How does one become an adventure photographer? How do you capture those unique moments that reveal the raw beauty of nature while conveying an authentic emotion? Maud Bosco, a passionate adventurer and photographer, takes us into her world where each image tells a story, a moment suspended between sky and earth, light and shadow.
Maud Bosco grew up surrounded by breathtaking mountain landscapes, and this closeness to nature sparked a fascination with starry skies and majestic panoramas, leading her to invest in her first camera in August 2021. Since then, she has continued to capture the beauty of the peaks, both day and night. While her images transport us to distant lands, Maud aims to convey a message of respect and humility towards nature. For her, each photograph is a tribute to the power and beauty of the world around us. Through her journey, Maud inspires all those who dream of making adventure photography their way of life.
Join Maud Bosco in this photographic adventure and discover her tips for capturing the essence of travel while fully embracing each moment. Whether you’re an aspiring photographer or a seasoned adventurer, this interview is an invitation to explore the world with a fresh perspective, that of an explorer in search of authenticity.
The Art of Adventure Photography: The Story of Maud Bosco
Could you tell us your story, and specifically how you became an adventure photographer?
What are the most memorable destinations you have photographed, and why?
Every trip has been memorable, but I would say that Indonesia was probably the most impactful, mainly because of the sense of escape and, above all, the breathtaking landscapes.
I had the chance to visit several islands, including Bali, Java, and Sumba. Seeing active volcanoes up close, like Bromo, Ijen, or Merapi, was truly an incredible experience. You can feel the danger, yet it’s so awe-inspiring at the same time! Whether it was the waterfalls, volcanoes, or rice fields, everything was a feast for the eyes. Adding to that, the kindness of the locals brought even more charm to these places.
Our trek on Mount Rinjani in Lombok, Indonesia, was a particularly memorable experience for me. We were accompanied by guides, two brothers who were both funny and kind, along with a whole team of porters for the gear and food. The evening around the campfire was fantastic, watching the stars and Mars, which I saw with the naked eye for the first time! It was a wonderful encounter with admirable and humble people. I am deeply grateful for those moments; they remain an exceptional memory for me.
Living there for two months was a truly profound human and artistic experience that left a lasting impression on me!
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How to Choose the Right Equipment for Adventure Photography: Tips and Tricks
Organization and equipment selection are crucial when traveling. How do you prepare for a photography expedition? What gear do you use during your trips? Are there any specific considerations to keep in mind when using a drone?
Preparing for a photography expedition usually involves identifying the locations that inspire me. I often check Instagram to see what stands out for the destination in question and use Google Maps to pinpoint spots that seem photographically interesting. Conversations with other photographers can also be helpful to get advice on lesser-known locations.
As for equipment, the weight of the bag is a key factor, so I always try to keep it as light as possible, even when choosing my camera gear. I bring my Sony A7IV with two lenses (24-70mm f/2.8 GM II + 70-200mm f/2.8 GM II) and my drone (DJI Mini 3 Pro), which I selected for its light weight and compact size. For the drone, it’s important to check in advance which areas are permitted or restricted, and I always make sure to bring three batteries to avoid running out of power.
What is your approach to enjoying your travels while ensuring high-quality photos?
It hasn’t always been easy because, as I love the soft light of sunrise and sunset, I often end up sacrificing some sleep. Fatigue sets in, making the trip less enjoyable and affecting everything, including creativity.
Now, I try my best to choose between sunrise or sunset to protect my health and fully enjoy my travels. I also make sure to schedule some time without taking photos, just to immerse myself in the culture or the moment.
Do you have any tips to share for capturing spontaneous and authentic moments while traveling?
Not having too many expectations might be the best advice. Capture what comes naturally if the moment strikes and inspires you. Very simple and unplanned photos often carry more emotion because they were taken in a moment without any pressure, where living in the moment was the priority.
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Securing and Editing Your Photos While Traveling: Maud Bosco's Workflow
How do you organize yourself while traveling to securely and efficiently manage your photos?
I always bring my laptop and one or two external hard drives with me to back up my photos each evening. Organizing the files into folders on a daily basis helps me stay organized by the end of the trip and also spreads out the workload, which can sometimes be tedious depending on the number of photos.
What software and tools do you primarily use for editing and retouching your photos? Could you describe your editing process in detail?
I use Lightroom and Photoshop depending on my needs. Lightroom is mainly for basic adjustments related to lighting and color grading, while Photoshop comes into play when I need to refine certain details in a photo to give it the desired impact.
As for my editing process in Lightroom, it varies depending on the photo and my creative intent at that stage, but some constants include working on the lighting (I generally reduce highlights, blacks, and whites), adjusting the colors (I like to slightly desaturate the colors or, conversely, saturate certain ones to make them stand out more), adjusting the effect (I slightly reduce clarity), and color grading, focusing on the complementarity or consistency of colors between highlights and shadows. I also use masks extensively to highlight specific parts of the photo. I use the brush tool for details, object selection for larger areas, and gradients for bringing in light or darkening certain zones, for example. Everything comes down to subtle adjustments in each setting.
You share your travels and work on Instagram. How important is this social network to you? Do you place a lot of emphasis on the aesthetics and consistency of your feed?
Instagram is truly a showcase for my work, so I place a lot of importance on it, as it’s usually how people reach out to me. For me, the feed reflects a specific aesthetic that is unique to my work, which is why maintaining consistency is important.
Beyond that, I’ve built a genuine community on this platform that I deeply value. My biggest supporters are here. It’s a great opportunity to connect with people who share the same passion and sometimes the same perspective on things.
The Challenges of a Passion: The Journey of a Landscape Photographer
Through your images that transport us, what message or emotion do you wish to convey?
In landscape photography, I strive to capture the beauty and power of nature, almost as if to restore the place it should hold in our eyes. We are nothing without it. We need nature, but nature doesn’t need us. These spectacular landscapes I try to capture allow me to convey this idea, fostering greater respect and humility in people.
I also love the idea of conveying emotion through my photos. If some of my images can make people dream, transport them, or take them out of their daily lives for just a moment, that brings me great satisfaction!
As a photographer and content creator, what have been your biggest challenges in making a living from your passion?
The impostor syndrome, and consequently procrastination, have been significant challenges for me. I believe our greatest challenge is often ourselves. Certain books and podcasts have been really helpful in this regard because many difficulties are simply in our minds. You have to dare to take the plunge and step out of your comfort zone without striving for perfection. Moving forward imperfectly is always better than staying where you are.
What advice would you give to a young photographer aspiring to start a career as a freelance adventure photographer?
Have confidence in yourself, be bold, and always strive to improve. Experiment, seek inspiration, and create a portfolio that truly reflects who you are and what inspires you. Your passion will be evident and will likely attract people who want to work with you.
It’s also important to surround yourself with people who lift you up, who are where you want to be, or at least are on that path. In short, people who inspire you.
On a more practical note, it’s crucial to consider what this lifestyle entails, as it’s far removed from the comfort of a salaried job, and it may not be for everyone.
Lastly, I believe it’s essential, as with anything in life, to follow your intuition. If this activity excites you, if you lose track of time while doing it, then you may have found something that meets a fundamental need in your life and aligns with your true nature. If you think you would regret not giving it a try, then you already have your answer.
CYME is dedicated to improving workflows and simplifying effective photo management. Through its interviews, CYME strives to highlight unique artistic journeys, showcase various themes like adventure photography with Maud Bosco, and build a united community engaged in tackling the current challenges of photography.
To learn more about adventure photography with Maud Bosco, you can follow her on her website or Instagram.
Photo credit: © Maud Bosco
