I often sit and dream about places I want to visit. Places I’d rather be. Places I must return to. To some extent it keeps me sane, yet on the other hand it drives me insufferably mad. There is so much out there, beyond the urban fracas and drive for promotion and bigger paychecks. How many of you have seen the Plitvice Lakes in Croatia, the sandstone landforms of Zangye Danxia, or the mineral hot springs in Denizli Province in southwest Turkey? What grinds me most isn’t the fact that I haven’t, but that I may never do so.
Past my addiction to the intoxicating continent of Africa, my yearning to visit the lightly-trodden paths of Mongolia and my vexing itch to see the Northern Lights in wide Nordic skies, I am yet to consider the likes of Croatia, China and Turkey, let alone the astonishing gems that nestle within their borders. There’s a whole lot of evil in the world, and the news is a wholly depressing affair, but away from this dismal darkness remains vast light and beauty. True wilderness still exists. Incredible hinterlands, where nature rules, free from the destructive scalpel of mankind, are still abundant – you just need to know where to look, and be willing to dedicate a huge amount of time to the pursuit.
No one knows this better than Alex Strohl, an adventure photographer who moved to Canada from France aged 19 “to explore a new world”. He has since established himself as an Instagram sensation, recently passing the magical 1 million followers. His feed reads as if a rotating postcard stand; each square enticing you to want to learn more about these perfect places.
1. When did your love for travel and photography blossom?
Travel comes from my father, hearing his stories about travelling the world as a boy, about the subtle cultural differences; it became something I really wanted to experience for myself. The passion for photography turned into a wonderful medium for documenting this, it is a passion that really grew from my lifestyle growing up.
2. What cameras do you shoot with?
The Canon 5DS is my main camera. As for lenses, I use a Canon 24mm 1.4 II L, a Canon 50mm 1.2 II L and a Canon 70-200mm 2.8 II L.
3. Do you have a favourite place on Earth?
Alaska. I love just how expansive, rugged and unforgiving it is. The incredible proximity to nature and the often intimidating and awe-inspiring weather… it is truly a place you need to experience to understand.
4. What is the biggest danger you’ve faced when travelling?
I’ve been very lucky overall – rarely have I felt uncomfortable on my travels, at least safety wise. There were a few spots we felt nervous camping in Central America, but nothing major.
5. How many months of the year are you on the road?
Around 8 months. That sounds like a lot, and it probably is, but many of the places we travel end up feeling like home. We try to spend as much time as possible getting to know places, rather than flying around from spot to spot. This winter we are going to be in Whitefish, MT for around four months and although it’s still technically on the road, it really begins to feel like home.
6. Where’s next on your bucket list?
Hmmm, I’ve never liked the connotation of a bucket list. Travel really shouldn’t be about checking things off a list! In fact the place I’m most excited about visiting is Ushuaia, Argentina and even though I’ve visited Patagonia before, we missed going south of Torres Del Paine, so I’m really excited to get back!
7. What’s your golden piece of advice for aspiring photographers?
First determine your subject; figure out what you love to shoot, what inspires you and don’t be afraid to try new things in the beginning. Make sure you are taking photos for yourself, that passion will shine through your images.
8. Who is your favourite travel companion?
My partner Andrea. We live together on the road and have become really in sync with how we like to travel and work. It helps that we are both passionate about photography and have so many similar interests. Also, the fact that we are both interested in different subjects helps bring back a more complete story.
9. What is the greatest lesson you have learned from your travels?
Make sure you take time, slow down and really appreciate your surroundings. Sometimes the small details can only be experienced by settling into a place. Be patient, interact with locals and don’t be afraid of missing things, you’ll miss more if you’re constantly rushing.
10. If you had one day left on Earth, what would you do?
Ahh interesting question… maybe parachute into Jan Mayen, a small island northwest of Norway, with friends and family. You can’t travel to the island, but with one day left perhaps they could make an exception! Really it would be the time with close friends and family that would be most important, laughing, joking and enjoying the moment.
11. If you were to recommend 5 places everyone should visit before they die, what would they be?
1. Alaska, 2. The Great Bear Rainforest in British Columbia, 3. Lofoten Islands, 4. Patagonia, 5. The Sahara Desert
I won’t go into why, look them up and see for yourself!
Alex is currently working on a new book, Alternative Living, due to be released in January 2016. It offers a glimpse into the lives of people on the periphery of society, whether nestled high up in the mountains far from paved roads and running water, or tucked away down an unforgiving Arctic fjord accessible only by boat. Pre-order at alternativeliving.co
See more of Alex’s incredible photography at www.alexstrohl.com
Interview by Patrick Tillard
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