Daniel Kordan has been fascinated by the possibilities of photography since early childhood.
“I grew up at beautiful lake region under Moscow exploring wild nature, spending most of my free time in the nature. I graduated the art painting school when I was a kid. Mix art, nature, constant activities and you’ll receive a summary – art of Landscape photography.”
“Life started swirling me, pushing me into the rush. University, hard work on my quantum physics thesis, family and friends… But there is always a pleasure in the pathless woods: places I always returned and always admired. Nature is my inspiration, with all the beauty and variety of colors and compositions.”
There is a pleasure in the pathless woods,
There is a rapture on the lonely shore,
There is society, where none intrudes,
By the deep sea, and music in its roar:
I love not man the less, but Nature more,
From these our interviews, in which I steal
From all I may be, or have been before,
To mingle with the Universe, and feel
What I can ne’er express, yet cannot all conceal.
“Lucky for me during my study at Institute of Physics and Technology I gained experience not only in physics, but also in mountain climbing and hiking, guiding tourist groups in winter and in summer. I became a guide of photo-workshops and chief editor of “Continent expedition” magazine. We wrote awesome articles travel and adventures all over the world competing even with National Geographic.”
“I live in the world today, but there are places on Earth, I attached with by my soul. It’s villa Gaia in Tuscany I live mainly these days. I love Lofoten islands, with their remarkable atmosphere of fishing villages, sailing adventures, incredible hikes and northern lights dances during the winter time.”
He has won several awards in photography, including: Golden Turtle’ 13 Nature nomination winner, National Geographic Russia contest 2013 winner, Best of Russia’13, ’14 ’15 winner, bestphotographer’13, Trierenberg Super Circuit award (best landscape photographer). He has been featured in publications and in such magazines as Digital SLR Magazine, UK, Photography week, Photography Master Class, National Geographic, Discovery, Photoworld China, Digital Photo (Bauer Media) magazines. His key clients are Nikon, Apple, Gazprom Neft’, S7 Airlines, and RedBull.
“I am spending most of my time in Norway at Lofoten islands and in Tuscany at our villa Gaia, guiding groups from Europe, UK, US, Asia and Russia.”
Daniel’s equipment:
Nikon D800, Nikon D810,
Nikkor 24-70 f/2.8,
Nikkor 80-200 f/2.8,
Nikkor 14 f/2.8,
Nikkor 14-24 f/2.8,
Nikkor 50 mm f/2.8.
Tripods: Gitzo.
OdinLife.com: What inspires you to travel?
Daniel: Our planet was given to us to explore it. We are here not to produce money for money, but we are here to feel, listen and explore our beautiful world. When I see first rays of sun, beautiful colors in the sky, they inspire me to move forward. These are simple things that drive me: sunsets and sunrises, walk in mountains, sounds of waterfall and singing of birds in the trees. I just feel happy and in harmony in the nature. And even more happy when I am able to share the beauty of our world with others and inspire them to travel and feel the same.
What is the most memorable trip you have had in recent memory? Tell us about it.
The most recent very exciting event was the Altiplano project:
There are not so many places in the world where you can enjoy absolute dark sky. Light pollution is in the cities and even small villages. Besides, it’s hard to get the very clear sky. Altiplano suits as the best possible place on Earth to observe stars. So I planned a month-road trip for astrophotography.
The most incredible experience was on the flooded Uyuni! It was hard to believe our eyes and senses. It seemed that we float in the open space. Our spaceship is parked in a distance, and stars are blinking with blue, red and yellow colors. You stand in the deep night with stars above you, aside from you and underneath! It’s space on Earth, isn’t it?
Of course we expected difficulties on our way.
First of all, high elevation. Photography session was on 4000 – 5000 m above sea level! We needed 5-6 days to acclimatize and next spent 2 weeks at Altiplano, full time at 4000 – 5000 m! Of course, its hard to move and hard to breath. But due to proper planning, we were safe and healthy.
It was incredible experience to drive in the night on the flooded Uyuni salt flats. Literally you can’t see a thing, just absolutely black tunnel in front of your car. What you feel is just how your car going through the mess of water and salt. It’s very easy to get stuck on the dangerous surface. Usually it’s up to 5-10 cm of water above the salt, but sometimes it go deeper. We made a gps track during the daytime to this exact place and followed it precisely in the night.
Favorite Photo taken so far?
http://kordan.35photo.ru/photo_686741/#author/686741
Might be this, but all of them are very different
What would you tell someone that wants to travel but is afraid due to budget or other reasons?
I travelled since I was a student with not a penny in my pocket. There is always a way if you dream!
What are your favorite things to do to prepare for a trip to new country?
The most exciting is to read about the place I’d like to visit and seek inspiration in films and videos. I love to speak with local people and talk to them planning all stuff.
What’s your next big project?
The next project is our “Two poles” expedition from Arctic to Antarctica by yacht. We started from Sant Petersburg and continue through Svalbard, Greenland, Azores islands to the South pole!
Any last tips for new travelers and photographers?
Don’t be afraid to explore and to grow! It’s possible even with very low budget – just hike in mountains, travel with friends.
Publish your photos, listen for critique.
Don’t make pause in photography, even when you are at home – learn, watch and prepare your future trips.
Dream and make a wish, and everything will happen!
Where can people follow you online?
https://www.instagram.com/danielkordan/
https://www.facebook.com/dk.scape
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