There is a similarity in how I see the giant mountains for photography and the universe for astronomy. We are tiny or almost non-existent in front of both. It is a fascinating fact, how small we are!”

“Magic happens anyhow, and this is one of the lessons photography has taught me. I need to be there, as technically prepared as I can, but in the end, creativity and magic happen way beyond technique (at least during shootings).”

“Creating digital photographs gave me belief, and I tend to understand myself better. I can express and convey my emotions through photography. And the winning edit does that exactly.”

“With a friend of mine, we wanted to visit the mountains and shoot some foggy conditions there. On our way, we saw a fox crossing the road. We stopped the car, and to my surprise, the fox was still there. Of course, the fox jumped into the bushes. But luckily, I had the 18-135 mm lens and I was able to find the fox looking straight at the camera through the bushes.”

“I think that the differential factor that made this photo win was not the editing but the photo itself. I shot in a neutral profile which allowed me to give the shades of green that I wanted. I was also able to recover the imperceptible tones over the clouds. Can you spot them?”

“The weather may be challenging to predict and sometimes never goes the way you planned. However, on one of the days, out of the blue, it’s that one-in-a-lifetime change in the conditions that genuinely makes all of it worth it.”

“Sometimes you put a lot of effort into it, but the photographs turn out badly. Other times the results are winning photographs, which then feels extremely rewarding. In the end, photography is like a game, so I always make sure to have fun while photographing!”

“I will always keep in mind that, with the right mindset and attitude, my grass will always be greener if I keep fighting for what I want and thinking positively – even if I am enjoying the current shade of green as well!”

“Living in Finland has been a good way for me to meet my compromise. I only bought tickets to stay here for a couple of weeks, but not long after arriving I decided to find a job and stay. And this is how eventually, I captured the winning photo – a magical experience I will always remember vividly!”

“A lot of times we’ll say we got so lucky, but half the battle is just getting and being there. The best advice is to simply get out and shoot – only then you might achieve “luck”.

“I wanted to capture the beautiful and calm atmosphere of this morning. It was important to me to show how I felt. I wanted to bring the magical moment to life in the photo for everyone looking at it to actually feel the freedom. I also wanted it to be real – that’s why I decided to go with this natural and light edit.”

“The creation of my own images is definitely therapeutic to me, but they also contain a profound wish to also help others, even if it’s just to let them relax for a brief moment while they delve into the scene or, even better, to make viewers stop, watch, read, integrate, feel, and reach deeper levels of significance that will enrich their present moment.”

“The photograph that won the contest was taken about a month ago. It was a cloudy day and I went to the peak ‘Memory’. As I was climbing, I saw a person walking on the path with the view of the peak in the background – I was astounded and had to catch the moment.”

“We knew we wanted to climb a mountain during the midnight sun this summer. We were unsure which one to choose until we found one picture from a mountain top that had an incredible view. We gambled on that one picture and decided to hike that mountain. It turned out to be the best decision we could have made.”

“Since I had only gone during the warmer seasons, this was my first trip visiting it in the snow. I made the drive up into the mountains with my dad, and when we arrived at the lake in the forest it was incredible.”

“If I learned anything from the winning photo, it’s that when an opportunity presents itself, just go for it. When you learn about a new fascinating spot, drop plans and go see it!”

“We began hiking early in the morning and arrived right at sunrise. When I sent the drone up in the air, I could not believe the light and the conditions I was getting. This place has been shot before so I tried to do something completely different, using video and trying to capture the sunrise light with the volcano in a unique manner.”

“I began seeking adventure, stuff to do, and stumbled on some travel content creators on Instagram. They inspired me and encouraged me to do the same – to explore, capture, and make a living from it. I didn’t need much to be convinced; I quit my job after four months, bought a camera and started a road trip to discover East Java.”

“I often incorporate a bit of a fade/gradient to help lead the eye and simplify things. I generally try to keep my images somewhat minimal so there is a clear focus on the main subject. Then pop the ocean blues as my signature color, which you can also notice in the winning shot.”

