Learn the tips and tricks that have allowed the professional growth of the most important visual creators on social media.
In this interview, we welcome Ashraful Arefin, a talented street photographer from Dhaka, Bangladesh. His journey from fine art and graphic design to photography has led him to develop a distinctive and enchanting style, which he explains and shares with us step by step!
In March 2024, Nomadict organized its first photography workshop in Lofoten, Norway, in collaboration with Ronald Söthje. Our accommodation was Hattvika Lodge, our ideal base camp for countless adventures and a cozy retreat after long evenings chasing the mesmerizing northern lights.
“While I am thrilled to have had my work displayed in prestigious locations and alongside esteemed organizations, the most rewarding aspect is the connection I have forged with people who have come to appreciate my work as a storm photographer.”
“I’ve learned that the most important aspect of storytelling is not the price tag of your equipment but the skill and creativity behind the lens. It’s more about the story you want to convey than the latest camera and lens technology.”
“What people sometimes underestimate is the importance of investment, and self-investment. This is not related to money, but rather time. You need to take time for this and invest in your passion and a specific project. If you don’t have the money, no problem. You don’t need the money to invest time.”
“I love finding my visual voice and have been very fortunate in the past with my art. So I feel finding my visual identity was a smoother journey than most. But the key to this is finding inspiration and adapting to what meets you. There is no right or wrong. Follow your idols and adapt or go completely solo. With time your unique voice will emerge.”
“Personally, I don’t network per se. It feels unnatural to me. However, every time I’ve connected with like-minded creators, it’s resulted in both good friendships and made work way more fun. Photography can easily turn into a lonely profession so make sure you interact with other fellow human beings before you become too weird – try to stay just-the-right-amount of weird.”
“Finding new places and scouting new compositions will boost your creativity and inspiration. You will stand out from the rest by showcasing something original and unique. It can be hard but when you do, it’s extremely satisfying and success will come on its own.”
“In my notebook, I organize my trip visually by doing some research in the first place. I search for images on Google that are interesting to me and take notes explaining what I like about those images and the location. By describing the photos, I am actively thinking already about the actual photo session, so I pre-visualize my objectives and create clear goals, image-wise, for my trip.”
“Make sure people know you exist and let them know that you’re good at what you do. Don’t be afraid to send out emails showcasing your work to potential customers. You will get a lot of no’s, but eventually, you will get a yes and then the ball can start rolling.”
“It is ok to fail. Failing is how you learn and develop your knowledge and understanding of all the aspects that make up photography and filmmaking. Don’t be afraid to try something new or something you are not an expert on. Just give it a go and continually learn from your mistakes.”
“Have a defined area of specialty, this doesn’t have to be a super niche in one field but the more specialized you are the easier it will be to find work that you love.”
“By having the print medium as the final product, I’ve inherently learnt more about my editing process and what I eventually want to see hanging on the walls in my gallery. Ultimately, I’m still learning and hope to never stop finding new ways to interpret and share what I see.”
“Since my passion is creation, I am almost every free minute busy with it – I am actually constantly in training and learning. I always try to solve problems myself first. I see it as a challenge.”
“Experimenting helped me to learn and figure out what I like. And even now, my style will continue to evolve as I decide what I like and don’t like. I’d say my style changes every 6 months just a little bit, as I learn and grow, and my taste changes.”
“I would challenge everyone to always be learning and growing. It is important to self-evaluate and push oneself to grow in areas of weakness. Don’t let yourself find comfort because when you become comfortable, you aren’t growing and pushing yourself to your true potential.”
“I think finding your style is the way to position yourself distinctively in this industry. Every person is unique, right? So let that shine in the videos you create. It takes a lot of experimenting and figuring out what works, what you enjoy, and what fuels your passion.”
“Go out when the sky is clear of clouds, and the moon is below the horizon. For visualizing where and when the object you want to shoot will be in the sky, I recommend using an app on your phone (PhotoPills, for instance). Finally, you will need a sturdy tripod and a wide-angle lens.”
“Having the feeling that you want to instead of having to, is crucial. It is your choice, and in the end, it is about the journey, not the destination. And always remember to be patient (with yourself!)”
“In 2021, I felt like I was finally able to create videos in the back of my mind instead of having to create while growing a lot as a videographer. I was far more productive with less effort giving me time for other things like my physical health, friends, and family. Resulting in a balanced career and lifestyle.”
“The subjects I enjoy the most are roads, mainly because of the leading lines that bring the viewer into the photo. I love to travel to places no one has been to, and although some of my spots have been found, most are still hidden!”
