Interview: Dita Arucidisová -
Photographer: Dita Arucidisová
Based: Currently travelling.
Instagram: @nestedinn_nature
_photography
Portfolio: http://nestedinnaturephotography.com/
Quick-Fire Questions
Favorite lens? M.Zuiko 40-150mm f.4 pro
Presets or manual editing? Presets first, then manual adjustments
Sunrise or sunset? Sunset
Favorite snack while shooting/travelling? Museli
The #1 photo location you’ll always recommend or return to: Cornwall - the wild coastlines of South West England will be forever my favourite to hike and photograph.
Photographic Journey
1. How did you first get into photography? What sparked your interest in travel photography specifically?
I’ve always loved capturing moments, especially when spending time with my close friends. I never wanted those meaningful times to be forgotten. The more I traveled, the more I found myself photographing, though I didn’t always have the best camera to work with. My close friends were usually the ones with the right gear, and while many people encouraged me to take photography more seriously, it took me a long time to build the confidence to do so. Living in an age dominated by social media and a saturated market certainly didn’t make it easier, haha. But over time, I grew to realize that I wanted to pursue what I truly love. It’s been exactly one year since I committed to photography workshops and classes, pushed myself out of my comfort zone, and stopped comparing my work to others. So far, my efforts have paid off, and I’m incredibly grateful for the progress I’ve made.
2. Are there any photographers, destinations, or personal experiences that influence or inspire your photography style or motivate you to pursue it more seriously?
When I lived in the UK, I was incredibly fortunate to become part of a community of inspiring artists. At first, I felt somewhat overwhelmed by the level of creativity and the unwavering determination of people to carve their own paths. But soon, I realized that rather than feeling threatened, their energy was meant to expand my horizons and inspire me to grow beyond my limits. This community wasn’t just deeply committed to their craft; they also genuinely cared about the environment they lived in, particularly the natural world around them.
Surrounded by wild landscapes with the ocean just at my doorstep, I found myself falling more in love with nature on a completely new level every day. This connection is what now fuels my photography. While I’m still on the journey of discovering my true direction, I already know that I want my images to serve as a bridge, helping people reconnect with themselves and with nature.
“Surrounded by wild landscapes with the ocean just at my doorstep, I found myself falling more in love with nature on a completely new level every day. This connection is what now fuels my photography.”
3. What cameras and lenses do you usually pack for your travels? Are there any accessories you never leave home without?
My equipment is fairly basic at the moment, but as I continue to photograph, I plan to gradually expand my gear. This summer, I upgraded from a very small travel camera to the Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark III. Since I prioritize traveling light, I currently carry the M.Zuiko 40-150mm f/4 Pro lens and the Lumix 20mm f/1.7 lens. While I appreciate the 20mm lens, I’ve found it to be a bit slow, so this year, I’m aiming to add the M.Zuiko 12-40mm f/2.8 Pro lens to complement my existing setup.
4. Do you have any favourite camera settings or post-processing techniques you rely on for capturing travel moments?
I enjoy experimenting with motion blur and using ND filters to create unique effects. I'm also learning to use Pro Capture mode to capture sharp images of birds in motion. There are so many projects I want to explore in the future, with one of the top ones being capturing the beauty of the night sky. For now, my main focus is on mastering the fundamental settings and getting them just right.
5. How would you describe your photography style? What kind of stories or emotions do you aim to convey through your images?
I have a deep passion for visual storytelling. When I travel, I aim to share the story of my experiences along the way. As I mentioned, my focus is on capturing raw moments, as I believe they evoke the strongest emotions. My goal is for people to imagine themselves living those moments, which is why I strive to create realistic, natural images rather than overly posed ones. I’m also drawn to the small details, and part of my mission is to help others notice them too. Ultimately, I believe true beauty lies in simplicity. And that's the message I hope my photography conveys.
6. Which editing software do you prefer to use, and how important is post-processing in shaping your final images?
I primarily use Lightroom for post-processing, as I believe it plays a crucial role in enhancing the final image. While I’m not a fan of spending too much time at my laptop applying countless filters and edits, I do enjoy adding my personal touch—often with a subtle vintage-style look.
