VERTICAL LANDSCAPES
Take a fresh approach with landscapes and see where your vision can take you. Paulina Stopka shares her journey on how a different perspective challenged her to view the world in a unique way and create images to be proud of
KIT LIST
My go-to lenses are the EF 16-35 f/4 and RF 70-200 f/2.8. The wideangle lens is perfect for capturing wider vistas and creating a sense of depth and scale. The RF70-200 f/2.8, on the other hand, is an excellent choice for capturing distant subjects or creating a sense of optical compression.
While hiking, having a tripod that is both sturdy and lightweight is crucial to avoid adding unnecessary weight to my already heavy backpack. It is ideal for longexposure shots, as it helps to eliminate camera shake.
I like to have control over the amount of light that enters my camera and ND filters come in handy when I want to capture moving clouds and water. I often use 3, 8, or 10-stop depending on the daylight conditions and what I’m trying to achieve.
The camera clip has been a game-changer for me. It’s an excellent way to carry my camera when I’m on the move. The clip securely attaches to my backpack strap, giving me quick and easy access to my camera whenever I come across a photo opportunity. I no longer waste time taking off my backpack to access my gear.
Paulina Stopka
Paulina is a London-based self-taught photographer and graphic designer originally from Kraków, Poland. She began her photography journey in 2016 and specialised in portrait, urban/architecture and landscape photography. She is particularly drawn to symmetry and aesthetics when composing her photos. See more at www.paulastopka.com and Instagram @shotsbypaula
Growing up in the southern region of Poland, I was fortunate enough to live near the Tatra Mountains, renowned for their stunning alpine landscapes. Although I always enjoyed spending time in the outdoors, hiking was not my cup of tea for a long time. It wasn’t until 2016, when I developed an interest in landscape photography, that I became truly inspired and motivated to explore the trails to capture the breathtaking scenery around me. The thrill of not knowing what lay ahead at the summit kept me going, always wondering about the kind of views and sunsets I might encounter.
As I delved deeper into the world of landscape photography, I began experimenting with different angles and compositions. It wasn’t long before I discovered that shooting in portrait orientation not only offered a fresher perspective compared to traditional landscape photography, but it also presented a different set of challenges and opportunities that I was eager to