“Wild animals have no stability. They live based on necessity and the fulfillment of immediate needs. They aren’t governed or motivated by comfort and predictability. In order to follow wildlife as closely as I do, I have to live a little bit like a wild animal; therefore I had to give up the stability that we humans are taught we need.”
“Don’t expect quick success. It takes years to build a career as a landscape photographer. But the reward is great because you will be able to have real satisfaction in what you have done. The best photos are those that require the most fatigue from you.”
“Getting fired was one of the best things that happened to me. They pushed me out of the cliff. So I just went all-in and pursued photography full-time. The situation I was in was far from perfect, but I was in for the challenge. I remember moments when I just had enough money to feed Rango (my dog). I was hungry, but I was happy that I at least had enough for him.”
“I pursue and I strongly believe in the message the old romantic painters left us about the concept of “sublimity” and the need of a little spirituality in this too material world.”
“More than seeing the landscapes, I try to feel every emotion these scenes transmit to me as if they could tell me something. I like to think about what I see, and shortly after, I think about myself. In other words, I take inspiration from the outside and then go deep into my conscious self to press the shooter.”
“I hope that with better knowledge, more people can live from content creation in their respective countries. Hopefully, this will be seen worldwide and will help promote the beauty of South and Central America to the rest of the world.”
“For me to be happy with the result the colors have to be homogenous and the photo has to have a natural feel. There shouldn’t be something that is distracting and I want to create an atmosphere which soaks the viewer into the photograph. There’s no precise manner to assess whether a photo is ready or not, it’s more a feeling.”
“The opportunity to be part of national or international campaigns of well-known brands is a weird feeling – in a good way. For example, Adobe Portfolio launched some new templates and they asked me if I wanna be part of it by providing example images. So now you can create a website using a template called Marina – which I think is super cool.”
“Make yourself specialized. And communicate that clearly. Be it the way you work, your style or the equipment you use. It’s easier than competing with everyone.”
“I always try to keep my mind active: meeting new people, going to new places, listening to different kinds of music and in general, doing as many new things as possible. This way the inspiration comes by itself, this input I’m constantly having gives me inspiration to create constantly.”
“I’m still young and can’t claim to be an expert on life, but I firmly believe you should never stop learning!”
“Time-lapse is one part I focus on, drone work another, and there is so much more. It’s fun to combine technology with creativity and try to get the shot you imagined. Technology helps me to get better, to challenge myself even more. The better the quality of equipment gets, the better the composition has to be to match on the same level.”
“I love animals with all my heart so I just start smiling like a crazy person when I spot an animal and observe them. Most often it’s because I can’t get over how adorable they are, and it’s just amazing to see them so close by.”
“Participating in a contest is like seeking confirmation and acknowledgment for your work. And some of the contests will create huge publicity campaigns on the biggest media around the world which can generate some great opportunities.”
“The hardest part of any job is getting started. And if it seems huge, you just need to divide it into small parts. That way, everything will seem less overwhelming. Keep Calm and Carry On!”
“I like interacting with people but at the same time I feel that social media is also very valuable commercially. Even the platforms where I don’t have many followers I often post content, simply because everyone who can see your images is an extra potential client.”
“I think that for people struggling with anxiety or feeling overwhelmed taking a break and going for a walk in nature, unplugging from technology and having a literal breath of fresh air can absolutely help. It is not a replacement for seeking professional help when needed but it can help a lot.”
“Finally, I would say to always keep the client in the loop and be nice. I quite often overdeliver to show that I really do my best at all times and want to build a good relationship. Being clear and sincere about what the client can expect and delivery on time is of course super important too!”
“If you make amazing work, the people will follow. No amount of hashtag research and feature page pursuits will help grow your page if you don’t master your skills and creativity!”
“Focus on building a community, not just followers. Behind the numbers are real life people who obviously support what you do. Interact with them, remember that they’re as much a part of your success as you are.”
“Knowledge is power and in the case of photography I think a great mixture for success is having passion, love and knowledge of your subjects.”
“Long before getting into photography, I was a nature lover, trekking enthusiast, and travel addict. I knew traveling and being in nature was something I wanted to keep doing in the long term and possibly make it my job and soon realized that landscape photography would be a great way to pursue this dream.”
“Never give up chasing your daydream. You are the only thing standing in the way of turning your dreams into your reality. Stay determined and don’t ever give up.”
“Try to create great content within the landscape niche that’s unique and different. It’s a lot harder than going the ordinary way, but it makes all the difference between being one of many photographers or being the one who surprises the followers every single day.”
