Unstoppable Spirit: An Inspiring Conversation with Maxim Veize, the Self-Motivated Photographer

The special series "No Excuses" continues to showcase interviews with resilient individuals whose zest for life remains unshaken by illness or injury.

Today, we speak with professional photographer Maxim Veize, who travels the globe bringing back stunning landscape photographs from his adventures.

– Hello, Maxim! Welcome to Lifehacker's special project "No Excuses."

– Hello, Nastya!

– Normally, I start by asking guests about their childhood, but I have a different question for you. Imagine you have just one minute to tell the world about yourself. What would you say?

– About myself? I'm a photographer and traveler... It's hard to talk about oneself. I prefer to act rather than speak.

– Then, just a few words about your childhood. :)

– I was born and have lived all my life in Minsk. I was raised in a wonderful family – mom, dad, grandmother, grandfather, and a younger brother.

– What is your educational background?

– I'm a technical specialist. I graduated from Belarusian State University. I once taught but left after an injury. Besides, in post-Soviet countries, a scientist's salary is not enough to live on.

– How did you get injured?

– Accidents happen to everyone. The important thing is not how you got injured but what you do afterward. Does a person rely on relatives or strive to overcome and do things independently?

– I see you chose the latter path. What do you do now? How do you make a living?

– I run a small computer business. I started it during my student years as a side job and continue to this day. I love my work, but any job has routine that can be draining.

– Do you miss creativity?

– It's hard to say. There are things I enjoy. I love photography and nature.

Photography: A Universe of Its Own

– How did you start photography?

– I bought a digital camera – a Canon point-and-shoot for about $100. My photos became slightly better than others'. I began asking how to make a good photo, studied other photographers' works, upgraded my camera, and kept learning.

– Did you have mentors or role models in photography?

– Certainly. Early on, my friend and photographer Ilya Misuno helped me avoid many mistakes and explained equipment and techniques. Minsk has a photography club where experienced photographers gave me valuable critiques during my first exhibition. Belarusian photographers Konstantin Melnik and Yegor Voinov are also among my teachers.

Photography is like space – a vast black expanse without fixed coordinates. Each photographer sets their own path.

– Why landscapes?

– Due to my deep love for nature and travel. I’ve always loved nature. For me, the best rest isn’t sitting in bars or restaurants with friends but escaping the city to forests or bodies of water. Though portrait photography also interests me.

– What achievements in photography are you proud of?

– Pride isn't the best feeling. I do what I love regardless of circumstances. I've held several solo and group exhibitions across Belarus, including "Crimean Spring" and "Autumn Carpathians." Teaching photography at Minsk's Studio67 school and lecturing at the Minsk photo club are also significant achievements. Many of my students have succeeded.

Explore more of Maxim's stunning work here.

Recharging Through Travel

– Let's talk about travel. What does it bring you?

– Several things. First, travel helps to unload mentally. There's a saying "recharge the rifle." When you work continuously, fatigue builds up. Even if you love your job, breaks are necessary.

Even a short 3-4 day trip (weekend plus a couple of days off) with a change of scenery and company is a great reset. Returning refreshed, you see work differently. Problems that seemed to take years to solve can be tackled in a week.

Second, and most importantly, I'm fascinated by the world. Photography preserves memories, but living and experiencing life firsthand is priceless.

Third, traveling with others strengthens relationships. It’s very different to meet occasionally versus living together for a week, sharing experiences and communication. This fosters bonds.

We cherish student years because friends were always nearby, ready for spontaneous adventures. Money was scarce, but being together mattered most.

– Where have you traveled so far?

– Mainly Ukraine: Crimea, Carpathians, Tovtry, Dniester Canyon – warm, interesting, with mountains. I've also visited Russia and Europe, including a conference in Strasbourg with trips through Poland, Czech Republic, Austria, and Germany. I often explore Belarus locally for short trips.

– Which do you prefer: Europe or home?

– Each has its charm. Europe is clean and cultured, but I seek solitude with nature. European campsites often have many tents nearby, unlike the more secluded spots in post-Soviet countries. I love visiting Crimea in spring when it's quiet and green. Though swimming isn't possible, you see the landscape uniquely.

– Do you immerse yourself in the atmosphere of every place you visit?

– Yes. Photography helps change one's worldview. There's a saying (not mine, but I agree): photography teaches you to see the world without a camera. Nowadays, tourists rush through "20 castles in one day" tours, just ticking boxes. Photography requires patience to find the right place and moment for the perfect shot, teaching you to appreciate fewer places deeply rather than many superficially.

– Today, people upload countless photos online. What’s your take on this?

– My grandfather said, "Too much of anything is not good." Social networks are great for connecting with people far away. I have friends across Ukraine thanks to them, and meeting offline is wonderful.

However, uploading meaningless photos can lead to internet addiction. People often spend more time posting than enjoying their vacations. The joy becomes about likes rather than experiences.

I minimize tech use while traveling, turning on my laptop only once every few days to transfer photos or check weather.

– How do you differentiate between snapshots and true photography?

– Photography is like music. There are virtuosos like Joe Satriani or Jimi Hendrix, and there are amateurs playing three chords by the stairs. Both have their place.

Similarly, there’s artistic, documentary, and casual photography. It's important to understand what is for personal memories and what might interest others.

Life as the Ultimate Motivator

– Maxim, how accessible is your environment for people with disabilities?

– Progress is being made, which is encouraging. New stores and institutions have ramps and elevators. Unfortunately, cultural attitudes lag. Disabled parking spots are often occupied by others, forcing people to park far away.

Some still see disabled people as helpless, expecting them to beg. Few realize that with determination, anyone can earn a living regardless of circumstances.

– Our project is called "No Excuses." What does that mean to you?

– For me, it’s simple: my life depends solely on me. Life can be lived in many ways. Some rely on others or complain. That’s not for me.

I pull myself forward. I want to travel, own a car, have a family. I take steps toward these goals. Wishing isn’t enough – you must act. Success varies, but it comes. Complaining only keeps you stuck.

– What is your main motivator?

– Simply living. Life is movement: working, meeting people, discovering new things, hobbies – just living fully.

– What are your dreams?

– I hope to start a family and have children. Like many wheelchair users, I dream of not needing my "bike" anymore.

– Finally, any advice for Lifehacker readers?

– Take breaks from work. Don’t get buried in routine. Remember, life is one, and work isn’t everything. Make time for friends and family – from movie outings to travels.

It amazes me when people spend their first vacation in years fixing their homes, exhausted. But when you pull someone out of that rut, they see the world anew and wonder where the last years went. Live a full life where everything has its place.

– Thank you, Maxim, for this wonderful interview.

– Thank you.

*Note: Meta Platforms Inc. and its social networks Facebook and Instagram are restricted in Russia.

Discover engaging topics and analytical content in Life Transformation as of 10-04-2022. The article titled " Unstoppable Spirit: An Inspiring Conversation with Maxim Veize, the Self-Motivated Photographer " provides new insights and practical guidance in the Life Transformation field. Each topic is meticulously analyzed to deliver actionable information to readers.

The topic " Unstoppable Spirit: An Inspiring Conversation with Maxim Veize, the Self-Motivated Photographer " helps you make smarter decisions within the Life Transformation category. All topics on our website are unique and offer valuable content for our audience.