Vadim Gorodnitsky
1. Congratulations on winning in the European Photography Awards! Can you share a little about yourself, what inspired you to pursue photography, and how has your journey evolved since your first shot?
Thank you! I am a photographer and digital artist from Ashdod, Israel. My inspiration comes from childhood — I was always fascinated by nature and light, and the camera became a way to preserve and share that feeling. At first, it was just a hobby, but over time, it became a part of my life and identity. With every new shot, I learn to see the world more deeply and from a new perspective.
2. Can you share the story or inspiration behind your award-winning piece? How does winning this award make you feel about your journey in photography?
The work was born out of my desire to show the beauty and magic of the moment when nature reveals itself to a person. It’s not just a picture, but a reflection of my inner connection with the world. Winning the European Photography Awards is proof that my emotions and vision resonate with viewers. It gives me strength and inspiration to keep moving forward.
3. How do you decide which photo to submit for a competition?
I choose works that create a strong emotional response in me. If a photograph can “leave me speechless,” if I return to it again and again, then there’s something special in it, and it’s worth sharing with the world.
4. What first made you pick up a camera?
The desire to stop a moment. At some point, I realised that human memory quickly erases details, but a camera can preserve them forever.
5. What’s your favorite type of photography, and why do you love it?
I especially love landscape photography. It carries silence, the breath of nature, the grandeur of open spaces. It helps me slow down and feel harmony with the world.
6. What’s your go-to camera setup, and why does it work best for your projects? What’s your favorite feature?
I use a Canon EOS R along with quality lenses for landscapes and portraits. I love its colour rendering and dynamic range — they allow me to convey the atmosphere of the moment as faithfully as possible.
7. If someone looked at your work, what’s the one thing you’d want them to feel?
I’d like the viewer to feel presence — as if they are standing right next to me in that place, breathing the same air, and seeing the same light.
8. What was the most challenging part of capturing your winning shot?
The greatest challenge was waiting. Sometimes it takes hours to get the right light or the perfect moment, and that requires patience and complete dedication.
9. Is there a specific place or subject that inspires you the most?
I’m deeply inspired by northern landscapes — Lapland, Iceland, the Arctic. Those places hold a raw purity and dramatic beauty of nature.
10. Who or what has been your biggest influence in photography?
I’ve been influenced by the masters of landscape photography and contemporary light artists. But above all, by nature itself, which always teaches me to look at things differently.
11. What message would you share to inspire photographers to participate in photography awards, and what advice would you give to help them excel in the competition?
I would say: don’t be afraid to show your work. Competitions are not only about winning but also about growth, experience, and inspiration. My advice is to choose photographs that reflect who you truly are, not what you think the judges expect.
12. What’s one piece of advice for someone just starting in photography?
Listen to yourself. Don’t chase gear or trends — learn to see light, composition, and emotion. The camera is just a tool; what matters most is how you feel the world.
13. What role do editing and post-processing play in your creative workflow?
For me, post-processing is a continuation of the creative process. I don’t change reality but emphasise what is already there: mood, colour, depth.
14. How do you see technology, like AI, influencing the future of photography and your own approach?
AI is already transforming photography, opening new horizons. I see it as a tool, but I believe that the human vision and feeling will always remain essential. In my work, I want to keep a balance between technology and a living gaze.
15. If you could photograph anything or anyone in the world, what would it be?
I dream of photographing Antarctica. It feels like the last frontier on Earth — a world where humans remain only guests.