“I think every creator out there struggles with accepting and loving their own content, and some never do. But as long as you appreciate the journey and enjoy the process the content speaks for itself!”
“Focus on your passions and do more of that. If getting up at 3am and hiking to get the best light motivates you, do it every weekend if you can! Your passion will show through in your work and you will get some incredible conditions and shots as a result.”
“No matter how far into the industry you are, always take a step back from the camera every now and then to just take it all in. It really is the best job and such a rewarding way of living.”
“Add your own twists and creativity! There is no rule book, you are in complete control. Your eye and style comes with time, so the more you shoot, the better you get.”
“Take time to slow down and appreciate these beautiful places without always being driven by the need for a photo every time. The experience and moments themselves can be more valuable than the photos.”
“Let your emotions go. Learn to shoot with a cold head and a warm heart. Emotions should appear only after pressing the button. If you are enjoying the moment, then you have already missed it.”
“Don’t lose yourself in the comparison trap. Celebrate the success of others instead. The universe will have your back if you stay at it.”
“Know your value and know what is a comparable trade if at all. Work with your fellow creatives. The goal is to have the entire team eating good!”
“I always advise artists to work on their art first and foremost. As you find your own perspective and style, you’ll automatically have brands wanting to work with you.”
“Comparing yourself with others just comes with the territory, but managing it is where you will become a winner. It really is a bit of a mind battle, but you truly just have to concentrate on yourself and believe in your work.”
“Be open to trying new things and shooting something you wouldn’t normally, pushing your boundaries. This makes you a better photographer with a better eye, you have to find beauty in the most unusual places and not just to get those “Instagram Photos” all the time!”
“I’ve faced a few hardships over the years. We all do. However I always try to learn something from those situations. Life is about learning for me, it’s inevitable if you have a desire to steer your life in your own direction.”
“This image means a lot to me as this was the beginning of a huge change. It was my first trip with the reindeer herders and the origin of my inspiration triggered by other cultures. It was also the image that made me realize that I wanted to change my visual style and be more minimalistic.”
“Manifest and live a life true to what you believe in, and life might surprise you.”
“I want everywhere I travel to affect me in a way that I can be challenged in how I see things.”
“After feeling lost for a few years without any real direction I’d finally discovered something that I really wanted to pursue, something that I felt I’d be good at.”
“I want to help shed light in any way to restore these fragile ecosystems through photography campaigns and educate people on the latest news and the things we can do to maintain these animals for the future.”
“It’s much more about dedication, consistency, being willing to “put yourself out there” and work really hard over a long period of time. A lot of hustle! You cannot learn these things in school. But school can make it easier if already have the willingness to hustle.”
“To be in nature, the very thing that my business couldn’t run without, is the greatest thing of all. Immersing myself and respecting the natural world.”
“Always keep improving. I think photographers or creatives should never stop learning. There is nothing worse than not improving on your craft and staying where you are as such, no matter how professional you are or how many years you’ve been working.”
“At its core photography has been a way for me to document my adventures and social media allows me to share those memories with the world.”
“Photography has taught me a lot about nature, and other countries. As a photographer you tend to learn a lot about the subject you photograph; it’s part of what allows you to get the pictures you want!”
“Your goal at the end of the day is to translate whatever image and emotions you feel you have in your head into your photography and get people to really feel and experience the same thing. That takes time and practice so make sure you go out there and shoot as much as you can.”
“I strongly believe in exploring places around where I live and finding extraordinary beauty nearby, rather than having to go far to shoot amazing places that everyone has already seen quite often.”
“Slowly but surely I got better and better and was able to build a career around it. It all started out as a desire to get people to go “Woah, Planet Earth is awesome! I want to get out and see that too.”
“Our life is based on landscapes; the landscape is our home. It is like a book: the moment when we are reading it and then get the impression that it’s the book that is reading us.”
“I want to share images that makes people stop for a second and think: “Wow, our earth is epic.” That feeling I want to convey.”
“Honestly, as of late, the one word I use to describe my lifestyle is always “hectic”. I love the uncertainty of it all, which I know is something most people would hate.”
“Stay curious and motivated. But don’t try to find motivation only in photography looking at other photographers’ work. There are many sources of inspiration such as music or movies for instance.”
“The sun shone and I turned off my emails and shot a lot of analogue work. It was so refreshing to reset and remind myself why I do what I do.”
“A lot of our clients come from places without glaciers, so coming into contact with this ancient ice, a story of how the world used to look thousands of years ago, is a really eye-opening experience for people.”
