Welcome to a brand new sequence on The Wandering Lens during which I interview fellow photographers from all over the world about their work, their inspirations, suggestions and the tales behind their favorite photographs.
First up is Agata, a photographer who caught my eye on Instagram together with her beautiful drone work over snow lined landscapes. Take a peek at this reel on Instagram and also you’ll see what I imply!
The Interview
Photographer Title: Agata Wozniak-Kwasniewska
Web site: https://www.awkphotography.com
Instagram: @agatawk_photo
1. What’s it in regards to the mountain landscapes that evokes your images, and the way do you are feeling it influences your artistic imaginative and prescient?
Mountain landscapes are majestic and galvanizing, providing a palette of textures, colors, and lightweight which can be each a problem and a delight to seize by means of images. The rugged peaks, serene valleys, and dramatic skies are an integral element of the image. These components have their very own character in every body. What evokes me probably the most about these landscapes is the sense of scale and the reminder of the pure world’s magnificence. Mountains evoke a way of marvel and problem me to precise not simply what I see, however what I really feel of their presence.
This inspiration deeply influences my artistic imaginative and prescient by pushing me to hunt out distinctive views and moments that really seize the essence of the mountain atmosphere. I discover myself always exploring the play between mild and shadow, the textures of the rock and vegetation, and the way in which climate and seasons dramatically alter the temper of the panorama.
Furthermore, mountain landscapes encourage me to experiment with numerous strategies, from lengthy exposures to seize the motion of clouds or water, to focus stacking to make sure each element from the foreground to the distant peaks is sharp. This atmosphere challenges me mentally and bodily and pushes me to enhance my technical expertise whereas nurturing a deeper reference to nature.
In essence, mountain landscapes encourage my images by providing one thing that’s each intimidating and alluring. They affect my artistic imaginative and prescient by driving me to not solely seize the visible spectacle however to additionally evoke the emotions of awe, solitude, and respect that these wild locations encourage. By my lens, I purpose to point out the deep respect I really feel for the mountains, hoping to encourage others to understand and shield these magnificent landscapes.
2. Are you able to share your favorite location to {photograph} and what makes it particular to you?
My favorite locations embrace the French Alps, Senja, and Lofoten in Northern Norway. I lived within the Alps for practically a decade, simply an hour’s drive from some breathtaking spots that turned my playground. My love for the world round Grenoble started throughout a pupil alternate in 2006, and it rapidly felt like dwelling. After ending my research, I returned with my rising household. Each time potential, I escaped to the mountains for hikes, images, or just to take pleasure in a meadow brimming with wildflowers. Over time, I used to be lucky sufficient to discover numerous elements of the Alps, holding some locations expensive to my coronary heart. Just a few to say are Vallée de la Clarée, Les Ecrins with its expansive valleys and towering peaks, Belledonne – my favourite spot for capturing sunsets after work, and the wild, comparatively undiscovered Vercors, which I explored extensively in my final years in Grenoble.
In summer time 2022, we relocated to Oslo, Norway, for an excellent job alternative. Apparently, we moved to a rustic we had by no means visited earlier than – an exhilarating leap. Nonetheless, I used to be already acquainted with Norway’s breathtaking nature. Though I miss the rapid proximity to the Alps, Norwegian landscapes provide their very own wild magnificence. Furthermore, Lofoten and Senja are only a 2-hour flight away, locations I’ve solely just lately begun to discover. Whereas Lofoten is well-known and infrequently crowded with vacationers in summer time, Senja affords a wilder, much less touristy expertise with its capricious climate and majestic mountains rising straight from the fjords. Regardless of this, my love for Lofoten is so robust that I go to yearly. The area’s unpredictable climate, able to biking by means of 4 seasons in a single day, from clear skies to hailstorms to rainbows, presents a problem I eagerly embrace.
3. How do you determine in your artistic focus for a venture or a single {photograph}, and the place do you draw your inspiration from?
Deciding on a artistic focus for a venture or a single {photograph} is certainly difficult. I discover myself impressed by the pure world—its patterns, colors, and formations typically information what I purpose to seize. Earlier than heading out, I completely analysis my location, using instruments like Google Earth to grasp the sunshine and put together as a lot as potential technically. Nonetheless, as soon as on location, I are likely to immerse myself within the second and infrequently let instinct information me. This method means I generally neglect in regards to the photographs I initially deliberate to take…
As for drawing inspiration, I need to admit, Instagram has turn out to be my modern-day ‘Lonely Planet.’ Given my commitments as a full-time worker and a mum or dad, it’s probably the most accessible and handy supply of inspiration for me. It affords a fast sneak peek to a world of countless visible concepts, even when time and obligations restrict my skill to discover.