7. Can you share one of your most memorable photography moments while traveling?
Last year, I traveled to Costa Rica, where my passion for wildlife photography truly took off. Simply being in awe of the incredible animals I encountered every day was an unforgettable experience. But being able to capture those fleeting moments and turn them into some of my most favorite images was, in many ways, life-changing.
One such moment was a magical encounter with a pair of toucans during our cacao plantation tour. The toucan became something of a totem for my trip, and cacao holds a special place in my heart as a plant I’ve worked with for many years in the form of heart medicine. The moment felt like pure serendipity, especially when my local friend told me she had never seen toucans among the cacao trees before.
8. Which destination surprised you the most or left the greatest impact on your photography?
Gran Canaria has been one of the most surprising places for me so far. One reason might be that I went there without any expectations or specific plans. The island’s diverse landscapes were incredibly refreshing to my eyes, and I found myself constantly inspired to shoot just by being there and simply exploring.
9. What do you enjoy most about being a member of The Travel Photography Club and do you have a favourite resource so far?
I genuinely get so excited at the end of each month for the new Edit to be released—there's just something about it that I love! The community portal has been incredibly helpful for me, especially since I don’t have many people around who can offer guidance or answer photography-related questions. The club has been a great way for me to level up my photography skills without feeling overwhelmed by too much text or endless videos. I love reflective journaling, and there's no shortage of opportunities to immerse myself in it.
10. Have you pursued any study for photography?
I don’t have a formal photography degree, and while I’ve taken a few courses in the past, none of them were long-lasting. Currently, I’m enrolled in The Freelance Travel Photographer Course with The Wandering Lens, which I started a few months ago. I’m steadily working through the modules and often revisit specific topics depending on the advice I need at the moment. For me, this has been an invaluable resource, helping me take my photography more seriously and move towards becoming a professional in my field. There are so many areas I want to work on, and this course allows me to take a step-by-step approach without overwhelming myself by trying to tackle everything at once.
11. What are some challenges you’ve encountered as a travel photographer, and how do you overcome them?
The weather conditions have definitely been one of the biggest challenges so far, haha. Sometimes I have a set itinerary with specific places to visit, so learning to let go of control and accepting whatever the forecast brings has been a big learning curve for me.
12. What one piece of advice would you give to someone who is just starting out in photography, or may have just purchased their first camera?
One piece of advice I received from many people, and one I’d love to share, is this: it really doesn’t matter what kind of camera you start with. Learn everything you can about the camera you have to make the most of it, and instead of endlessly scrolling, get outside and start shooting.
13. How do you plan to continue growing or evolving as a photographer? Are there any new techniques or directions you’re keen to pursue?
Oh, wow, this is a big question for me! I’m always eager to learn and experiment with new techniques. One day, I’d love to explore underwater photography, as I’m truly captivated by the beauty of the ocean world. I also hope to collaborate with conservation projects to help protect and preserve nature, as well as work with brands and organizations that carry meaningful messages. As for my photography, I aim to make it cleaner and simpler, with fewer elements in each frame and softer tones.
14. Lastly, is there anything you’d like to say to those who might be considering joining The Travel Photography Club or taking a course with The Wandering Lens?
Often, we don’t realize how much we needed something until we try it!
I’d love to give a shoutout to you, Lisa! Several years ago, when I was choosing my first camera, a friend recommended I look into Olympus – now OM System. My only prior experience was with Canon, and I didn’t know anyone using Olympus at the time. However, I was intrigued by how lightweight these cameras were. I decided to research professional photographers who used Olympus, and that’s when I came across your website. After seeing your stunning work, I immediately knew I had to go for it. I haven’t looked back since. Thank you for being my inspiration from day one!
15. Do you have any exciting trips or photography projects planned? What are you looking forward to capturing next?
Tomorrow morning, I’m flying to Peru, and I couldn’t be more excited for this trip! Peru has been on my travel list for a long time, and the land is absolutely breathtaking. I can’t wait to immerse myself in its beauty and photograph it with pure joy, capturing the rawness of this incredible place.
