Welcome to a brand new collection on The Wandering Lens wherein I interview fellow photographers from all over the world about their work, their inspirations, suggestions and the tales behind their favorite pictures.
First up is Agata, a photographer who caught my eye on Instagram together with her beautiful drone work over snow coated 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 concerning the mountain landscapes that evokes your images, and the way do you are feeling it influences your inventive imaginative and prescient?
Mountain landscapes are majestic and provoking, providing a palette of textures, colors, and light-weight which might be each a problem and a delight to seize by way of images. The rugged peaks, serene valleys, and dramatic skies are an integral element of the image. These parts 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 inventive imaginative and prescient by pushing me to hunt out distinctive views and moments that really seize the essence of the mountain setting. I discover myself consistently exploring the play between gentle and shadow, the textures of the rock and vegetation, and the best way 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 setting 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 welcoming. They affect my inventive 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 way of my lens, I goal to point out the deep respect I really feel for the mountains, hoping to encourage others to understand and defend 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 grew to become my playground. My love for the realm round Grenoble started throughout a scholar alternate in 2006, and it shortly felt like dwelling. After ending my research, I returned with my rising household. Every 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 components 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 season 2022, we relocated to Oslo, Norway, for an awesome job alternative. Curiously, we moved to a rustic we had by no means visited earlier than – an exhilarating leap. Nonetheless, I used to be already conversant in Norway’s breathtaking nature. Though I miss the fast proximity to the Alps, Norwegian landscapes supply their very own wild magnificence. Furthermore, Lofoten and Senja are only a 2-hour flight away, locations I’ve solely lately begun to discover. Whereas Lofoten is well-known and infrequently crowded with vacationers in summer season, 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 way of 4 seasons in a single day, from clear skies to hailstorms to rainbows, presents a problem I eagerly embrace.
3. How do you resolve in your inventive focus for a mission or a single {photograph}, and the place do you draw your inspiration from?
Deciding on a inventive focus for a mission or a single {photograph} is certainly difficult. I discover myself impressed by the pure world—its patterns, colors, and formations typically information what I goal to seize. Earlier than heading out, I completely analysis my location, using instruments like Google Earth to know the sunshine and put together as a lot as potential technically. Nonetheless, as soon as on location, I are inclined to immerse myself within the second and infrequently let instinct information me. This strategy means I generally overlook concerning the pictures I initially deliberate to take…
As for drawing inspiration, I have to admit, Instagram has develop into 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 duties restrict my means to discover.
4. Might you describe a specific images method or strategy you’ve been exploring lately and what you’ve realized 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 finally protested towards the burden. Now, I journey lighter, carrying solely the necessities—specifically, 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 have to admit, Instagram has develop into 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 duties restrict my means to discover.
Relating to focus stacking, I’ve grown fairly keen on it. It’s a way that has considerably expanded my inventive choices. Nonetheless, I consistently remind myself of the sweetness and artistry present in photographs with a blurry foreground. It’s a reminder that pictures don’t all the time have to be pin-sharp from foreground to background. Embracing each sharpness and softness in my images has been a precious lesson, including depth and selection to my work.
5. What’s your most popular lens on your images work, and why do you select it over others?
Truthfully, I don’t have a single most popular lens for my images; my alternative varies based mostly on the mission. The 24-70mm lens has all the time been a dependable workhorse for me, however I’ve lately switched to a 24-120mm for its further 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 inventive potentialities—I completely adore it. For wide-angle pictures 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 device for resetting my inventive mindset, particularly after I discover myself in a photographic rut. Utilizing the Lensbaby encourages me to view the world in a different way, refreshing my imaginative and prescient and strategy to images.
6. Are you able to share one in every of your favorite pictures and why you prefer it/why you’re pleased with it?
Certainly one of my favourite pictures captures ‘La Tour Percée,’ a secluded marvel nestled within the Chartreuse area of the French Alps. This pure arch is located on non-public property, shrouded inside an expansive forest, with none official trails resulting in it. Actually, venturing there’s technically prohibited. But, like many others, I used to be drawn to its thriller and managed to seize one in every of my most cherished and doubtlessly my best images.
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. Really, it was very silly what I did. Nonetheless, the trouble was rewarded after I lastly arrived to seek out that I had the 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 panoramic 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 reminiscences of the journey and the dangers taken to seize it. The {photograph} is a testomony to the lengths I’m prepared 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 developed as you’ve continued to discover and {photograph}?
My images model has developed tremendously over time, particularly round 2015, which was a pivotal yr for me. This was when my youngest baby 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 boost my photographs in methods I hadn’t explored earlier than.
Being on depart additionally gave me the liberty to interact with my ardour for nature. I made it a degree to convey 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 apply was not nearly bettering my technical expertise but in addition about connecting extra deeply with landscapes I really like.
Furthermore, it was throughout this transformative interval that I started working as a household photographer. This new enterprise allowed me to use the abilities and views I had developed, additional shaping my model and strategy. Once I look again at it now, I see that my journey by way of images has been profoundly influenced by these experiences, marking a major evolution in my work and artistic expression.
8. What piece of recommendation would you give to photographers trying to seize stunning panorama images?
For photographers aiming to seize beautiful panorama photographs, preparation is vital. Begin by completely researching your location forward of time. Collect as a lot data as you may concerning 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) supply softer, extra forgiving gentle that may dramatically improve your images. Throughout these occasions, even minor errors may be overshadowed by the great thing about the sunshine.
Nonetheless, don’t underestimate the ability of photographing underneath difficult climate situations. Whereas it’s tougher, the outcomes can typically be breathtaking. In such situations, composition turns into much more essential. It’s about discovering stability, guiding the viewer’s eye, and taking advantage of what powerful climate brings.
Gorgeous gentle could make a major distinction, turning a very good picture into a unprecedented one. Nevertheless it’s the mix of preparation, understanding of sunshine, and composition that really elevates panorama images. And many luck, I’m afraid too.
9. In case you’re recommending a location in Norway for photographers to go to, the place wouldn’t it be? Think about they’ve by no means been to Norway, and this may be their first glimpse…
Norway stands as a beacon of pure magnificence in Europe, providing breathtaking landscapes at each nook. From my experiences, it appears like each place of this nation holds one thing spectacular. A main 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 realm 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 power 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 chance to immerse your self in landscapes which might be as enchanting as they’re inspiring, providing countless potentialities for photographers to seize the magic of the Norwegian wilderness.
10. Let’s play just a little hypothetical, you’re hoping to seize and doc your preferrred 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 checklist of potentialities is countless. Nonetheless, one dream that stands out vividly in my thoughts is capturing the core of the Milky Method. To do that, I’d select a location the place the skies are famously clear and the sunshine air pollution minimal, corresponding to a desert or maybe on Tenerife in Might. The concept of photographing the Milky Method in such settings has all the time captivated me, particularly after seeing some actually awe-inspiring pictures and studying concerning the experiences of others who’ve accomplished it. It’s a dream I’d love to show into actuality in the future.
11. What’s subsequent for you and are you engaged on any initiatives, or portfolio galleries?
The previous two years have been a major problem for me, significantly relating to my well being, which sadly restricted my means to interact absolutely 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 mountaineering backpack as soon as extra.
My fast plan is to return to the mountains – a spot I think about my glad place. There, I hope to soak myself within the landscapes that encourage me most and seize the great thing about the pure world by way 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 mountaineering 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 images; 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.
Good day! I’m the founder and photographer behind The Wandering Lens.
With 17+yrs expertise as knowledgeable journey and panorama photographer, all recommendation discovered on this web site 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.