“We appreciate and love what we have and what we are able to create together. So gratefulness, every day.”
“I couldn’t get enough of hiking. The more I explored, the more I wanted to document my experiences, which eventually lead me to pick up my camera again. I have been hiking, camping, backpacking, traveling, and photographing ever since!”
“If you are having trouble figuring out what you are passionate about I think it can help to look back on your childhood. Almost every little kid can tell you what they want to be when they grow up.”
“My humble beginnings with snapping iPhone photos, led me to receiving an invitation from Apple to hold photography workshops in their Ginza storefront. I’ve since moved into using DSLR for my work, and in 2017 held my first exhibition at FR2 gallery in Shibuya.”
“My favorite thing about portrait photography is making the other person feel that they look good with the final product. Shooting my friends is my favorite, being able to give a friend some quality photos from that one time we did this one thing is a great feeling.”
“My style has evolved over quite some time. I guess I just love to make every scenery seem magical in it’s own way, whether it is a cold northern light shot or a warm sunset in July. I always want to give the viewer a sense of what it’s like being there.”
“I spent nearly the last three months living on the road. And it has definitely changed my perspective and lifestyle. I wanted to put myself out of my comfort zone. Being active and in the outdoors is a very important part of my life.”
“Júlíus and Ragnhildur created the first show in the world where everyone can safely experience real lava up close and personal. To this day, the show’s reviews have been overwhelmingly positive.”
“For me freedom is going for a hike with my dog. It’s waking up for sunrise on top of a mountain. Or simply enjoying a book on a rainy Sunday afternoon.”
“Being outside is definitely what keeps me alive and happy. Fresh air and moving my body get my mind off of everything. Sometimes you have to put down the camera or not even bring it and take in the views.”
“I started going to photography meet ups in the city, taking photos again, and then I started going on trips with those photo friends. Finding that community was so huge for me. It all sort of snowballed into more trips, longer trips, trying harder at photography, and it just took off from there.”
“The more you shoot, the better you become. Practice makes perfect. As you shoot more and more, look back at your previous photos and you will find yourself growing.”
“I absolutely love the feeling of wondering what a new place is going to look like and then at that moment just stopping everything that I am doing and heading to that exact place.”
“If you really like photography and it makes you happy – do it. Even though people might wonder or tell you that you will never be a good photographer, in whatever genre, that you should maybe look for another hobby that suits your physical abilities better, show them that they are wrong.”
“I think there is nothing more beautiful than sharing feelings, thoughts, and impressions. It doesn’t matter whether I can share it with my travel partner or later with family and friends viewing my photos.”
“Nowadays photography is the perfect excuse to travel and explore the world. When photography is involved, everything is more exciting. I really like to combine tattooing and photography while I travel.”
“You should know who to ask for feedback, and you should always remember that the quality of a photo should not be measured in likes.”
“When we are outdoors we care about the moment and about taking care of each other. There is no space for irrelevant things.”
“I spent over two months as a volunteer 500 km from the Arctic Circle, living in the tent with a little wood stove while outside the temperature was oscillating between -30 and -46 Celsius.”
“Many people think that traveling alone is super scary and unsafe, but with the right mindset and intuition you’ll be far away from any potential danger.”
“Traditional distributions channels have been disrupted by the Internet and never has there been a better time in history to take the leap and make a name for yourself. Take advantage of it!”
Frederik Schindler Videographer, photographer, and traveler based in Germany “Can there be a better treat than traveling with the people you love? For Frederik, absolutely not!” Frederik Schindler, best known
Malthe Zimakoff @malthezimakoff Landscape photographer based in Denmark We are blessed to be living in an era where people have understood the power of colors and their effect on human
“Go out and shoot as much as possible, with different light conditions to be able to play with the settings and understand how the camera works.”
Marina Weishaupt @marinaweishaupt Traveler and landscape photographer based in Germany Settled by Vikings from Norway sometime in the 800s, Iceland is one of the last places on earth to be
“Having a financial cushion helped me stay confident when times were harder, and then it was all about challenging myself to find the opportunities. Apply yourself and don’t be afraid to tell people what you want out of this life.”
“My dreams have changed and at the end of the day you have to stay true to yourself and no one else.”
“If you are serious, play serious. Be as good as a person to work with as you are a photographer. Communicate properly and thoroughly with your clients and be ready to negotiate.”