“I walked to the spot and positioned myself where I wanted to take my shot and at that moment, I heard a noise coming from behind me. At first, I thought it was the wind in the trees but when I turned around I saw a roe deer about 50 meters away from me and coming in my direction. As an animal lover myself, I was so thrilled!”

“I will never forget that day I took the winning shot. It’s going to be the story I keep telling everyone when I’m older, of how foolish I was when I was younger on my first trip after a worldwide pandemic. This shot was taken in East Java, my first stop of the 7-days road trip.”

“The winning shot was taken at one of my favorite locations, where I went together with a friend. We were in a perfect mood that day… Clouds moving in and out, dancing around the summits, creating impressive panoramas. It was just what we were looking for.”

“The photo was taken in Tenorio volcano park in Costa Rica. We knew that this waterfall, called Rio Celeste, would be one of the highlights of the visit. The intense blue water comes from the presence of certain minerals in the river thanks to the volcanic activity.”

“During an outing with the group, we discovered the beautiful black sand beach of Vík. I could take many pictures of the beach but what I wanted more than anything was to see and photograph the symbol of Iceland: the puffin.”

“When editing the shot, I chose a rather dark atmosphere to transcribe the emotion this place provokes. It’s almost an oppressive feeling, seeing nature rise up strongly, right in front of you. It is to feel small, in danger… For me, this photo represents these emotions, this energy.”

“After this cold morning, I learned to live more in the moment, to breathe and enjoy the views with my eyes, not through my lens.”

“Every time I can find something new to photograph there and the day I took the winning shot, it was a frosty spring morning and colors started to slowly appear in the sky while swans were swimming near the shore of the lake – simply beautiful.”

“The clouds broke open, giving way to this brilliant orange light that streamed across the sky. Off in the distance – a cloud inversion had formed in the valley, however, right above us were the most voluminous clouds, catching the light rays in different intensities.”

“I’m not very patient, so the wait was painfully long, fortunately for my impatient self, 10 fox cubs came out of the den around 2 pm. A bit later their mother, a beautiful vixen returned from hunting, which meant it was time for the cubs to be fed. This was the very moment I captured my winning shot.”

“Many experiences and meetings took place along this path and each of them are an incredible treasure and contribution to how my life has evolved. The day I took the winning shot was no exception and has become a memory that I remind myself of more and more regularly.”

“It’s not often that you take a perfect photo. But that moment everything fell into place. I had never seen anything like it in my life and felt a calmth, almost zen-like feeling within me.”

“Being able to experience this teaches a lot about how Iceland was made and how powerful nature can be. It’s hard to keep in mind how dangerous and unpredictable it is, and seeing this got me to think more about the existence and composition of our Earth.”

“The winning photo was taken on a trip to Iceland. The waterfall is known as Skógafoss and is one of the largest waterfalls on the island. It was late in the afternoon and most of the crowds were already on their way back to the hotels.”

“The winning photo was taken on one of those rare days, from the top of the Husfjellet in Senja, Norway. It was intended to be more of a scouting photo for the next morning, where I wanted to shoot a panorama at sunrise. But actually, I like the light coming from the other direction even better; it gives more depth to the image, and also the mood fits much better into the Norwegian landscape.”

“The winning shot was taken during a personal project where I traveled with a friend to Kapas Biru Waterfall, East Java. Unfortunately, I came late and didn’t have much time to enjoy that beautiful place. Though, the time that I had, I spent it feeling happy and creative.”

“The moon was already low, setting on the horizon. The wind howled softly in the mountains and the sea roared in the distance. It was almost quiet. The dark landscape surrounding this place and the wide starry sky gave me a feeling of loneliness and melancholy.”

“After leaving school, I initially trained as a commercial pilot, fueled by my passion to travel to new places. But due to the Covid pandemic, I have had to rethink my career path. This has enabled me to devote myself to my passion for photography and pursue a career as a freelance photographer.”

