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.
As I mentioned in my last article with Nomadict, my interest in photography stemmed from my passion for travel. One day, I realized how quickly life passes and how limited our time is on this beautiful planet. The day a loved one dies is indescribable. When my mom passed away, I was faced with the reality that we are here today but may not be tomorrow. Travel is a way to make the most of my time here.
Since our last conversation, I have focused on new mobile photography projects and improving my photo editing skills. Additionally, I have been learning the secrets of mobile photography and exploring various beautiful places to photograph. I also became an ambassador for Samsung in the mobile photography section in Poland.
As I always say, the best camera is the one you have with you; the technical equipment matters less. The vision and commitment count – even the most expensive gear won’t wake us at sunrise or reach the mountaintop to capture the perfect moment when the magic happens. In addition, from my experiences over the past few years, I have learned these other four valuable lessons:
1) In nature and landscape photography, continuous dedication to honing your skills is paramount for reaching greater heights of success. Whether it’s mastering the intricacies of lighting, composition, or post-processing techniques, each step forward enhances your ability to capture the essence and beauty of the natural world.
2) Relying on your intuition and daring to explore various techniques can unlock uncharted paths of artistic expression. When you trust your instincts amidst the natural world’s ever-changing light and scenery, you might uncover innovative methods to capture its essence. Experimentation with different camera settings, angles, or post-processing approaches can reveal hidden perspectives and evoke emotions that transcend conventional imagery. By embracing this journey of discovery, you not only enrich your portfolio with distinctive visuals but also infuse your work with a personal touch.
3) Striking a balance between work and personal life is crucial for sustaining creativity and preventing burnout. While the allure of capturing breathtaking scenes may be compelling, neglecting other aspects of life can lead to exhaustion and diminished enthusiasm. By allocating time for relaxation, hobbies, and spending time with loved ones, you can rejuvenate your spirit and gain fresh perspectives. Moreover, stepping away from the camera periodically allows for reflection and inspiration to flourish, leading to richer, more meaningful compositions.
4) Fostering collaboration and sharing experiences with fellow artists can foster mutual growth and ignite inspiration. Engaging in collaborative projects or participating in photography communities allows you to exchange ideas, techniques, and perspectives. Through this exchange, you can gain fresh insights, discover innovative approaches, and refine your craft. Moreover, collaborating with others provides opportunities to explore new locations, experiment with different styles, and tackle creative challenges together.
The winning photo showcases the stunning Preikestolen (Norway) during sunset, captured with a phone camera like my previous winning photo. This image reflects my passion for travel and exploring nature’s beauty, particularly those magical moments when the setting sun bathes the mountains in a captivating light.
I chose this composition because of its extraordinary beauty and emotional impact. I wanted to show viewers the strength and majesty of nature, how small humans are compared to its power, and convey the feeling of peace and amazement that accompanied me while observing this view.
When editing this photo, I was guided mainly by my intuition and the desire to convey the atmosphere and emotions accompanying this view. I used delicate color palettes to emphasize the beauty of nature and create a harmonious composition. Additionally, I focused on emphasizing details and contrasts to enhance the visual effect.
The most important steps in the editing process included fine-tuning color balance and contrast, smoothing out tones, and making minor adjustments to highlight important elements of the composition.
In ten years, I would like to see myself as a recognized and respected mobile photographer who continues his passion for traveling and exploring various corners of the world. To achieve this goal, I will consistently develop my skills, seek new inspirations, and establish collaborations with other artists and professionals in the industry.
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.
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Arnaud’s journey into photography began in 2023, inspired by a friend’s breathtaking road trip photos. Starting with a basic drone and a desire to capture the beauty around his home, his passion quickly grew, leading him to invest in a camera and fully immerse himself in the craft. Though still early in his journey, Arnaud’s dedication to practice, patience, and embracing mistakes has already shaped his evolving style. One of his images won the Best of the Week at Nomadict.
From his early days experimenting with a DSLR to capturing breathtaking drone shots in the mountains, Cuno’s work reflects his love for storytelling through images. In this article, he shares the experiences and lessons that shaped his career, from winning awards to balancing his creative pursuits with family life.
In this article, photographer and creative director Harry shares his journey from a college hobbyist to a professional creative, rediscovering his passion during the pandemic. He delves into his approach to capturing authenticity, his techniques for brand promotion, and the tools he uses to achieve a distinct, film-like aesthetic.
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.
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