4. May you describe a selected images approach or method you’ve been exploring just lately and what you’ve discovered from it?
Round three years in the past, I started experimenting with focus stacking, after beforehand delving into bracketing. Prior to now, I might carry an array of filters. Nonetheless, my again ultimately protested in opposition to the load. Now, I journey lighter, carrying solely the necessities—particularly, ND filters of varied densities and a polarizer. Bracketing has confirmed to be an efficient answer when coping with scenes which have a excessive dynamic vary.
As for drawing inspiration, I need to admit, Instagram has turn out to be my modern-day ‘Lonely Planet.’ Given my commitments as a full-time worker and a mum or dad, it’s probably the most accessible and handy supply of inspiration for me. It affords a fast sneak peek to a world of countless visible concepts, even when time and obligations restrict my skill to discover.
Relating to focus stacking, I’ve grown fairly keen on it. It’s a way that has considerably expanded my artistic choices. Nonetheless, I always remind myself of the sweetness and artistry present in pictures with a blurry foreground. It’s a reminder that photographs don’t all the time have to be pin-sharp from foreground to background. Embracing each sharpness and softness in my pictures has been a beneficial lesson, including depth and selection to my work.
5. What’s your most well-liked lens on your images work, and why do you select it over others?
Truthfully, I don’t have a single most well-liked lens for my images; my selection varies primarily based on the venture. The 24-70mm lens has all the time been a dependable workhorse for me, however I’ve just lately switched to a 24-120mm for its extra attain, and I couldn’t be happier with the choice. The additional zoom permits for extra flexibility with out sacrificing picture high quality.
In 2021, I acquired a 100-400mm lens, and it has been a revelation. The flexibility to concentrate on particulars and isolate topics has considerably expanded my artistic potentialities—I completely adore it. For wide-angle photographs that seize expansive scenes and dramatic foregrounds, my 14-30mm lens is irreplaceable. Its perspective is crucial for sure landscapes and architectural work.
Nonetheless, after I crave a break from standard views, I flip to my Edge 35 Lensbaby. This lens is a breath of contemporary air, permitting my inventive aspect to soar. It’s a useful software for resetting my artistic mindset, particularly after I discover myself in a photographic rut. Utilizing the Lensbaby encourages me to view the world otherwise, refreshing my imaginative and prescient and method to images.
6. Are you able to share certainly one of your favorite photographs and why you prefer it/why you’re happy with it?
One in all my favourite photographs captures ‘La Tour Percée,’ a secluded marvel nestled within the Chartreuse area of the French Alps. This pure arch is located on personal property, shrouded inside an expansive forest, with none official trails resulting in it. In actual fact, venturing there’s technically prohibited. But, like many others, I used to be drawn to its thriller and managed to seize certainly one of my most cherished and probably my most interesting pictures.
The journey to ‘Tour Percée’ was unintended; I had initially got down to seize a dawn from a close-by location however realized I used to be comparatively near this hidden gem. In a second, I made a decision to hunt it out, departing on what turned out to be a hazardous trek. The journey was arduous, involving three hours of navigating steep, treacherous terrain. Truly, it was very silly what I did. Nonetheless, the hassle was rewarded after I lastly arrived to search out that I had your complete place to myself. Those that had been there earlier had departed, leaving me in solitude with this superb place.
The sensation of getting such a wide ranging scene all to oneself is indescribable. It was not simply the great thing about the ‘La Tour Percée’ that made this picture particular to me, but in addition the recollections of the journey and the dangers taken to seize it. The {photograph} is a testomony to the lengths I’m keen to go for my ardour, and it embodies the essence of exploration and discovery that drives my images.
7. Wanting again a number of years, has your images model advanced as you’ve continued to discover and {photograph}?
My images model has advanced tremendously through the years, particularly round 2015, which was a pivotal yr for me. This was when my youngest little one was born, and I took a year-long maternity depart. Throughout this era, I had the chance to really immerse myself in images. I devoted time to studying new strategies and deepening my understanding of Lightroom, which allowed me to reinforce my pictures in methods I hadn’t explored earlier than.
Being on depart additionally gave me the liberty to have interaction with my ardour for nature. I made it some extent to deliver my digicam with me on each stroll I had with my daughter, capturing the great thing about the on a regular basis moments and the pure world round me. This time of exploration and follow was not nearly enhancing my technical expertise but in addition about connecting extra deeply with landscapes I like.
Furthermore, it was throughout this transformative interval that I started working as a household photographer. This new enterprise allowed me to use the talents and views I had developed, additional shaping my model and method. After I look again at it now, I see that my journey by means of images has been profoundly influenced by these experiences, marking a big evolution in my work and artistic expression.
