Photo tour in Azores, Portugal
Join us in the Azores for a unique photo tour, where you’ll elevate your creative skills with expert guidance from Ronald Soethje, Bruno Ázera, and Nomadict.
Robert Galek
@robert_le.ph
Photographer based in Germany
Robert shares his journey as a landscape photographer, reminiscing his unforgettable experiences standing before majestic mountains. A photo of Tre Cime De Lavaredo, with Robert appearing small against the vastness, holds a special place in his heart. In this article, we learn from his valuable tips, which include waking up early for magical moments, finding beauty in everyday surroundings, connecting with locals during travel, and capturing what genuinely evokes emotions within you.
I’m Robert, a photographer hailing from Germany. Landscape photography is my true passion. It all started when I purchased a camera and set up a small space at home with different accessories to capture product photos.
But then, a longing emerged within me. I craved to venture outside and embark on explorations! The allure of the natural world and its magnificent landscapes captivated my heart. For more than three years now, I have been wholly dedicated to capturing the beauty of landscapes through my photography.
"I strive to encapsulate the essence and grandeur of nature"
With each click of the shutter, I strive to encapsulate the essence and grandeur of nature. The ever-changing landscapes inspire me to continuously seek new perspectives and share awe-inspiring beauty with the world. It’s a journey that fills my soul and brings me immense joy. There’s something truly captivating about the serene beauty of nature, the vibrant colors, and the tranquility of a breathtaking sunrise in a special location. These are the experiences that inspire me to explore the world and capture those unique moments with my camera.
Throughout my journey, I have learned four important lessons for my personal and professional life:
1) Waking up early is always worthwhile when it comes to exploring nature:
Rise before dawn to capture the magical moments of sunrise. The soft, golden light and the calm atmosphere create stunning photo opportunities.
Research the location beforehand to identify the best spots and compositions for your early morning shoot.
Be prepared with the right gear, such as a sturdy tripod and a wide-angle lens, to capture the expansive beauty of the landscape.
2) Beauty isn’t always found in distant places; if you take a closer look, you’ll discover that even your home has much to offer:
Embrace the concept of “micro photography” by focusing on the smaller details around you. Explore your backyard or local parks for interesting subjects like flowers, insects, or textures.
Experiment with different angles, lighting conditions, and creative compositions to bring out the beauty in everyday objects.
Pay attention to the changing seasons and how they transform your surroundings. Each time of the year offers unique opportunities for captivating images.
3) When you travel to different countries, you have the opportunity to meet incredible and valuable individuals:
Engage with the local community and culture to gain a deeper understanding of the place you’re visiting. Strike up conversations with locals, listen to their stories, and learn about their traditions.
Seek out photography communities or workshops in the area. Connecting with fellow photographers can not only provide insights and advice but also foster meaningful friendships.
Be respectful and open-minded, embracing the diversity and different perspectives you encounter. This can enrich your experiences and lead to authentic and impactful photographs.
4) Always capture what you genuinely love and what evokes emotions in you. Trust your instincts because every photograph is one-of-a-kind:
Focus on subjects and scenes that truly inspire you. When you are passionate about what you are photographing, it will be reflected in your work.
Don’t be afraid to experiment and try new techniques. Follow your creative instincts and trust your judgment when composing and capturing images.
Remember that post-processing is a tool to enhance your vision, but avoid excessive editing that detracts from the authenticity of the moment. Strive for a balance that showcases the unique qualities of your photographs.
By keeping these tips in mind, you can further enhance your travel photography journey and continue to grow both personally and professionally.
Showing the vastness of landscapes
I captured my absolute highlight in Norway during a hike to the famous Preikestolen. It was there that I truly comprehended how small we humans are in the grand scheme of things. The height of the cliff was awe-inspiring, and the view over the entire fjord was breathtaking. It was a moment that left a lasting impact on me.
These experiences have fueled my desire to seek out more of these awe-inspiring moments in nature. I hope to continue exploring and encountering such remarkable experiences that not only enrich my personal life but also contribute to my professional growth as a photographer.
I have a photo that perfectly encapsulates my three favorite elements for a captivating image: fog, light, and a forest. This particular shot was taken not far from my home in the stunning Saxon Switzerland region. To capture this photograph, I employed various strategies such as scouting, planning, and research.
Firstly, I relied on weather apps to assess the conditions
The day before the shoot, I carefully studied the weather forecast, paying special attention to the humidity levels. The prospects looked promising, so I decided to venture out after a rainy day in search of the perfect sunset moment.
I fully immersed myself in the scenery
As the sun began to set, the low angle of the light created a magical atmosphere. Meanwhile, the clouds started to disperse, allowing the mist to gracefully emerge from the damp forest. I had chosen a specific spot in advance, and with ample time on my hands, I was able to fully immerse myself in the breathtaking scenery and capture several magnificent photos.
An ideal combination of fog, light, and a lush forest.
This image holds a special place in my heart as it showcases the ideal combination of fog, light, and a lush forest. It serves as a testament to the importance of planning, scouting the location, and taking advantage of favorable weather conditions to create truly remarkable visual content.
Stories from Ireland and personal projects
Ireland also took me by surprise. I wasn’t quite sure what to expect when I arrived.
But then, I witnessed breathtaking sights that left me in awe. The endless coastlines resembled those found in the Caribbean, with their pristine beauty. The green fields seemed to stretch on forever, and the untouched nature was a sight to behold. The rugged coastlines, nestled against impressive mountains, offered stunning views and scenic drives.
Moreover, the small towns and villages were bursting with color and charm, inviting visitors to linger and capture their picturesque essence. No matter where I looked, there was always something captivating to photograph. It was an experience filled with endless surprises and striking beauty.
In Ireland, there truly is something for everyone to explore and appreciate. Its diverse landscapes and captivating towns make it a photographer’s paradise.
Thinking about personal projects now, my most important one was a 10-day journey with a camper van through the Dolomites and South Tyrol.
It taught me that true happiness doesn’t require much – just the company of great people, my camera, and perfect conditions for capturing stunning photos. Hiking through the breathtaking nature of the Dolomites was an absolute dream come true. It was an extraordinary experience both personally and photographically, and it has undoubtedly left a lasting impact on me. I’m already planning to visit the Dolomites again soon.
There is a photo of the Tre Cime De Lavaredo that is incredibly dear to me. I had never witnessed anything so stunning up close. In the picture, I appear very small in comparison to the enormous mountains and the serene lake. The feeling of standing there at that moment was simply indescribable. Whenever I gaze at that photo, I am transported back to that exact feeling I had when I captured it. It holds a special place in my heart because it encapsulates the awe and wonder of that remarkable encounter with nature.
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