© 2020 Nomadict. All rights reserved.
Rui Soares
@ruipbsoares
Landscape photographer based in Portugal
My passion for traveling comes from my childhood. When my brother and I were younger, our parents took us to visit many places and we always had a camera with us. My father was an amateur photographer and won several awards in the company he worked for. Ever since I was little, I can remember watching my father taking photographs while travelling around the world with us. My brother and I shared a Kodak EKTRALITE 10 and as a family, we loved to look over old photo albums.
My own photography became a big part of my life in 2006/2007. One day, I was watching a car rally with some friends, one of whom had a bridge camera. I asked him to borrow it, and after the first photo I was so in love that I bought the camera that same day! From then on I never stopped shooting.
"The following year I dropped everything to study photography."
I don’t always need to be travelling to engage with my photography. In fact, what I enjoy most is going to a place that I know very well and being able to see things from a new perspective.
Take where I live in the Azores, for example. You can have all four seasons here in the space of a day. I find it challenging and very interesting, it’s perhaps one of the strangest features of the Azores. Another curious thing is that on Google earth we have to zoom in 20 times in order to find this paradise, lost in the middle of the Atlantic. We have several craters of dormant volcanoes, many of which have little villages nestled inside. People live surprisingly well with volcanoes. The islands are made of basalt and lava and have the sea as a horizon, which brings a certain sense of belonging that is very difficult to explain. Even in bad weather, the Azores are beautiful.
"Each island is utterly unique, but Lagoa do Fogo, Pico mountain and Corvo island in particular are Truly remarkable places."
A lot of people asked me to do photography workshops in the Azores, but I never thought it would be a good idea to give workshops to groups. Being a photography trainer, I always thought I could never spend the necessary time with each student. I think that with private classes, people can learn more and better, taking photographs and not just taking notes of openings or speeds. There’s no better way to learn.
"That having been said, I do still have that passion for traveling. One of the most impactful moments on my travels has to be when I went to Hong Kong."
I found myself in an environment so different from the Azores. I remember it being 4 am and I was still shooting in the street. I’d lost track of time. It was the first time that I’d felt this way. Not worrying about the danger of being mugged, just shooting for passion, without thinking too much or even thinking at all!
Another trip I’ve been on that was really significant to me was one of the times I went to Cape Verde. I went on vacation and took only one camera. When I came back, I found myself having taken portraits more beautiful than I had thought possible (I only made portraits). I’m intrigued by the connection you create with someone in a portrait. After that, the way I thought about photography changed a little. I started to realize that we don’t need many gadgets to take photographs. Just your favorite camera and your favorite lense will do. As long as you focus on the most important thing, the photography itself.
I gather local and human-interest stories, both to sell and also just to post on my social networks. I am a photojournalist for hard news and day to day stories, but at the same time I like to develop longer pieces. Alongside that, I’m a documentary photographer, and I’m also working on a book that will be an author’s edition about the Azores. When I started interning in a national newspaper, which was edited by one of my photography guru’s, Miguel Madeira, it felt like a great honor. I believe it made me grow as a photographer.
For me, being edited by another photographer is the hardest of tasks. It feels like my work is being evaluated by people who are seeing things in a decontextualized way and for the first time. Our photos have to answer everything; What? Who? When? Where? How? in a simple yet informative way. There is a big difference between posting a photo online and receiving likes and comments and being edited by another photojournalist. Another photojournalist is knowledgeable, both technically and conceptually, and there is a relationship between the two, the edited and the editor. Editing someone else’s work is a huge responsibility. We have to tell the story that our colleague wanted to tell, maintaining rhythms and lines, making the story continue to make sense.
Being a content creator and a travel photographer, alongside my work as a photojournalist, every day I think of the pictures that I want or need to take. The best way to describe it is to say that I never leave home without a camera! Together with my partner, Monique (@villavarzea), we are always thinking of new content for both of us. We take the opportunity to walk around the islands because, even in romance, photography is involved. Besides being my job, it is my passion. When I am happy I will photograph. When I am sad I will photograph. I cannot conceive of a day without photography.
Would you like content like this sent to your inbox?
Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
MUST READ FEBRUARY
MUST READ JANUARY
8 MUST READS FROM 2020
NOMADICT
ART GALLERY
THE LATEST STORIES
WRITEN WITH PASSION TO INSPIRE YOU
Mehdi Tadlaoui (@tedmed): Best of the week 12 at #nomadict 2024
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.
Witold Ziomek (@witold_ziomek): Best of the week 9 at #nomadict 2024
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.
Mitchell Leong (@mitchell.leong): Best of the week 10 at #nomadict 2024
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.
Explore with Phil (@explorewithphil): Best of the week 4 at #nomadict 2024
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.
Amirali Boroumand
@amiralibmnd
Best of the week 5 at #nomadict 2024
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.
Michael Maagaard
@michael.abroad
Photographer based in Denmark
Inspired by a newfound love, Michael transforms the blank pages of his life into a vibrant canvas of nature and exploration. In this article, you can read about the profound lessons learned—from prioritizing living over routine to the art of editing and the magic of impromptu adventures—and witness the evolution of a photographer’s passion amid the breathtaking landscapes of Denmark and Europe.
Mathieu Morel
@mathieumorel_
Best of the week 2 at #nomadict 2024
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
@barbara_ontheroad
Best of the week 1 at #nomadict 2024
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.
