© 2020 Nomadict. All rights reserved.
Torsten Muehlbacher
@clickpix_eu
Best of the week 39 at #nomadict 2020
The camera has been a loyal companion since a very young age, joining me on various school trips and events. Back then it was still on film, as digital did not yet exist. Over time, my photography developed until I bought my first digital camera in 2003. Since then, the camera has as well been a loyal companion on my travels, hikes, but also at weddings and various assignments.
The change from analog to digital had a significant impact on my photography – now I could immediately see whether a picture I just took was decent or not. I didn’t have to wait until the film was developed to see if the photo was too dark, too light or out of focus. Digital photography made it much easier to work with the camera, try out, experiment. If it weren’t to meet your desires, you could just delete it and try again without worrying about limited space. It is comfortable, but at the same time influences how much time, thoughts and love we put into one shot, I believe.
"Analog photography allows me to slow down, be with my mind truly at the spot and with my camera, analyzing the opportunities."
How I feel while shooting also really depends on the genre I shoot. It is not the same shooting landscapes or shooting for brands or weddings for example. I am much more focused when I photograph weddings. Here the pictures have to please the client, keep their desires in mind and sometimes I have very little leeway. Very little time too. When it comes to landscape photography, I am free, I can do what I like and I wait for a certain lighting mood, carefully looking for the best spot. This is often not possible for weddings / business, as the location is often predetermined, there are requirements and there’s a short timeframe in which everything has to happen. Nevertheless, both genres can be combined very well. Skills from landscape photography also help me with composing the wedding pictures. The shootings often take place in nature, so I can perfectly apply my knowledge regarding light, framing, etc.
"Photography is a calling for me. It is relaxation and work at the same time in every sense."
I do photography part time, so when I am working I am enjoying it and when I am not working – not for shootings and neither in my other job – I still go out to shoot to just be in nature and capture the beauty. That’s how I took the winning shot, just venturing out in nature in my free time in search of joy and beauty. The day I took the picture, it was foggy and autumn was coming. We went to the Koenigssee, which was however under thick fog. As we didn’t see anything we drove a few kilometers back to the Hintersee. There is a famous photo spot there with a rock in the water, a small tree on it and a very photogenic background. Once there, we found at least 15 photographers… A little too many, if you ask me! So I walked a little along the lake until I got to this boat. I took a closer look and thought that a wide-angle shot would be perfect here. So I took my Fuji X-T2 with the XF 10-24 lens and positioned myself in front of the boat, having a little mountain backdrop in the background. The fog and the falling sun fitted the scene perfectly – Click! So was the picture on the memory card.
WINNING PHOTOGRAPH
BEST OF THE WEEK 39
When I began to edit the shot I approached it as usual – my pictures should be as natural as possible. For editing I almost exclusively use Lightroom, every and then a little Photoshop. With Lightroom I think you can edit almost anything, of course the source material has to be right. In my opinion, even with basic image processing you can no longer conjure up a great photo from a bad image. It is vital to first learn how to shoot so you get used to applying the editing tools to high quality images and learn that not all tools are necessary to create something naturally beautiful.
With my work I participated in several photo competitions and contests a few years ago, including the Sony World Photography Award. With this one I was in a category among the top 10 of the year and won the Austrian national competition a few years later. Of course, every photographer is happy when his work is seen and maybe even awarded a prize. Meanwhile however, I see the competitions a little bit critical. The whole thing is a bit distorted by the amount of pictures that are sent in at many competitions. Can the jury even objectively select the photos from tens of thousands of photos? Don’t you lose some excellent pictures? Now when I take part in a competition, I tend to do smaller, personal competitions.
My photography has certainly developed over the years. Winning something or getting great feedback doesn’t mean for me that I am satisfied with what I can create and stop learning, or that I should maintain that specific style that was well received. I keep changing my style, practicing new skills and learning from mistakes. I know there’s a lot of competition and it may sound naïef, but as long as you keep learning and improving, achieving new goals and capturing the valuable details of life, your photography is just perfect.
Would you like content like this sent to your inbox?
Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
BEST OF THE WEEK JULY
BEST OF THE WEEK JUNE
BEST OF THE WEEK MAY
BEST OF THE WEEK APRIL
BEST OF THE WEEK MARCH
BEST OF THE WEEK FEBRUARY
BEST OF THE WEEK JANUARY
NOMADICT
ART GALLERY
THE LATEST STORIES
WRITEN WITH PASSION TO INSPIRE YOU
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.
Konstantin Exploring
@konstantinexploring
Photographer based in Ukraine
Meet Konstantin, a passionate traveler and photographer inspired by those who use their cameras to capture the world’s beauty and meaning. He aims to make each photo as unforgettable as the moment itself, emphasizing the importance of a positive attitude and cherishing the present moment.
