German photographer Sandra Bartocha has been making fantastic and ethereal nature photography for many years and is among the most creative landscape photographers working today. PetaPixel chatted with Bartocha about her interesting techniques, artistic vision, and the importance of authenticity in photography.

Bartocha Has Always Carved a Unique Path in Photography

“I think I’ve been photographing kind of all my life because my dad was a photographer, so I grew up with cameras,” Bartocha tells PetaPixel over Zoom. “But I would say that intentionally, not just for fun, I joined my dad in the darkroom when I was with the scouts, so around 14, almost 30 years back now.”

As a teen, Bartocha got so serious about photography that she wanted to study it in university. Ultimately, she did not get into her desired photography program, which she says results from numerous circumstances.

For starters, “It’s very difficult to get into these universities. In Germany, it’s not about the money; it’s much more about spaces. It’s about nine spaces for 1,200 applicants.” Back then, the internet wasn’t accessible to study how to create the perfect photo portfolio and college application. “Nobody in my village could tell me how a portfolio for a university should look. So I was really naïve.”

Beyond these limitations, Bartocha says that nature photography was not a focus of educational programs at the time, a blind spot that persists in many photo programs today. “So I think my chances of getting in were limited in any case,” she admits.

Undeterred, Bartocha continued onward, eventually becoming an au pair in the United States in 1999, where she then learned of the work of Minnesota-based photographer Jim Brandenburg.

“He got me into this kind of thing that emotional photography is much more important than the actual perfect frame with his 90-day project, Chased by the Light, where he just took one picture a day in Minnesota. And I was so impressed by that just going out and deciding what is the decisive moment and what kind of picture should I take? And I think with this concept in mind that I’m going away from the normal representation of things or documentation and much more about feeling how I feel the atmosphere of places.”

Technique and Artistic Expression

This emphasis on emotion and atmosphere has long tied in with Bartocha’s distinct photographic approach and technical skills. Since her analog origins, Bartocha has worked with multiple exposure photography techniques. In fact, PetaPixel began speaking with Bartocha because of her ongoing push to get Nikon to bring back RAW image capture with the Multiple Exposure feature‘ in its latest mirrorless cameras.

Bartocha explains that using multiple exposures allows her to “tackle different problems that the camera couldn’t do” using a single exposure. For example, when photographing flowers, Bartocha may want a layer of the frame be sharp, in-focus flowers, but need the rest of the image, including the background, to be soft. This is not always possible by utilizing shallow depth of field in a single frame. By combining multiple images, it’s possible to control the look of different areas of the image independently.

“But it was always a very strong part of deepening the information that I have in front of me and using it as a way of either tackling technical limitations of the camera or then going on creatively and seeing or capturing something that I see inside,” the photographer says of multiple exposures.

With analog cameras, the technique required a lot of manual calculation, much of which is handled automatically by digital cameras these days. However, the ability for Bartocha to determine what she wants an image to look like before it is created is as important now as it ever has been.

“I want to control everything… I like the classic way of layering structures or objects over each other,” she explains.

Much of Bartocha’s photographic approach, especially with multiple exposures, is similar to classical painting techniques, where the artist built a scene one layer at a time.

“[My work] is very impressionistic and I love Monét, but I just listened to a Monét podcast and everything that they said about him and how he approached the landscape, well, I was feeling a hundred percent the same.”

Capturing the ‘Feeling’ of Nature

Bartocha’s latest book — which is truly superb — is called Rhythm of Nature and the idea of translating a sort of natural resonance of the world into photographs is apparent throughout not just the new book, but Bartocha’s entire body of work.

“I love the way that nature makes me feel,” Bartocha says. “In a way, it allows me to get away from everything else that bothers me.”

While some people may just get out into nature to relax or look at pretty things, Bartocha absorbs the world through an artist’s eyes. As for what she looks for, she says she’s “very drawn to patterns and structures.”

One of the most challenging aspects of nature photography is not actually finding the scenes, although that is hard, but using the appropriate tools and techniques to translate how a scene looks to the eye into a beautiful image.

When discussing how a photographer can develop a personal style, Bartocha says, “I’m a firm believer that you just really have to listen.” While the photographer was talking about how someone can find their artistic voice by understanding themselves on a deeper level, this general sentiment applies to so much of Bartocha’s work and what makes it so special. Her nature photography reflects her ability to “hear” nature.

That may seem like an excessively romantic way of thinking about photography, but it is likely relatable for many artists, photographers included. Especially with landscape and nature photography, some of the most powerful work goes beyond mere documentation or hyper-realistic depictions but manages to capture the emotion of a moment within a scene.

