Until a few years ago, I would have captured this photo very differently. I would have focused on the landscape by a long exposure, a perfectly smooth sea, and no trace of movement in the scene. But thanks to the experience I gained and the classes I took, I developed a more comprehensive storytelling sensitivity. I chose to give up the tripod, raise the ISO, and focus my attention on the small sailboat that took off from this beautiful cliff at dusk. I believe including that small human element helps contextualize the entire scene and ignite a more intense emotional charge in the viewer. This image summarizes my evolution not only as a photographer but, above all, as a storyteller

When I started a few years ago with photography it was all about recreating cool images that I saw online. Find the same spot, the exact same angle and edit it the same way as my favorite photographers. This picture of a tram in Lisbon represents my growth in 2020. I left expectations, classic photo spots and "Instagram evergreens" behind and finally started to photograph what I see, what I feel and to tell my story! I learned to spot beautiful scenery on my own and give a photo my own touch. This picture was taken on a random stroll through Lisbon, without intention, without planning. While walking over a bridge, a glimpse of yellow caught my eye and I quickly pressed the trigger, almost missing the tram in the beautiful frame. It seemed so simple and obvious, yet no one else found this spot in this particular moment. It's probably the picture I am most proud of!

These photos I'm sharing here do not really represent my growth as covid hit all of us hard and cancelled all of our original plans. These photos represent how to make the most out of this situation. All of these photos were shot almost in my backyard, a few kilometers from my home on western Slovakian plains, where there is basically "nothing" if you are a nature/landscape photographer. But when your creativity is boxed, magical things can happen and you can find or create unique scenes everywhere.

This image represents growth in many ways for me. It’s growth in finding perspective in the most mundane things. It's growth in learning to use new equipment and lenses that are out of my comfort zone. It’s growth in my editing abilities and understanding of the software. Most importantly, it’s growth for myself. Photography is a never ending game of highs and lows. One minute you love what you shot and the next day you’re wondering why you even hold a camera. I’ve grown to feel confident in my work. Not that I don’t have days when I’m not happy but I’m not questioning myself anymore and if this is the path for me. I’m constantly wanting to grow more and learn more. This image in particular excites me because we’ve been limited with travel this year due to COVID-19. It showed me that I don’t need to be going on grand vacations and visiting international places to find beauty. It’s always just been right in front of me.

I've learned so much about the importance of storytelling. Using a subject in your image that adds heart and soul and paints a picture for the viewer. A picture is worth as many words as you give it. Creating a relatable story that someone can immerse themselves in is absolutely key.

These photos I'm sharing here do not really represent my growth as covid hit all of us hard and cancelled all of our original plans. These photos represent how to make the most out of this situation. All of these photos were shot almost in my backyard, a few kilometers from my home on western Slovakian plains, where there is basically "nothing" if you are a nature/landscape photographer. But when your creativity is boxed, magical things can happen and you can find or create unique scenes everywhere.

After taking Andrew Kearns' workshop Shooting for Brands as part of the Level Up Challenge I began to re-evaluate my body of work and start to review it critically as to how I could pivot to my dream of becoming a full time photographer. I don't claim to be an outdoor adventure photographer by any means - but rather a portrait photographer that loves shooting in the outdoors. The photos I've selected show my growth in that the entire time I've been shooting I felt I couldn't pinpoint what my “mission statement” was, but now that I have taken the time to reflect during this workshop I realize that my mission statement has been there all along. It's a feeling — when I capture the .001 second of time of a person's expression in a place that will never be the same again, I have a beautiful serene feeling in myself that I want to share with my viewer. And that when someone comes across a photo of mine — they pause as if they want to read a sentence twice or maybe it will trigger a beautiful memory for them, or remind them of a song and that feeling will make them smile. It's all the beautiful positive light of the world with an edge of real life grit because nothing is perfect no matter how much we Photoshop. These photos are all shot in film. I picked up my film cameras few years ago to purposefully slow down and connect with my subjects, because the collaboration between us as artists produces the most humbling and beautiful “captured” feelings. My passion for photography has overflown thanks to the kick in the pants that I needed from this workshop.

Hmm, it's one of those photos that even for me it's hard to explain, or better yet, it's hard to put into words why is it so important. One of the reasons is perhaps the nature it shows. I always had an affinity for lightning. Being able to capture one in such a way definitely lights up a spark in me for what is possible.

