With meaningful travel being the main focus in travel photography 2023 we knew we wanted to highlight John Dambik’s incredible collection. From travelling to Arizona to his most recent trip in Greenland, he truly engages and connects with the local people in the destination he is visiting. His work puts the focus on storytelling about land, heritage, and connections.
Come with us to find out how John captured the Navajo community, how he became comfortable with approaching people for their portraits and where he will be heading next on his travels.
CG: Can you tell us about your journey in becoming a photographer?
JD: I have always been interested in art (oil painting, watercolours, charcoal) and love travelling, so travel photography was a natural progression for me. I initially took to photography of people and landscapes with my old manual Minolta SLR camera. Fast forward with the latest mirrorless cameras in hand, I have since been to 70+ countries to experience different cultures and landscapes.
CG: What draws you to travel photography and capturing portraits on your journey?
JD: I love environmental portraits since they are challenging with high reward. I had to learn to be very comfortable with approaching people, working with them to transform an idea into a good portrait, and this also meant learning some of the local language, from Navajo to Swahili! One interesting lesson I learned is that the background for an image is just as important as the subject, sometimes first choosing an interesting background then waiting for someone to walk into it.
CG: Can you tell us the story behind capturing portraits of the Navajo community in Arizona?
JD: I was attracted to visiting Arizona’s Monument Valley not only due to the captivating landscapes but also the opportunity to see the Navajo way of life and learn some of the culture. I have always wanted to photograph Native American tribes, and the whole experience started with an invite to a Navajo family’s traditional hogan dwelling. The Navajo never disappointed as models for photography, wearing vibrant, hand-made traditional outfits. Their ensembles represent wisdom, honour, traditions, spiritual wellness, and celebration passed down through generations, linking us to our past and helping us move forward with strength and hope. This opportunity and experience was incredible.
CG: Where is the next destination on your travels and why?
JD: My follow-on trip was something quite different… sailing through the Greenland ice fjords north of the Arctic Circle, photographing colossal icebergs in many different conditions, from fog and mist to the soft pastel sunset lighting in the middle of the night hours. Humpback whales and quaint isolated villages were a welcomed bonus. The next destination is Alaska during winter to capture the Aurora Borealis and perhaps some of the indigenous cultures there.
CG: Any advice for anyone starting their journey in photography.
JD: I believe that photography is half-art and half-technical. Whichever side appeals more to you, get out and take images of people doing things, everyday life, and capture a collage of what draws you to your hometown. Practice different compositions and try shooting portraits of people horizontally to capture the environment. Join a local photography group to share and review images with. I am always inspired by other photographers’ work.
Are you feeling inspired to make a deeper connection with the place you will be travelling too next? Well check out our ‘Top tips to stand out with travel photography’ blog here, to get you started. You can find the rest of John’s amazing travel images here and make sure to check out his website here. We hope you enjoyed the last 12 months of our spotlight features and will see you in January 2024 for another year of celebrating our contributors!