Practical Advice for Photographers

While Bartocha does not feel up to the challenge of leading workshops, as she believes that photography is an inherently personal endeavor, she does have plenty of actionable advice for photographers looking to improve their skills.

The most important advice is that there is significant value in learning to be more observant of surroundings. Many of Bartocha’s most impactful images are not of expansive vistas or grand landscapes. Instead, they focus on the smaller, quiet moments in nature that are no less beautiful.

Further, exposing oneself to fantastic art by others is a great way to learn, although Bartocha warns against trying to copy or repeat someone else’s work. If a photo is not born from deep personal feelings, it can be challenging to succeed.

“And I just am generally interested in things because out of this comes curiosity, and out of curiosity comes a way of that you maybe want to create images around a certain topic and then your style will evolve alongside that,” Bartocha adds.

When she looks at what makes a lot of her peers successful and tries to explain her success, a common theme is that the best photographers are strong in their convictions and stay true to themselves.

This may seem like obvious advice, but Bartocha believes that a significant part of her success has come from charting her own course in photography, something that has been an essential part of her growth as an artist since she first picked up a camera.

Her father was a photojournalist whose work differed greatly from Bartocha’s. She was not accepted into her desired educational programs. She has not traveled the well-trodden path of workshops and tutorials that have long been significant income sources for professional nature and landscape photographers.

Sandra Bartocha marches to the beat of her own drum, and the photography world is better for it.

Image credits: All images © Sandra Bartocha. While her website is under construction, more of Bartocha’s work is available on Instagram, Flickr, Facebook, and YouTube. Her books are available on Lys Publishing.

Her photography workshops allow the women to foster connections with one another.

“At that time, I got to experience the camera in a whole new way, by seeing it as a tool for dialogue, understanding, and transformation,” she told Daily Voice.

After returning to the US, Keeley vowed to continue serving populations that in her eyes have been “deprived of humanity and dignity.”

“I have focused my work on empowering individuals in the US who are uncertain about their future because of their past,” she said.

Her mission has since taken her prisons across Mexico and the United States, including right here on Long Island.

Over the summer of 2023, men and women incarcerated at the Suffolk County jail in Yaphank took part in a four-week photography class led by Keeley.

The inmates – all members of Sheriff Errol Toulon’s Addiction Treatment Program – learned the ins and outs of operating a camera, all while making portraits “to show the complexity of their stories.”

“This art allows them to move away from the single story, from the stereotype,” Keeley said.

“In these programs, we are looking to support and nurture their self-confidence and self-sufficiency. I believe this is dignity-restoring work. Dignity is achieved when one’s sense of self-worth exceeds their sense of self-denigration or social denigration.”

For their culminating project, the inmates produced self-portraits – along with writings of what they learned during the experience – that will be displayed in the jail’s visiting lobby throughout December.

“I am grateful for Saskia’s program and the opportunity it has given me to develop not only with new photography skills but as a person,” said participant Randy Z.

“It was a journey of self-discovery, empowerment, and a reminder that no matter where we are, our dignity and creativity can never be taken away.”

You can view a sample of the Yaphank Correctional Facility’s photography exhibit on Saskia Keeley’s website and see more of her work on Instagram.

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A new art exhibit at Historic Smithville Park is showcasing fashion during the turbulent 1960s and the career of a local fashion model.

The Pose: A Sixties Silhouette is on display at Smithville Park’s Workers House Gallery through Jan. 13. The exhibit is a collaboration by Burlington County-based fashion illustrator Lisa Steinberg and photographer Lisa Ingui. It pays tribute to 1960s fashion styles and Ingui’s mother, Cheryl Marie Desch, a Philadelphia-based fashion model of that era.

The exhibit consists of vintage photographs and advertisements featuring Desch that Ingui compiled, plus modern drawings created by Steinberg for this exhibit, who was inspired by the era. 

“The arts are a major contributor to the high quality of life residents enjoy here in Burlington County and we’re proud of the support Burlington County provides to local artists and arts groups through grants, classes, special events, concerts and galleries,” said Burlington County Commissioner Director Felica Hopson. “This exhibit is an example of the creative talent that is flourishing in Burlington County and we’re thrilled to help showcase them.”

Steinberg resides in Delran and works as a professor and director of the fashion department at Rowan College at Burlington County. She is also a visiting assistant professor in fashion illustration at the Pratt Institute in Brooklyn, NY, and the author of “Beginners Guide to Sketching the Fashion Figure” from Bloombury/Fairchild Publications. 

Ingui is a professional photographer and operator of Lila Ingui Photography. She is also a longtime adjutant professor of photography at Rowan College at Burlington County. 