This is an image of the trip I never thought I’d have enough time to go on. It was the end of 2019 (December) and I suddenly get a call from a friend who was up in the Alps. I made a few calls myself, and just like that, I had an assignment for a brand. To be more clear, this image shows anything is possible, even when it seems there's no time left.

The last photo I want to submit is a photo I made of a paraglider flying over beautiful Pamukkale. This is also a photo made in 2018. I went on holiday with my wife and son this time. I think we all have seen pictures of the Pamukkale thermal pools. It was one of the reasons for us to visit this place. Like always, there is “Instagram vs. Reality.” It was super crowded here, so I focused on something else. This photo could be taken anywhere I guess. For me it gives a feeling of calmness: a paraglider enjoying his/her flight over Pamukkale against beautiful layered mountains. Of course I went to the thermal pools early in the morning the next day. Wife and son still sound asleep. Really beautiful and worth it!

This photos means a lot to me, because the whole experience surrounding the picture was amazing. The way to the place was a big challenge for me, a lot of hours walking up carrying a heavy bag. We spent two days around these beautiful landscapes in Picos de Europa (Spain), taking pictures, enjoying the views, and waiting for my boyfriend and his friend, who were climbing a 1,000-meter wall.

This photos is from a Washington trip in 2018. I bought my first full frame DSLR in 2018 and this was my first big trip with it. The camera used was an Original Canon 5D that I bought used on B&H for about $400. Yes, the ORIGINAL 5D classic. Which I still pull out from time to time. This trip and sunset specificly, was when I realized the power of full frame. Even though this wasn't the best camera on the market, for me, it was a huge jump from shooting with my phone. This trip jump started my creativity and career as a pro.

After taking Andrew Kearns' workshop Shooting for Brands as part of the Level Up Challenge I began to re-evaluate my body of work and start to review it critically as to how I could pivot to my dream of becoming a full time photographer. I don't claim to be an outdoor adventure photographer by any means - but rather a portrait photographer that loves shooting in the outdoors. The photos I've selected show my growth in that the entire time I've been shooting I felt I couldn't pinpoint what my “mission statement” was, but now that I have taken the time to reflect during this workshop I realize that my mission statement has been there all along. It's a feeling — when I capture the .001 second of time of a person's expression in a place that will never be the same again, I have a beautiful serene feeling in myself that I want to share with my viewer. And that when someone comes across a photo of mine — they pause as if they want to read a sentence twice or maybe it will trigger a beautiful memory for them, or remind them of a song and that feeling will make them smile. It's all the beautiful positive light of the world with an edge of real life grit because nothing is perfect no matter how much we Photoshop. These photos are all shot in film. I picked up my film cameras few years ago to purposefully slow down and connect with my subjects, because the collaboration between us as artists produces the most humbling and beautiful “captured” feelings. My passion for photography has overflown thanks to the kick in the pants that I needed from this workshop.

Inspired by some of the shots in the Ultimate Storytelling Workshop by Finn. This image represents personal growth for me as a photographer- we were on tour with the band, and at that time I was juggling life as a freelance photographer and a touring musician. A few months later I made the leap to doing photography/videography full-time.

I've struggled years with finding my style and always felt that my edits were ok, but for me something was always missing. It never turned out quite the way I wanted it to and I didn't understand what was missing. In the end of 2020 I finally discovered what the missing piece was: the Tone Curve! I always found this tool in Lightroom too complex and couldn't get it right, so I ignored it. But working through it, understanding how it works and using it to create the image I had in mind finally helped me to find my own style! Since that breakthrough I started creating my own presets which make editing much more efficient and keep my style recognizable. But most of all, I stopped being intimidated and can now proudly say: I love my work!

Here, I applied the “50 and stitch” technique concept to create a “Mavic 2 pro and stitch.”

This photo marked the first time I began to integrate people into my work. I began photography by taking photos of animals and landscapes, but discovered a real love of the "adventure" genre when I could fuse together people with real talent and grit executing their craft in beautiful environments. Adventure photography is the culmination of everything I love, and this photo embodies that transition in my work.

This year I decided to improve my aerial photography. These images focus on natural patterns and textures vs vast landscapes that I am used to shooting. Minimalistic, timeless, and focused on the rapidly changing glaciers that surround my home, these photos show a more artistic collection of work.