8. What piece of recommendation would you give to photographers seeking to seize stunning panorama pictures?
For photographers aiming to seize beautiful panorama pictures, preparation is essential. Begin by completely researching your location forward of time. Collect as a lot data as you possibly can in regards to the space, specializing in geographical options, potential viewpoints, and the way the solar’s route modifications all through the day. Understanding the lighting situations is essential; the golden hour (shortly after dawn or earlier than sundown) and the blue hour (simply earlier than dawn and simply after sundown) provide softer, extra forgiving mild that may dramatically improve your pictures. Throughout these instances, even minor errors may be overshadowed by the great thing about the sunshine.
Nonetheless, don’t underestimate the ability of photographing beneath difficult climate situations. Whereas it’s tougher, the outcomes can typically be breathtaking. In such eventualities, composition turns into much more essential. It’s about discovering steadiness, guiding the viewer’s eye, and taking advantage of what powerful climate brings.
Beautiful mild could make a big distinction, turning photograph into a unprecedented one. However it’s the mixture of preparation, understanding of sunshine, and composition that really elevates panorama images. And plenty of luck, I’m afraid too.
9. When you’re recommending a location in Norway for photographers to go to, the place would it not be? Think about they’ve by no means been to Norway, and this could be their first glimpse…
Norway stands as a beacon of pure magnificence in Europe, providing breathtaking landscapes at each nook. From my experiences, it seems like each place of this nation holds one thing spectacular. A major instance is Vestland, famend for its expansive fjords the place mountains majestically rise straight from the waters. This area is a paradise for nature lovers, dotted with numerous waterfalls and beautiful vistas. Like many extra!
Nonetheless, my private favorite is the world stretching from Lofoten to Tromsø. The attract of Lofoten, with its dramatic mountains, deep fjords, lakes, huge ocean, and untamed wilderness, is unparalleled. The climate right here is as unpredictable as it’s stunning, displaying the uncooked pressure of nature in its purest type. It’s a spot the place I discover immense peace, pleasure, and inspiration, not simply in photographing the majestic landscapes but in addition in looking for out the much less trodden paths away from the crowds.
For anybody visiting Norway for the primary time, I might extremely suggest exploring the Lofoten Islands and the islands in direction of Tromsø. Right here, you’ll expertise the essence of Norway’s pure magnificence. It’s a possibility to immerse your self in landscapes which can be as enchanting as they’re inspiring, providing countless potentialities for photographers to seize the magic of the Norwegian wilderness.
10. Let’s play somewhat hypothetical, you’re hoping to seize and doc your ultimate topic or scene…what’s it, and when would you go?
Deciding on a single dream topic or scene is difficult as a result of the listing of potentialities is countless. Nonetheless, one dream that stands out vividly in my thoughts is capturing the core of the Milky Approach. To do that, I’d select a location the place the skies are famously clear and the sunshine air pollution minimal, comparable to a desert or maybe on Tenerife in Might. The concept of photographing the Milky Approach in such settings has all the time captivated me, particularly after seeing some actually awe-inspiring photographs and studying in regards to the experiences of others who’ve finished it. It’s a dream I’d love to show into actuality at some point.
11. What’s subsequent for you and are you engaged on any initiatives, or portfolio galleries?
The previous two years have been a big problem for me, significantly concerning my well being, which sadly restricted my skill to have interaction totally in outdoor images. Fortunately, that chapter is closing, and I’m on the mend. With my restoration practically full, I’m impatiently awaiting the second I obtain the all-clear to seize my mountain climbing backpack as soon as extra.
My rapid plan is to return to the mountains – a spot I contemplate my joyful place. There, I hope to soak myself within the landscapes that encourage me most and seize the great thing about the pure world by means of my lens. The mountains have all the time been the place I really feel most at peace and creatively alive. Now that I’m virtually able to embark on mountain climbing adventures once more, I’m trying ahead to not solely reconnecting with my ardour for images in my favorite settings but in addition to compiling a portfolio of recent work that displays this renewed part of my journey.
Being within the mountains and behind the digicam once more is what I’m most enthusiastic about. It’s not nearly taking pictures; it’s about returning to my place, the place I really feel most linked to myself and the world round me. This subsequent chapter is one I sit up for with nice anticipation, able to discover, seize, and share the sweetness I discover with renewed vitality and perspective.
Whats up! I’m the founder and photographer behind The Wandering Lens.
With 17+yrs expertise as an expert journey and panorama photographer, all recommendation discovered on this website is from my private expertise on the street. I hope it’s helpful on your personal travels and would love to listen to within the feedback about your journeys and experiences all over the world.