Her mother grew up in Warminster, Pennsylvania, and she was crowned Miss Warminster in 1963. She became a commercial fashion model soon afterwards and worked steadily in the industry until the late 1960s. 

Desch married singer Richie Ingui of The Soul Survivors and the two moved to New Jersey to raise a family. The Medford resident later started an online business that sold vintage clothing, jewelry and accessories. She also refinished antique furniture for sale and continued to work until her death last year.

Burlington County Commissioner Allison Eckel said the exhibit would hopefully inspire more residents to take an interest in fashion design, photography and other creative enterprises.

“This exhibit showcases fashion, design, drawing, photography and the 1960s and its influence on modern artists today,” said Eckel. “It’s a great example of the thriving and diverse artwork being created here in Burlington County, and we’re excited to support the artists who created it.”

Capture the Atlas revealed the winners of its annual Northern Lights Photographer of the Year competition, showcasing the year’s best aurora borealis or australis photos.

Capture the Atlas is a popular travel and photography blog that offers resources to help photographers capture better photos, primarily landscape and astrophotography shots.

“There aren’t many events as moving as seeing the Aurora Borealis paint the sky with hues of green and violet. Under this awe-inspiring phenomenon, each location becomes magical when the Aurora shines across the night sky,” writes Capture the Atlas.

In this year’s Northern Lights Photographer of the Year, the blog’s sixth edition of the contest, Capture the Atlas has selected the 25 best northern lights photos, ranging from remote boreal forests in the Arctic to the stunning southern landscapes of Australia and New Zealand.

Below are 10 selected photos alongside descriptions written by the photographers. The entire 25-photo collection is available on Capture the Atlas, including EXIF information that may help budding astrophotographers dial in their settings. The solar cycle is active now, meaning that auroral displays are becoming frequent.

‘Storm Over Sukakpak’ by Nickolas Warner

Located approximately 70 miles North of the Arctic Circle, Sukakpak Mountain is one of the most beautiful peaks in the Brooks Mountain Range. While I have photographed the Northern Lights in this area on numerous occasions, the most photogenic angle typically faces south, making it a bit challenging for auroras to align with the mountain.

That night, there was an expectation of an X-Class flare hitting, so I knew we needed to head somewhere great. We took our chances and decided to drive an hour north from our accommodation to capture Sukakpak Mountain in all its glory.

It’s very tempting to pull over and shoot where you are standing when the aurora is blazing above your head. When we got there, the sky exploded with more energy than I’ve seen in more than a decade of photographing the Aurora. Attempts to capture Northern Lights that intense resulted in a blurry mess. Instead, we ignored the cameras and stared up in awe as to not miss the light show.

It was only once things slowed down that I captured this panorama.

‘The Arctic Dance’ by Vincent Beudez

As Northern Lights photographers, this is the moment we live for, the strongest solar storm of the year. That particular night, the Northern Lights were so strong that they were even visible from France, my home country.

At that time, I was in Northern Norway, which meant I could see an incredible show even facing south. I was able to see the most colorful Northern Lights I’ve ever witnessed. Being a night photographer as well, I’m not only looking for the Northern Lights, but I chase shapes within a perfect environment, to create the perfect composition.

It’s hard to put into words the feeling when I saw this red curtain surrounded by dancing lights.

Lost Who I want to Be’ by Jordan McInally

I was pretty lucky this night to have a few friends message me a heads up that a big Aurora Australis was forecast, so I had just enough time to rush to this local spot with a painfully steep ascent, watching beams start to dance across the horizon as the sunlight was fading!

I spent around five hours up here and had this whole ridge to myself, shooting over 300 frames of all manner of beams and colors as the show was constantly changing!

‘Goleuadau’r Gogledd’ by Mathew Browne

The title of this image, “Goleuadau’r Gogledd,” translates to ‘Northern Lights’ in Welsh. Finding the accurate translation proved challenging, as this phrase isn’t commonly used in everyday conversations here in South Wales.

The title of this image, “Goleuadau’r Gogledd,” translates to ‘Northern Lights’ in Welsh. Finding the accurate translation proved challenging, as this phrase isn’t commonly used in everyday conversations here in South Wales.

For over an hour, the horizon beyond the clouds emitted hues of green and pink. However, for a brief yet magical moment, the sky came alive with impressive pink pillars, visible to the naked eye.

‘Waning Sun’ by Alex Wides

A 300-degree panorama captured on Senja Island (Norway) featuring the setting sun and an intense Kp seven Northern Lights display.

Embarking on a three-month journey from Italy to the Great North, you anticipate witnessing incredible sights, but this trip surpassed all my expectations. Arriving at Senja Island, my personal favorite among the places I’ve been fortunate enough to visit, we encountered the most powerful Northern Lights of the year, exactly as predicted.