“I tried to capture the reflection as clear as possible and I wanted the mountains to look like they were illuminated by the sunlight. There is a famous hut right next to it that has been seen on Instagram many times, but I never saw this angle of this place on Instagram before and loved it even more.”

“This photo was captured at King Kong Hill – the pretty famous viewpoint with an outlook on Mount Bromo in Java. I tried to convey the magnitude of the scene, which looked straight out of Jurassic Park.”

“Often it is difficult to express how big something actually is in just a picture. Therefore, we were lucky that the group of women came along for the sunrise and Flurina was able to position herself in such a way that I got the necessary scaling point.”

“The winning shot was actually a part of a sequence of a few more photos. I had been on a photography mission with a company and we were on our way home, enjoying the views during the ride as the landscape was lit up by the full moon.”

“At the end of June 2020, I decided to go on a solo trip in my van for a few months to photograph the most beautiful landscapes in Europe. I was working in a refuge in the Mont Blanc massif at the time and all my free time was spent setting up my van, so it practically became my house on wheels.”

“Almost a three-hour drive from the Alentejo region toward the west coast of Portugal you can find Óbidos. That’s where my winning Nomadict shot was taken during a long weekend getaway.”

“The goal was to be up there for sunset, and we quickly saw that we weren’t the only ones with that idea. However, as soon as the cable car took us out of the fog, that didn’t matter anymore. The view we had from up there was just breathtaking.”

“The good experiences lift you up and drive you to want more of them and the bad experiences teach you that it’s not always going to go in your favor and you have to fight for what you want!”

“As I arrived, I couldn’t believe what was in front of me—a thick layer of clouds rolling over the range of sharp edges and dropped down into the valley.”

“These are the types of beautiful moments that inspire me, when I’m standing on a mountain, with my girlfriend or friends.”

“That night in Kirkjufell I was in my van watching a game on the computer before I decided to go out for a bit to take 2-3 night shots. I got out of the van, put my tripod down, set my shutter speed to 20 seconds and took my first photo. As I looked at the photo, I saw a thin green line in the sky. That meant that the aurora was coming!”

“This is now one of my favorite photos and pretty much all my favorite shots have not been planned. I really love how you never know when your dream shots appear. It is like hunting, but with a camera.”

“For me, landscape photography is much more than capturing a beautiful frame. It connects me with other souls that inspire me. It brings me back to nature. It is a tool to express myself.”

“This photo represents a day of significant physical effort which was absolutely worth it. It was a nice little break of the tense everyday life during a pandemic and especially a lockdown where outdoors activities are absent.”

“Photography is a way of taking a break from life. A way where I can recharge my batteries and spend some time alone or with friends surrounded by the silence and pureness of nature.”

“Buying a camera was definitely one of the best decisions I ever made and however dramatic it might be to say, photography really did change my life for the better.”

“The winning shot is also characterized by long exposure. Actually this image from Mount Taranaki is one of my favorites. I had been wanting to get back up here for the longest time and was pretty excited when the opportunity presented itself.”

“The winning photo is that of the “Phare de La Vieille” in Brittany. This lighthouse is located at the tip of Raz. This year I had planned many trips around the world but because of the current situation I had to cancel everything, which allowed me to visit my beautiful country, France.”

“Photography is a calling for me. It is relaxation and work at the same time in every sense. That’s how I took the winning shot, just venturing out in nature in my free time in search of joy and beauty.”

“I learnt that it is good to be spontaneous, go out of your comfort zone and take every opportunity given to you, because you never know where it could lead.”

“The lighting scenes in Northern Europe are incredible. No matter if it is midnight sun or the northern lights – it is breathtaking every time. For me it is the perfect place for pictures full of longing and originality.”

“Iceland blew me away, and the colourful landscape of Landmannalaugar, where I took the winning shot, is completely out of this world! We slept in our little tent overnight in the freezing cold at a nearby campsite and set the alarm for 4am to start our early adventure.”

“My most amazing stargazing experience was this night together with my little girl, who, in all her pureness, reminded me of the importance of putting the camera down to simply contemplate the gorgeous night sky.”

