Travel & Photography Magazine
Five key lessons from the 2023 #nomadict Best of the Year Winner to help you capture award-winning photos! With @katarina_mandarina / “Capturing this shot at Vermillion Cliffs was an adventure. White Pocket is a remote area on the Utah-Arizona border, only accessible by 4x4 and in dry conditions.
1) We planned our entire U.S. trip for months and decided to go during the “shoulder season,” when it’s less crowded. However, the weather can be unpredictable at that time, so it’s crucial to be aware of that, especially for safety reasons when driving in such remote and wild areas.
2) Our first attempt didn’t go as planned. After three hours driving through thick mud, a storm hit just as we neared our destination. The car also had a technical issue, and with no signal in the middle of nowhere, we decided to turn back, even though we were so close. It was a tough call, as we were excited to capture this surreal place.
The next day, we explored some nearby canyons, and since the weather was perfect, we decided to give it another shot. This time, everything went smoothly. The ground was dry, and we made it without any issues.
3) We spent the afternoon waiting for the sun to set because that’s when the magic happens. After sunset, the shadows and harsh light disappear, and rocks get these incredible shades of blue, purple, and pink, constantly shifting hues. We had a 45-60 minute window to capture it all before it got completely dark. If we were to do it again, we’d probably plan for more time and even stay overnight to have more chances for photos and to play around with the light.
4) I wanted to keep the shot as minimalistic as possible, focusing on showcasing this incredible creation of nature and us as simple subjects to help people relate to the surreal landscape.
5) As a professional creator, this image symbolizes confidence and trust in my endeavors: After 18 years of experience, I know that even in challenging situations and within a short time frame, I can create something special!” You can read the original article with @katarina_mandarina by visiting the link in our bio!