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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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