The horizon is glowing with the light of the setting sun; in September, it sets at 11 PM, painting the sky in vibrant shades of green, purple, and red. This shot encapsulates the essence of the journey, capturing the beauty of an extraordinary adventure on one unforgettable evening with my family and two dogs, witnessing an awe-inspiring spectacle.

‘Lady in Pink’ by Kenneth Lerose

I really didn’t believe I’d see the aurora at the lowest altitude point in the US. When I saw the aurora forecast, I was in Vegas. The decision to drive to Badwater Basin was a last-minute one.

When I arrived, I started to second-guess myself once I saw all the atmospheric particles sinking into the basin. I kept thinking about changing locations because it wasn’t looking promising.

I parked just before blue hour and gathered a tripod and camera. I didn’t even take my camera bag out. I thought there would be no need to carry my second camera and tripod, but as I got halfway to my destination, I started seeing some faint lights in the sky. I couldn’t believe my eyes. I stopped and took a test shot and there it was! Pink pillars in the sky! I started running to find a composition to set up a timelapse. I ran back to my airstream a mile behind me to get the rest of my gear. I started snapping stills and set up another timelapse. This was my favorite still frame taken from this memorable night.

In true fashion, I write poems for each image I publish on socials. Here’s the poem I wrote for this one:

Drenched with ambition.
Flowing desire.
Lady in pink.
Internalized fire.

Against all the odds.
She carries my light.
When I’m down for the count.
She reminds me to fight.

She lessens the blows.
Her beauty’s unmatched.
She’s fire to the night.
She’s the spark to my match.

‘Gatklettur Northen Lights’ by Stefano Pellegrini

I spent a week in Iceland, chasing the Northern Lights. Opting for total freedom of movement to track clear skies each night, I lived in a car, planning my itinerary day by day instead of booking hotels in advance. The strategy paid off, and I captured the aurora on four out of seven nights. This photo is from the first night.

Arriving at the location after dark, I parked the car and prepared my sleeping bag. Despite being up since 4 AM, I set my alarm clock to wake me every hour in anticipation of a Kp five forecast for the night. I woke up at 2:30 AM on my own and spotted green hues from the car window. I hurried out, shooting frantically to seize the opportunity.

The final image is my second attempt. Initially, I framed the arch from the front down on the rocky shore but I wasn’t satisfied with the result. After a night of running around various locations, at 5 AM in the morning, I returned to the beach for another composition.

‘Green Snakes’ by Filip Hrebenda

This photo was taken at one of the lesser-known beaches in Lofoten, Norway, called “Vikten.” As with my other shots, I aimed to capture something new and different. During low tide at Vikten beach, numerous small pools emerge in the rocky paths carved by the ocean. So the first crucial step was to wait for the low tide.

Then, I sought the ideal composition with a foreground pool to create a leading-line effect. After a few minutes of searching, I found it! The next challenge was achieving sharpness, which can be challenging in low light conditions. To address this, I needed to focus stack the foreground. I used six individual shots for focus stacking the foreground to ensure everything was sharp.

Following that, I had to wait for the ideal aurora shape to improve my composition. I captured several photos and selected the one in which it formed the ideal shape for my composition. This allowed the aurora itself to become a part of the leading lines, resembling “green snakes”.

‘Aurora Flame’ by Richard Zheng

The peninsula of Dunedin in New Zealand is a good place to observe the aurora. It not only has very little light pollution but there are many bays facing South, which is ideal to capture the Aurora Australis. This photo was taken at an lookout on the roadside of Highcliffe.

This was the first time I had the opportunity to take photos of the Aurora and emission nebulae using a special camera for astrophotography.

In this photo, you can see the Large Magellanic Cloud in the upper right corner. The red mass in the upper left corner of the picture is the Colloidal Nebula, and extending down is the Carina Nebula.

‘Kirkjufell Explosion’ by Marc Marco Ripoll

This was our second night in Iceland, and the popular Mt. Kirkjufell was painted in green. With an aurora forecast in place, we stood there at dusk, anticipating the celestial display. As darkness descended, timid auroras emerged on the horizon.

Initially, I framed the classic view of the location, but suddenly, the sky exploded over my head! Faced with this spectacle, I mounted my wide-angle lens, aimed it towards the sky, and started shooting the first row of a panorama. As it wasn’t enough, I went for the second, then the third, and finally the fourth row!

The real challenge came when I tried to stitch it all together at home. Given the considerable movement in the Northern Lights, neither Lightroom nor Photoshop proved effective. In the end, I resorted to using control points in a specific panorama program, and it worked!

Image credits: All photos are individually credited and provided courtesy of Capture the Atlas.