Beyond the Gear with Bartek Kolaczkowski

- 2023-10-09

Bartek Kolaczkowski is living his best life, adventuring in his much-loved Land Rover Discovery 2 to remote yet beautiful European locations, which he then expertly captures with his camera. These memorable trips involve lots of wild camping, usually miles away from the hustle and bustle of urban living.

Bartek proves that our lives can sometimes take unexpected turns before heading in a more fulfilling direction. For 22 years, he played the piano in concert halls worldwide, yet deep down, he knew he needed more. “I was missing out, and the life I wanted lay elsewhere.” Today Bartek is living the life he wants; packed concert halls are a distant memory, and he now thrives on the solitude and opportunities his new path offers.

We recently collaborated with Bartek as he again headed into the Albanian Alps. His mission? To wild camp in the hard-to-reach parts of the Theth National Park and capture even more inspiring images. Read on to discover why Bartek keeps returning to this extraordinary place. “I just love the diversity of this small country. You are blown away by the breathtaking views while trying your best to steer your Land Rover up a technical mountain pass, and the next day, you are watching the perfect sunset on a deserted beach. For me, it just does not get better than that.”

Bartek has a rather straightforward travel philosophy; he wants to enjoy everything nature offers while finding stunning locations to wild camp. In other words, he likes to avoid crowds, of course. We ask Bartek about his favourite place in the Albanian Alps. “We were here two years ago and found a spot with the most incredible all-around mountain views. We just had to go back to see and experience it all again; it certainly did not disappoint.”

From the moment he purchased his 2003 Discovery 2, Bartek’s life headed off in this new direction of photography and travel. He explains. “This is my first overland vehicle, and I find it very comfortable and capable. Albania allowed me to explore the high-altitude mountains and lower beaches; I could go where 2WD vehicles couldn’t. My Land Rover is an important part of my work as it helps me locate the best places for my photo shoots.”

Bartek is fortunate; he does most of his travelling with his girlfriend Monika and attributes his current style of travel to her as she used to travel a lot before they met. He gets excited when talking about being on the road with her. “Traveling with a partner is the best; you get to share the experience and excitement of discovering new places.” Monika did lots of research before they headed off to the mountainous north of Albania, and she is currently drawing up plans so they can escape the impending Polish winter at home.

The more time Bartek spends behind the wheel of his Land Rover, the deeper he immerses himself in his photography and nature. Playing the piano in concert halls around the world was his first career, but he has since gone on to become a highly respected automotive and travel photographer.

Bartek and his camera have become inseparable. “It is always with me, and I am constantly taking pictures. In Albania, I always looked for fresh angles or practiced new techniques. My current life is all about photography and travel.”

Click on this link to watch Bartek’s Albanian Alps adventure, as this is where he finds his Anywhere.

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