Skye is probably one of the most spectacular sceneries in Planet Earth. This Island is located in Scotland and is home to several natural attractions. We have the pleasure of talking with Hamish Morrison, landscape photographer based in Skye, Scotland
In this interview, we welcome Ashraful Arefin, a talented street photographer from Dhaka, Bangladesh. His journey from fine art and graphic design to photography has led him to develop a distinctive and enchanting style, which he explains and shares with us step by step!
In March 2024, Nomadict organized its first photography workshop in Lofoten, Norway, in collaboration with Ronald Söthje. Our accommodation was Hattvika Lodge, our ideal base camp for countless adventures and a cozy retreat after long evenings chasing the mesmerizing northern lights.
“While I am thrilled to have had my work displayed in prestigious locations and alongside esteemed organizations, the most rewarding aspect is the connection I have forged with people who have come to appreciate my work as a storm photographer.”
“I’ve learned that the most important aspect of storytelling is not the price tag of your equipment but the skill and creativity behind the lens. It’s more about the story you want to convey than the latest camera and lens technology.”
“What people sometimes underestimate is the importance of investment, and self-investment. This is not related to money, but rather time. You need to take time for this and invest in your passion and a specific project. If you don’t have the money, no problem. You don’t need the money to invest time.”
“I love finding my visual voice and have been very fortunate in the past with my art. So I feel finding my visual identity was a smoother journey than most. But the key to this is finding inspiration and adapting to what meets you. There is no right or wrong. Follow your idols and adapt or go completely solo. With time your unique voice will emerge.”
“Personally, I don’t network per se. It feels unnatural to me. However, every time I’ve connected with like-minded creators, it’s resulted in both good friendships and made work way more fun. Photography can easily turn into a lonely profession so make sure you interact with other fellow human beings before you become too weird – try to stay just-the-right-amount of weird.”
“Finding new places and scouting new compositions will boost your creativity and inspiration. You will stand out from the rest by showcasing something original and unique. It can be hard but when you do, it’s extremely satisfying and success will come on its own.”
“In my notebook, I organize my trip visually by doing some research in the first place. I search for images on Google that are interesting to me and take notes explaining what I like about those images and the location. By describing the photos, I am actively thinking already about the actual photo session, so I pre-visualize my objectives and create clear goals, image-wise, for my trip.”
“Make sure people know you exist and let them know that you’re good at what you do. Don’t be afraid to send out emails showcasing your work to potential customers. You will get a lot of no’s, but eventually, you will get a yes and then the ball can start rolling.”
“It is ok to fail. Failing is how you learn and develop your knowledge and understanding of all the aspects that make up photography and filmmaking. Don’t be afraid to try something new or something you are not an expert on. Just give it a go and continually learn from your mistakes.”
“Have a defined area of specialty, this doesn’t have to be a super niche in one field but the more specialized you are the easier it will be to find work that you love.”
“By having the print medium as the final product, I’ve inherently learnt more about my editing process and what I eventually want to see hanging on the walls in my gallery. Ultimately, I’m still learning and hope to never stop finding new ways to interpret and share what I see.”
“Since my passion is creation, I am almost every free minute busy with it – I am actually constantly in training and learning. I always try to solve problems myself first. I see it as a challenge.”
“Experimenting helped me to learn and figure out what I like. And even now, my style will continue to evolve as I decide what I like and don’t like. I’d say my style changes every 6 months just a little bit, as I learn and grow, and my taste changes.”
“I would challenge everyone to always be learning and growing. It is important to self-evaluate and push oneself to grow in areas of weakness. Don’t let yourself find comfort because when you become comfortable, you aren’t growing and pushing yourself to your true potential.”
“I think finding your style is the way to position yourself distinctively in this industry. Every person is unique, right? So let that shine in the videos you create. It takes a lot of experimenting and figuring out what works, what you enjoy, and what fuels your passion.”
“Go out when the sky is clear of clouds, and the moon is below the horizon. For visualizing where and when the object you want to shoot will be in the sky, I recommend using an app on your phone (PhotoPills, for instance). Finally, you will need a sturdy tripod and a wide-angle lens.”
“Having the feeling that you want to instead of having to, is crucial. It is your choice, and in the end, it is about the journey, not the destination. And always remember to be patient (with yourself!)”
“In 2021, I felt like I was finally able to create videos in the back of my mind instead of having to create while growing a lot as a videographer. I was far more productive with less effort giving me time for other things like my physical health, friends, and family. Resulting in a balanced career and lifestyle.”
“The subjects I enjoy the most are roads, mainly because of the leading lines that bring the viewer into the photo. I love to travel to places no one has been to, and although some of my spots have been found, most are still hidden!”
