I really want to see as much as I can of this world. That bug has been with me forever. I’m not going to spend my whole life on this earth just being stuck in one place. I want to explore, to immerse myself, and to truly experience the beauty and diversity of our planet.
Johan Lolos
You can also listen to this episode with Johan on iTunes, Pocket Casts, Spotify, Castbox, and Google Podcasts
Expand your photography skills with our community and interact with the host, Perrin, gain access to monthly photo contests, discover daily inspiration, and much more!
Interested in contributing? Visit our Supporter page to find out more.
Johan Lolos’s story is one of breathtaking horizons, relentless curiosity, and a never-ending drive to see the world like few others do. Joining the Great Big Photography World podcast, Johan shares his incredible evolution from a career in public relations to becoming one of the most beloved travel photographers, with an Instagram following over 350,000 strong and a portfolio brimming with jaw-dropping landscapes.
But this episode isn’t just about photos. It’s about how Johan sees the world, from immersing himself in the wilds of Patagonia to spending months uncovering the secrets of New Zealand’s mountains, all while learning to slow down and truly experience the places he encounters. His commitment to responsible travel and sustainability is woven into his narrative, making him not only a photographer but an advocate for preserving the planet’s beauty.
Johan’s path is proof that chasing what excites you can lead to a life that’s not just successful but deeply fulfilling. We’ll talk about how he transitioned from PR to capturing the magic of nature, his approach to storytelling that makes his work feel alive, and how travel photography became both his career and raison d’être.
Here’s what’s in store for you:
- Johan’s pivotal decision to book a one-way ticket to Australia that changed his life.
- His tips for experiencing places deeply, beyond just snapping the photo.
- How slow travel and sustainability shape his art and career.
- Reflecting on personal projects that fuel creativity and keep burnout at bay.
Grab a seat, your favorite drink, and get ready to feel inspired to look at the world a little differently. Johan Lolos is about to take you on a photographic and personal adventure you won’t forget.
Q: What inspired you to leave your career in public relations and pursue photography full-time?
Johan: I studied PR for five years in Brussels, but during my internship in Paris, I realized I wasn’t in the right place. I had always loved photography, but it wasn’t until I graduated and booked a one-way ticket to Australia that everything changed. That year of travel sparked something in me—I started sharing my photos on Instagram, and it just took off from there. It was the perfect mix of passion and opportunity.
Q: How do you incorporate your values of responsible and sustainable travel into your photography?
Johan: I always try to stay in a place for as long as possible, whether it’s two months or six months, to truly immerse myself and reduce my environmental impact. For example, in South America, I spent three months in Patagonia and drove from southern Patagonia all the way to Bolivia instead of flying. It’s about being mindful of how I travel and making sure my work aligns with my values.
Q: What advice would you give to photographers who want to balance personal projects with commercial work?
Johan: It’s all about finding the right partners who trust you and believe in your vision. I’ve been lucky to work with brands like Toyota, who gave me creative freedom to pursue my personal projects while collaborating with them. Personal projects are what keep me inspired and prevent burnout, so I always prioritize them, even if it means fewer commercial assignments.
Key Links and Mentions From the Episode
Johan Lolos Photography
Johan’s official website, showcasing his stunning travel photography, personal projects, and collaborations with major brands.
Visit Johan’s Website
Instagram
Follow Johan on Instagram to explore breathtaking landscapes, behind-the-scenes moments, and his journey as a travel photographer.
Follow Johan on Instagram
Peaks of Europe
Johan’s acclaimed photo book, documenting his five-month journey across Europe, capturing its diverse landscapes and cultures.
Learn More About Peaks of Europe
People Mentioned
- National Geographic: Johan’s early inspiration, fueling his passion for travel and photography.
- Toyota: A long-term brand partner that supported Johan’s personal projects like Peaks of Europe.
Tools & Gear
- DJI Drones: Johan’s go-to tool for capturing unique aerial perspectives of remote landscapes.
- Nikon Cameras: Johan’s trusted equipment for creating his iconic travel photography.
Projects & Opportunities
- Sustainable Travel Advocacy: Johan’s commitment to responsible travel, including long stays in destinations to reduce environmental impact.
- Upcoming Photo Tours: Johan’s 10-year career celebration with photo workshops in his favorite destinations.
Places and Locations
- Patagonia: A region Johan spent three months exploring, immersing himself in its wild beauty.
- New Zealand: A pivotal location where Johan honed his skills as a landscape photographer.
Key Themes Discussed
- The Power of Storytelling: Johan’s ability to weave narratives into his photography, making each image more than just a visual but a story that resonates deeply.
- Chasing Passion Over Comfort: Johan’s leap from a stable PR career to the unpredictable world of travel photography, driven by his love for exploration and creativity.
- Immersive Exploration: Johan’s approach to truly experiencing a place by staying for extended periods, allowing him to capture its essence authentically.
- Balancing Art and Advocacy: How Johan uses his platform to not only showcase beauty but also advocate for sustainable travel and environmental preservation.
- The Role of Personal Projects: Johan’s emphasis on personal work as a way to stay inspired, push creative boundaries, and maintain a sense of purpose in his career.
- Navigating Social Media: Insights into how Johan built a loyal following on Instagram while staying true to his artistic vision and values.
