Beyond the First Impression: An Interview with Laimute Kuriene

BY Sylvester October 05, 2026

Laimute Kuriene | European Photography Awards

Laimute Kuriene

Inspired by travel, nature, and the subtle stories within everyday landscapes, Laimute Kuriene creates photographs defined by patience, authenticity, and atmosphere. What began as simple curiosity has grown into a dedicated craft, refined through continued learning, collaboration, and a careful eye for moments that connect.

I am inspired by travel, nature, and the quiet stories in everyday landscapes. Originally from Lithuania and living in The Hague for twenty years, my photography journey began with simple curiosity. Since my first shot, it has evolved from a hobby into a true craft. I continuously refine my skills through workshops and collaborations, using my Nikon cameras to capture patient, authentic, and atmospheric moments.

The inspiration behind my award-winning pieces comes from Indonesia's incredible landscapes. One of my favourite winning photos features the famous 'dancing trees' of Sumba at sunset, alongside a few other pieces capturing the raw, poetic nature of Java. I wanted to capture the quiet, breathing soul of these places—moments where nature feels completely alive and artistic on its own.

It is always incredibly challenging to choose from endless photos for a competition! To narrow it down, I look for a strong first impression—an image that instantly grabs your attention. If a photo has the perfect blend of technical precision and an emotional spark, I know it’s the right one to submit.

I first picked up a camera out of pure curiosity and a love for travel.

I actually don't have just one favourite type of photography! My heart is split between nature, landscapes, and people. What I love about all of them is finding the quiet, authentic stories within the frame.

I love having two Nikon (Z6II and Z7II) cameras ready with different lenses attached. My absolute favourite feature of this setup is the freedom to shoot seamlessly without stopping to change lenses. When I want to capture unique aerial perspectives of nature and landscapes, I also use my DJI Mavic 3 Pro drone.

I want them to have a strong 'wow' feeling!

Waiting for that perfect sunrise light, nature gives you a very tiny window of time. The biggest challenge was definitely the timing.

The place that inspires me the most is Sumba Island, specifically the iconic dancing trees. Their unusual, twisting shapes against the water create a completely unique and atmospheric scene.

I can't point to just one person, because I have been incredibly lucky to learn from many different teachers. Instead of following one photographer, I have gathered inspiration from every workshop and creative collaboration I've joined.

My message to hobbyists and professionals alike is simple: just go for it! Do not let fear hold you back.

My absolute biggest piece of advice is simply this: please never stop learning! Photography is a lifelong journey of discovery. Don't worry about knowing everything right away, and don't be afraid to make mistakes.

For me, post-processing is where the final magic happens. I like to edit photo details to perfection.

Technology is changing so fast, and I think AI is going to play a huge role in the future of photography. At the moment, I am not using AI in my own work, but I have seen some absolutely incredible photos created with it.

My absolute dream shoot would be travelling to the wild landscapes of Alaska or Kamchatka to photograph grizzly bears in their natural habitat.