“Wild animals have no stability. They live based on necessity and the fulfillment of immediate needs. They aren’t governed or motivated by comfort and predictability. In order to follow wildlife as closely as I do, I have to live a little bit like a wild animal; therefore I had to give up the stability that we humans are taught we need.”
“Don’t expect quick success. It takes years to build a career as a landscape photographer. But the reward is great because you will be able to have real satisfaction in what you have done. The best photos are those that require the most fatigue from you.”
“Getting fired was one of the best things that happened to me. They pushed me out of the cliff. So I just went all-in and pursued photography full-time. The situation I was in was far from perfect, but I was in for the challenge. I remember moments when I just had enough money to feed Rango (my dog). I was hungry, but I was happy that I at least had enough for him.”
“I pursue and I strongly believe in the message the old romantic painters left us about the concept of “sublimity” and the need of a little spirituality in this too material world.”
“More than seeing the landscapes, I try to feel every emotion these scenes transmit to me as if they could tell me something. I like to think about what I see, and shortly after, I think about myself. In other words, I take inspiration from the outside and then go deep into my conscious self to press the shooter.”
“I hope that with better knowledge, more people can live from content creation in their respective countries. Hopefully, this will be seen worldwide and will help promote the beauty of South and Central America to the rest of the world.”
“For me to be happy with the result the colors have to be homogenous and the photo has to have a natural feel. There shouldn’t be something that is distracting and I want to create an atmosphere which soaks the viewer into the photograph. There’s no precise manner to assess whether a photo is ready or not, it’s more a feeling.”
“The opportunity to be part of national or international campaigns of well-known brands is a weird feeling – in a good way. For example, Adobe Portfolio launched some new templates and they asked me if I wanna be part of it by providing example images. So now you can create a website using a template called Marina – which I think is super cool.”
“Make yourself specialized. And communicate that clearly. Be it the way you work, your style or the equipment you use. It’s easier than competing with everyone.”
“I always try to keep my mind active: meeting new people, going to new places, listening to different kinds of music and in general, doing as many new things as possible. This way the inspiration comes by itself, this input I’m constantly having gives me inspiration to create constantly.”
“I’m still young and can’t claim to be an expert on life, but I firmly believe you should never stop learning!”
“Time-lapse is one part I focus on, drone work another, and there is so much more. It’s fun to combine technology with creativity and try to get the shot you imagined. Technology helps me to get better, to challenge myself even more. The better the quality of equipment gets, the better the composition has to be to match on the same level.”
“I love animals with all my heart so I just start smiling like a crazy person when I spot an animal and observe them. Most often it’s because I can’t get over how adorable they are, and it’s just amazing to see them so close by.”
“Participating in a contest is like seeking confirmation and acknowledgment for your work. And some of the contests will create huge publicity campaigns on the biggest media around the world which can generate some great opportunities.”
“The hardest part of any job is getting started. And if it seems huge, you just need to divide it into small parts. That way, everything will seem less overwhelming. Keep Calm and Carry On!”
“I like interacting with people but at the same time I feel that social media is also very valuable commercially. Even the platforms where I don’t have many followers I often post content, simply because everyone who can see your images is an extra potential client.”
“I think that for people struggling with anxiety or feeling overwhelmed taking a break and going for a walk in nature, unplugging from technology and having a literal breath of fresh air can absolutely help. It is not a replacement for seeking professional help when needed but it can help a lot.”
“Finally, I would say to always keep the client in the loop and be nice. I quite often overdeliver to show that I really do my best at all times and want to build a good relationship. Being clear and sincere about what the client can expect and delivery on time is of course super important too!”
“If you make amazing work, the people will follow. No amount of hashtag research and feature page pursuits will help grow your page if you don’t master your skills and creativity!”
“Focus on building a community, not just followers. Behind the numbers are real life people who obviously support what you do. Interact with them, remember that they’re as much a part of your success as you are.”
“Knowledge is power and in the case of photography I think a great mixture for success is having passion, love and knowledge of your subjects.”
“Long before getting into photography, I was a nature lover, trekking enthusiast, and travel addict. I knew traveling and being in nature was something I wanted to keep doing in the long term and possibly make it my job and soon realized that landscape photography would be a great way to pursue this dream.”
“Never give up chasing your daydream. You are the only thing standing in the way of turning your dreams into your reality. Stay determined and don’t ever give up.”
“Try to create great content within the landscape niche that’s unique and different. It’s a lot harder than going the ordinary way, but it makes all the difference between being one of many photographers or being the one who surprises the followers every single day.”
