The Bonfire Diaries
@bonfirediary
Traveler and landscape photographer
I’ve always been a person who liked pictures more than long texts, who wanted to experience adventures myself rather than reading others’. Despite, I love stories. And photography gives me the opportunity to both experience and tell stories. Once travel fever grips you, it is difficult to let go. With my camera I have the opportunity to capture moments and “write” my own personal story, a kind of diary. Write about those hidden places, high peaks, or intense sunrises that without photography, would be left unseen.
"In search of these spots I learnt to step out of my comfort zone and touched my limits, which not only led to wonderful photographs, but also to self knowledge and personal development."
"When traveling I prefer to choose the land route whether by motorcycle, car, bus or train."
This is how you see the most and how you can truly come into contact with people and their surroundings. I love road trips, driving long highways, passing by little towns and taking random side streets, the landscape rushing past you and changing continuously. I was often annoyed when I was traveling by train or bus because I couldn’t just stop or linger in one place, to have a closer look and take a few photos. With your own vehicle you simply have more freedom to determine your way and plan.
"Preferably I travel by motorcycle and tent or a little slower and with more comfort by camper van. The fact that I renovated/ built the camper van myself makes it even more special."
It is the freedom that I love when traveling by camper van or with a tent. I see myself as a modern nomad. Ancient nomadic folks have been around since human existence and moving was the essence of life; they relocate when the living conditions at a certain point in time are greater in another place so they can better sustain themselves. So they make optimal use of the environment following the cycle of nature. In return, they live without what is in our opinion a great level of comfort, in order to remain mobile.
"For me, "modern nomad" is just a metaphor of my current state. Everything I own is in my van and if a place doesn't suit me anymore I move on."
"Traveling and freedom are a privilege for me, because I am aware that not everyone in this world has the same kind of freedom."
Whether you can go wherever you want often depends on a piece of paper with your name and nationality on it, or on colored bills with, for the majority of us, unknown faces or buildings that open doors and gates for you. So far, traveling has only been of value to me, but maybe I will be able to give something back at some point, or provide opportunities to others. I feel that with my pictures, I might be able to do something meaningful, do something good not just for myself or for the experience, but for others.
"Photography can have a great impact and I would like to use that in an impactful manner too."
My current focus is clearly on landscape photography, or travel photography. I would like to extend this to lifestyle and portrait so I can work more with people together, expand my repertoire and amplify my skills. Also to get a deeper insight, because a country and its natural and built infrastructure is finally inhabited by humans and animals. These also belong to the story and I want to be able to create the complete visual story. I want my story to reflect my life, my views, my interactions and my feelings – I want it to be something that I keep reading over and over again, something that makes me relive my life with a smile on my face and a feeling of gratitude.
Would you like content like this sent to your inbox?
Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
MUST READ STORIES OF JUNE
MUST READ STORIES OF MAY
MUST READ STORIES OF APRIL
MUST READ STORIES OF MARCH
MUST READ STORIES OF FEBRUARY
MUST READ STORIES OF JANUARY
NOMADICT
ART GALLERY
THE LATEST STORIES
WRITEN WITH PASSION TO INSPIRE YOU
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.
Forest Kai (@forest1kai): Photographer based in the US
In this article, Forest shares how years of chasing scale, silence, and raw landscapes shaped his approach to photography, from the deserts of Kazakhstan to the volcanic ridges of Iceland. He talks about how he uses light, texture, and vast negative space to create images that feel both intimate and overwhelming.
Simon Hechtbauer (@roamwithsimon): Best of the Week 32 at #nomadict
Simon shares the journey behind his photography, from early inspirations to field techniques, editing, and the story of the winning shot that shaped his path.
Miroslav Maršík (@miromarsik): Photographer based in Czech Republic
In this article, Miro shares how his love for cinematic music evolved into a deep passion for photography and how he uses light, color, and atmosphere to turn the streets of Prague into living film scenes.
Aurora photography panorama workflow: A guide to camera settings, editing, and color
In this article, Stefanie reveals how her background in physics sparked her passion for astrophotography and how she blends science with creativity to capture the beauty of the night sky. Readers will discover her approach to color, contrast, and editing, as well as her aurora photography workflow.
Yhabril (@yhabril): Best of the Week 33 at #nomadict
Spanish photographer Yhabril captures the profound connection between humans and the mountains that shaped him. Growing up in the Pyrenees, his work bridges outdoor sports, landscapes, and celestial scenes — often blending athletes, moonlight, and wilderness into striking visual stories.
Ariane Totzke (@besondersschwierig): Photographer based in Switzerland
In this article, Ariane shares how photography helped her navigate personal challenges, connect authentically with people and animals, and develop a philosophy rooted in empathy and artistic freedom. Readers will also discover her ethical approach to wildlife photography and her trusted equipment for both camouflage techniques and cameras.
How to photograph Dutch tulip fields: A guide to light, gear, composition, and colors
Discover how to photograph Dutch tulip fields in their most magical light. From choosing the right gear and lenses to mastering composition, color, and aerial perspectives, this guide shares creative techniques to capture the beauty of the Netherlands’ tulips. Learn how light, color grading, and proportion bring emotion into every frame.
