Domagoj Sever is a multifaceted talent – photographer, travel blogger, social media expert, and marketing agency owner – Croatian Nomad. From winning international photography contests to promoting sustainable tourism, Domagoj’s journey is nothing short of inspiring. Discover how this law graduate became one of the region’s most influential Instagram personalities, his mobile photography tips for cyclists, and what’s next on his adventure list.
But let’s start at the beginning… How does someone with a law degree become one of the most recognized photographers and Instagram influencers in the region?
One photo is to blame for everything. Winning the Olympus global contest Rhythm of Life about ten years ago gave me the chance to do what I love, and I simply seized the opportunity. Everything else followed gradually, and much of it was unplanned. It was never my primary goal to have such big numbers on social media, but I believe people can tell when someone is passionate about what they do. Every new collaboration opens more doors.
You’ve won numerous international awards. How have they helped in building the Croatian Nomad brand?
Awards are always a great boost and extra PR. I’m particularly fond of them because they validate my work. Let’s not kid ourselves – everyone loves a bit of praise! Outside of Croatia, Croatian Nomad opens many doors because people in tourism boards don’t need much explanation about what I do.
Many know you for your incredible photos, but a lot of them are shot on your phone, especially recently. What tips do you have for cyclists looking to capture great photos with their phones?
I was an ambassador for Huawei for many years, and many of my travels were documented using their phones. Unfortunately, with Google apps becoming unavailable (at least legally) on Huawei devices, our collaboration ended. Nowadays, I use an iPhone, mainly for video quality, and I think smartphones are the perfect tool for most travelers and outdoor enthusiasts. DSLRs come with multiple lenses, a camera bag, etc., while a phone fits in your pocket and is always accessible. The best advice is to use manual options, play with exposure and aperture, and avoid relying solely on auto settings.
You recently had a big exhibition in Motovun?
Yes, the Costa Rica exhibition was open until October 10th at the beautiful Gallery of Five Towers in collaboration with Air France and the Costa Rica Tourism Board. Next, it’s moving to my hometown of Ivanec, and we’re preparing for a large exhibition in Zagreb.
You travel a lot… Which destinations would you recommend as must-visit for outdoor enthusiasts?
I love destinations that are off the beaten path, with no crowds or famous photo spots. The Faroe Islands are one of those hidden European gems. This year, I was blown away by Costa Rica – a tropical paradise where dense forests meet stunning beaches, volcanoes overlook wildlife-rich jungles, and locals greet you with a warm “Pura Vida.” The diversity of wildlife on such a small piece of land, including toucans, sloths, crocodiles, raccoons, tapirs, monkeys, macaws, pumas, and jaguars, is absolutely incredible.
What do you love photographing the most?
No one expects this answer – people, their expressions, everyday life, and the rawness of how life truly is.
Recently, we’ve seen a lot of posts with you cycling. Do you often explore destinations by bike? And do you use a bike as a mode of transport?
I use my bike a lot privately. The cycling paths in Zagreb to the locations I visit are pretty good, so I often choose two wheels over driving. Whenever possible, I explore destinations by bike too. For instance, I recently explored the entire island of Šćedro on an electric bike, which was amazing. The cycling culture in some countries is light years ahead of ours, but I’m happy to see progress being made in some areas of Croatia. My advice to tourism boards is to repurpose unused railway tracks into cycling paths.
What are your future plans and projects?
A few distant trips are coming up, and we’re in the final stages of launching a new project – Croatia Photo Awards, which will soon be the biggest photo contest in Croatia!