“I think every creator out there struggles with accepting and loving their own content, and some never do. But as long as you appreciate the journey and enjoy the process the content speaks for itself!”
“Focus on your passions and do more of that. If getting up at 3am and hiking to get the best light motivates you, do it every weekend if you can! Your passion will show through in your work and you will get some incredible conditions and shots as a result.”
“No matter how far into the industry you are, always take a step back from the camera every now and then to just take it all in. It really is the best job and such a rewarding way of living.”
“Add your own twists and creativity! There is no rule book, you are in complete control. Your eye and style comes with time, so the more you shoot, the better you get.”
“Take time to slow down and appreciate these beautiful places without always being driven by the need for a photo every time. The experience and moments themselves can be more valuable than the photos.”
“Let your emotions go. Learn to shoot with a cold head and a warm heart. Emotions should appear only after pressing the button. If you are enjoying the moment, then you have already missed it.”
“Don’t lose yourself in the comparison trap. Celebrate the success of others instead. The universe will have your back if you stay at it.”
“Know your value and know what is a comparable trade if at all. Work with your fellow creatives. The goal is to have the entire team eating good!”
“I always advise artists to work on their art first and foremost. As you find your own perspective and style, you’ll automatically have brands wanting to work with you.”
“Comparing yourself with others just comes with the territory, but managing it is where you will become a winner. It really is a bit of a mind battle, but you truly just have to concentrate on yourself and believe in your work.”
“Be open to trying new things and shooting something you wouldn’t normally, pushing your boundaries. This makes you a better photographer with a better eye, you have to find beauty in the most unusual places and not just to get those “Instagram Photos” all the time!”
“I’ve faced a few hardships over the years. We all do. However I always try to learn something from those situations. Life is about learning for me, it’s inevitable if you have a desire to steer your life in your own direction.”
“This image means a lot to me as this was the beginning of a huge change. It was my first trip with the reindeer herders and the origin of my inspiration triggered by other cultures. It was also the image that made me realize that I wanted to change my visual style and be more minimalistic.”
“Manifest and live a life true to what you believe in, and life might surprise you.”
“I want everywhere I travel to affect me in a way that I can be challenged in how I see things.”
“After feeling lost for a few years without any real direction I’d finally discovered something that I really wanted to pursue, something that I felt I’d be good at.”
“I want to help shed light in any way to restore these fragile ecosystems through photography campaigns and educate people on the latest news and the things we can do to maintain these animals for the future.”
“It’s much more about dedication, consistency, being willing to “put yourself out there” and work really hard over a long period of time. A lot of hustle! You cannot learn these things in school. But school can make it easier if already have the willingness to hustle.”
“To be in nature, the very thing that my business couldn’t run without, is the greatest thing of all. Immersing myself and respecting the natural world.”
“Always keep improving. I think photographers or creatives should never stop learning. There is nothing worse than not improving on your craft and staying where you are as such, no matter how professional you are or how many years you’ve been working.”
“At its core photography has been a way for me to document my adventures and social media allows me to share those memories with the world.”
“Photography has taught me a lot about nature, and other countries. As a photographer you tend to learn a lot about the subject you photograph; it’s part of what allows you to get the pictures you want!”
“Your goal at the end of the day is to translate whatever image and emotions you feel you have in your head into your photography and get people to really feel and experience the same thing. That takes time and practice so make sure you go out there and shoot as much as you can.”
“I strongly believe in exploring places around where I live and finding extraordinary beauty nearby, rather than having to go far to shoot amazing places that everyone has already seen quite often.”
“Slowly but surely I got better and better and was able to build a career around it. It all started out as a desire to get people to go “Woah, Planet Earth is awesome! I want to get out and see that too.”
“Our life is based on landscapes; the landscape is our home. It is like a book: the moment when we are reading it and then get the impression that it’s the book that is reading us.”
“I want to share images that makes people stop for a second and think: “Wow, our earth is epic.” That feeling I want to convey.”
“Honestly, as of late, the one word I use to describe my lifestyle is always “hectic”. I love the uncertainty of it all, which I know is something most people would hate.”
“Stay curious and motivated. But don’t try to find motivation only in photography looking at other photographers’ work. There are many sources of inspiration such as music or movies for instance.”
“The sun shone and I turned off my emails and shot a lot of analogue work. It was so refreshing to reset and remind myself why I do what I do.”
“A lot of our clients come from places without glaciers, so coming into contact with this ancient ice, a story of how the world used to look thousands of years ago, is a really eye-opening experience for people.”
“We appreciate and love what we have and what we are able to create together. So gratefulness, every day.”