“Most of the time the most successful people are hard workers driven by their passion and ambition to achieve their dreams. Quite often we forget that the only way to achieve a goal is by putting the hard work first.”

“When I interact with nature I feel that I get away from everyday life’s anxiety and I can think more clearly and creatively. There is so much beauty out there that I want to immortalize with my camera!”

“Being mindful not only helped me to live in the moment, be conscious and present, but it also helps to be mindful about your thoughts. Why you have them, questioning them, changing them… You are more than you think you are – get to know yourself.”

“Combining the art of photography and digital art I always create with the aim to get a result that is different and unique. I am motivated to always get out of my comfort zone to actually achieve that.”

“I had a vivid vision of what the final product would look like and I worked hard to make it come to fruition. The goal was to bring warmer tones to the picture and make it look like it was from a fictional book or movie. I want people to escape when they see my work – that was the goal for this shot.”

“I just finished my engineering degree a couple of weeks ago, and I will dedicate myself full time to the creative field as of September. I just take the leap – I have never been so uncertain about my future in my life, but deep inside I know it will be fine.”

“Nature and travel are essential elements of life; I see it as an excuse from the universe to show and teach me something much more important, that is “being”.

“By nature’s art. I hiked a little in order to reach the low side of the waterfall, sat down and enjoyed the view for a minutes. It was magical, and the weather conditions were perfect that day.”

“Life can be over so quick – so cherish every moment.”

“I started to realize that landscape photography is what my soul really wants.”

“Africa has a special place in my heart and I want to go back again as soon as possible to explore all the different countries, their culture, landscapes and wildlife.”

“Never miss an occasion to do something you’re really passionate about and don’t wait for people’s validation in order to achieve your goals! Never wait, always take action!”

“Whether our paths have crossed once, many times, or even just digitally, I am endlessly grateful for the company and inspiration each and every person brings to my life.”

“I feel blessed growing up in Norway. This is a very safe country to grow up in, and I can’t complain having beautiful nature in my backyard.”

“In the past 7 years I have always traveled to find a job. I once moved from Bandung to Bali taking only 200 thousand Rupiahs with me.”

“If there’s one thing I would highly recommend anyone willing to learn photography, it is to connect and meet as much as possible with fellows. It is just such an amazing feeling and vibe!”

“My philosophy is to “stay maluk and do what makes you feel alive.”

“Mesmerize: “to interest or amaze (someone) so much that nothing else is seen or noticed.” That’s how we felt. And that’s what we wanted to invoke in others. Be Mesmerized!”

“It’s not schooling that is most important. Neither the gear you use. Most import is how eager you are to learn!”

“It’s not schooling that is most important. Neither the gear you use. Most import is how eager you are to learn!”

“Pictured is the Devil’s Fork, a mind-blowing formation found in the Namibian Sossusvlei. It was taken during my first helicopter flight, a little bit over a year ago. The heli was open for photographing, so everything shook, except for the camera.”

“We should not forget that we should be living this moments, alone or with others, and intensely enjoy them rather than being busy with capturing them without really experiencing any of it.”

“Whether in Malaysia or abroad, traveling has always put me in the position to explore the unknown.”

“For me, I’d much rather be hit by a truck in Vietnam, than be successful and rich in a career I truly hate.”

“I’ve met some of the most incredible people during my travels, and I am able to travel so much because of photography.”

“Thanks to photography I can go explore some new or known places and being able to see some insane landscape makes me come alive again, like that day of the winning shot.”

“Coming from a place as loud as New York, the silence and tranquility of Iceland really helped me focus and get creative with all my shots.”

“Being in nature is a necessity for me. I think that every person should find time to spend in nature, it’s a really good therapy to the frenetic life we live every day.”

“My grandparents always said to me that memories are worth a lot more than material values and they‘re right. Combining these two topics was only logical for me and now I can share them with Marcus, it’s even more fulfilling.”

“Each person is different, so only by being yourself you can be unique in your visual creations.”