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.
Since childhood, I’ve been an adventurous soul, always eager to explore the world beyond my doorstep. Holding a camera became my way of capturing and sharing my unique perspective of the world around me. I found joy in photographing even the most mundane subjects, searching for hidden beauty in the ordinary. This passion has remained with me throughout the years, fueling my ability to find fascination in everyday scenes, whether it’s a trashcan or a bus stop. As I ventured into traveling, my preference for nature over cityscapes naturally became the focal point of my photography journey.
In early 2017, I embarked on my first “serious” journey, characterized by sleepless nights, early sunrises, and long hours spent driving just to capture a single photograph. It was during this time that I realized photography was my true passion. Recently, I’ve taken the time to reconsider my life, desires, and objectives. I’ve realized that photography is something I deeply love, and I don’t want to force it into a monetized endeavor. This decision has alleviated unnecessary pressure from both myself and my photographs, allowing me to pursue photography with a sense of freedom and authenticity.
One valuable lesson stands out: Sleeping in the car is a cost-effective option. Work is simply a means to earn money, allowing you to pursue your interests during your free time. Achieving the lifestyle you desire may require sacrificing certain aspects of your personal life.
In January 2024, I traveled to Oman with two friends. During our journey, we encountered a few challenges, including missing a connecting flight in Abu Dhabi, which led us to spend the night at the airport and purchase tickets for the next available flight. Additionally, when renting a vehicle, we intended to get a small SUV but ended up with a large 4×4 car. Despite these unexpected events, we enjoyed our time immensely. We camped in tents, dined at budget-friendly coffee shops, and relished the tranquility of nature. The photo showcased here, along with the entire series available on my Instagram post, captures the beauty of a stunning sunrise over the dunes during our adventure. I was in a hurry because the sun was rising very fast!
On post-production
1) I approach photo processing with flexibility, sometimes completing it in a couple of minutes, while other times dedicating several days to achieve the desired result.
2) I prefer to begin editing when I feel inspired and ready, often accompanied by music to set the mood.
3) I start by experimenting with different presets to determine the color direction I want for the photo.
4) Then, I proceed with various corrections until I’m satisfied with the outcome. This may involve multiple rounds of adjustments, including fine-tuning details and removing any distracting elements from the image.
5) I continue refining until I achieve the desired balance of colors, contrast, and composition. It’s a process of trial and error, sometimes requiring numerous exports and revisions until the final image meets my standards.
Future projects and ambitions
Regarding future projects and ambitions, I don’t have any specific plans. My focus is on traveling the world and capturing moments through photography. While some may view this as simplistic, for me, it’s fulfilling.
I’ve shifted away from the pursuit of material success and instead prioritize enjoying life and appreciating the opportunities available to me.
As I’ve entered my thirties, I’ve realized the value of prioritizing meaningful experiences over material possessions. Rather than seeking ownership of the latest car or accumulating wealth, I derive more satisfaction from accumulating memorable experiences. Simply put, I find joy in living life to the fullest.
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