Tom Fähndrich (@tofenpics): Best of the Week 47 at #nomadict
Tom shares the journey behind his winning photography, from a passion for exploration and remote places to field lessons, composition choices, and color grading.
Tim Benz
@timbenzzz
Best of the week 25 at #nomadict 2024
Tim is a passionate travel photographer dedicated to capturing nature’s beauty and inspiring others through his visually compelling images. In his story, we learn about his memorable experiences, valuable lessons, and the meticulous approach he takes to achieve his goal of becoming a successful travel photographer.
My passion for travel and photography comes from a deep-seated desire to capture moments visually appealingly. I want to tell stories with my pictures and inspire others to explore nature and discover its beautiful facets for themselves.
One of my most memorable experiences was during a trip to Scotland with my best friend. We were determined to visit Durdle Door, a spot known for being overcrowded. To avoid the crowds, we got up at half past three in the morning and drove there. Arriving so early, we found the place almost deserted except for a woman who was probably out for her morning walk. I seized the opportunity to take a few photos of her, which added a sense of dimension to the pictures.
Winner
Best of the Week 25
For this particular shot, I employed the rule of thirds. The cliff adorned with flowers provided a perfect foreground, while the stone arch jutting into the sea served as the main motif. To better represent the dimensions, I included the woman in my composition, positioning her in the right third to balance the picture.
When it came to editing, I aimed for a relatively cold color palette. I emphasized the blue tones in the sea and deepened the green tones. The sand, initially quite orange, was desaturated to match the cool atmosphere. To create contrast, I saturated the yellow of the flowers and added an artificial light source in the top right-hand corner to give the image more pop. The most vital step in my editing process is having a rough idea of the direction I want to take. I usually envision the finished picture and then work my way towards that idea.
I believe the key to finding your style and staying consistent is to experiment a lot. Over time, you naturally develop a consistent look and this will automatically result in a branded, characteristic Instagram feed. While presets can provide a foundation for editing, the real work begins after applying them. Every image is different and needs to be customized to bring out the best in it.
Over the years, I’ve learned that hard work is rewarded, and that there’s always something new to learn. From experience, I also realized that a trip into nature is always worthwhile, even if you don’t get a good photo. However, at the same time, I never leave a location until I have captured the best possible photo.
Reflecting on my journey, every project has been equally important. While some are more exciting than others, each one teaches me something new, whether it’s a new technique or a better camera setting. These little lessons add up to the big picture.
Looking ahead, my goal is to become a successful travel photographer, seeing the world and sharing wonderful moments through my perspective. To achieve this, it’s crucial to never stop learning and trying new things. I often receive messages on Instagram from people asking how they can improve their photography. My advice is always the same: nothing comes from nothing. Just get started and take as many photos as possible. Through practice, you’ll naturally learn what looks good and what doesn’t.
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