“I couldn’t get enough of hiking. The more I explored, the more I wanted to document my experiences, which eventually lead me to pick up my camera again. I have been hiking, camping, backpacking, traveling, and photographing ever since!”
“If you are having trouble figuring out what you are passionate about I think it can help to look back on your childhood. Almost every little kid can tell you what they want to be when they grow up.”
“My humble beginnings with snapping iPhone photos, led me to receiving an invitation from Apple to hold photography workshops in their Ginza storefront. I’ve since moved into using DSLR for my work, and in 2017 held my first exhibition at FR2 gallery in Shibuya.”
“My favorite thing about portrait photography is making the other person feel that they look good with the final product. Shooting my friends is my favorite, being able to give a friend some quality photos from that one time we did this one thing is a great feeling.”
“My style has evolved over quite some time. I guess I just love to make every scenery seem magical in it’s own way, whether it is a cold northern light shot or a warm sunset in July. I always want to give the viewer a sense of what it’s like being there.”
“I spent nearly the last three months living on the road. And it has definitely changed my perspective and lifestyle. I wanted to put myself out of my comfort zone. Being active and in the outdoors is a very important part of my life.”
“Júlíus and Ragnhildur created the first show in the world where everyone can safely experience real lava up close and personal. To this day, the show’s reviews have been overwhelmingly positive.”
“For me freedom is going for a hike with my dog. It’s waking up for sunrise on top of a mountain. Or simply enjoying a book on a rainy Sunday afternoon.”
“Being outside is definitely what keeps me alive and happy. Fresh air and moving my body get my mind off of everything. Sometimes you have to put down the camera or not even bring it and take in the views.”
“I started going to photography meet ups in the city, taking photos again, and then I started going on trips with those photo friends. Finding that community was so huge for me. It all sort of snowballed into more trips, longer trips, trying harder at photography, and it just took off from there.”
“The more you shoot, the better you become. Practice makes perfect. As you shoot more and more, look back at your previous photos and you will find yourself growing.”
“I absolutely love the feeling of wondering what a new place is going to look like and then at that moment just stopping everything that I am doing and heading to that exact place.”
“If you really like photography and it makes you happy – do it. Even though people might wonder or tell you that you will never be a good photographer, in whatever genre, that you should maybe look for another hobby that suits your physical abilities better, show them that they are wrong.”
“I think there is nothing more beautiful than sharing feelings, thoughts, and impressions. It doesn’t matter whether I can share it with my travel partner or later with family and friends viewing my photos.”
“Nowadays photography is the perfect excuse to travel and explore the world. When photography is involved, everything is more exciting. I really like to combine tattooing and photography while I travel.”
“You should know who to ask for feedback, and you should always remember that the quality of a photo should not be measured in likes.”
“When we are outdoors we care about the moment and about taking care of each other. There is no space for irrelevant things.”
“I spent over two months as a volunteer 500 km from the Arctic Circle, living in the tent with a little wood stove while outside the temperature was oscillating between -30 and -46 Celsius.”
“Many people think that traveling alone is super scary and unsafe, but with the right mindset and intuition you’ll be far away from any potential danger.”
“Traditional distributions channels have been disrupted by the Internet and never has there been a better time in history to take the leap and make a name for yourself. Take advantage of it!”
Frederik Schindler Videographer, photographer, and traveler based in Germany “Can there be a better treat than traveling with the people you love? For Frederik, absolutely not!” Frederik Schindler, best known
Malthe Zimakoff @malthezimakoff Landscape photographer based in Denmark We are blessed to be living in an era where people have understood the power of colors and their effect on human
“Go out and shoot as much as possible, with different light conditions to be able to play with the settings and understand how the camera works.”
Marina Weishaupt @marinaweishaupt Traveler and landscape photographer based in Germany Settled by Vikings from Norway sometime in the 800s, Iceland is one of the last places on earth to be
“Having a financial cushion helped me stay confident when times were harder, and then it was all about challenging myself to find the opportunities. Apply yourself and don’t be afraid to tell people what you want out of this life.”
“My dreams have changed and at the end of the day you have to stay true to yourself and no one else.”
“If you are serious, play serious. Be as good as a person to work with as you are a photographer. Communicate properly and thoroughly with your clients and be ready to negotiate.”
Skye is probably one of the most spectacular sceneries in Planet Earth. This Island is located in Scotland and is home to several natural attractions. We have the pleasure of talking with Hamish Morrison, landscape photographer based in Skye, Scotland
© 2020 Nomadict. All rights reserved.
