Salt & Silence: The Atacama Desert Through Karol Nienartowicz’s Lens

Polish landscape photographer Karol Nienartowicz traveled through Chile and Argentina to capture the Atacama Desert in a series of striking, expansive images. His journey took him through otherworldly terrain where vast salt flats stretch toward distant volcanoes, mineral lagoons cut sharp lines through pale ground, and the sky presses down with an almost unreal clarity.

Endurance and solitude are hallmarks of his process, shaped by long days, harsh conditions and a willingness to camp far from comfort. He actively seeks places that offer powerful views rather than easy shots, and that mindset carries through this Atacama series. Once he finds the right location, his compositions are built with patience and a strong respect for scale.

After nearly two decades of refining his craft, Karol continues to pursue demanding environments and visually uncompromising landscapes. To see more of his work, visit his website and follow him on Instagram.

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