A photography Q&A series that goes behind the lens Walking among the clouds – Kilimanjaro, Tanzania Photo: Elizaveta Popov Kilimanjaro’s majesty is almost impossible to describe, but as the saying goes, a picture is worth a thousand words. Photos of Africa’s highest peak instantly convey the wonder and surreal beauty of Kili. Trekkers with I Artist Adventure often return with jaw-dropping photos from their time on the mountain. The shots are so powerful, we wanted to learn more about the moments behind them. In this behind-the-scenes photography series, we speak with some of our most passionate photographers to uncover the secrets behind the stunning images that make us all ask, “How’d you get that shot?” Today, we’re thrilled to feature photographer Elizaveta Popov.

About the Photo

What do you like about this shot? Honestly, I was surprised when you chose this image — I had to go back and think about what stood out to me. Technically, it’s a solid shot: the exposure is right, and it’s in focus. But emotionally, this one holds so much more. When our plane arrived in Tanzania, it was already dark — so we didn’t see Kilimanjaro that night. We were up at first light the next morning, and I remember being stunned at how tall it really is. The summit literally reaches into the clouds. By afternoon, it's completely hidden. Summit day was unforgettable. Walking among the very clouds we’d stared up at days before from the valley — that was one of the best moments of my life. This image brings me right back to that feeling. What kind of planning went into capturing this photo? There honestly wasn’t much planning! The shot was taken on our way down from the summit. I hung back from our I Artist Adventure trekking group as the clouds began rolling in, and I was just lucky to be in the right place at the right time. That said, our group started the summit ascent at 4 or 5 AM rather than midnight, which meant we reached the top around 2 PM — long after most groups had left. We had the summit all to ourselves. The timing really helped. The light was special, and the crowds were gone. Which camera did you use, and why? I used my Canon 5D Mark III — it’s the best camera I own. I did consider bringing my lighter 60D, but the 5D is a full-frame camera, and I figured the extra pound was worth the image quality. Camera settings? Any technical tips for fellow photographers? Settings were: ISO 400, f/16, 1/1000 sec. I don’t think of myself as an advanced photographer, so it feels funny giving advice! But I will say this: on bright summit days, it’s easy to overexpose and wash out the image. I couldn’t really trust the light meter, so I chose to slightly underexpose. That brought out the texture in the clouds and added depth to the image. Which tools did you use to enhance the photo? I used Lightroom for basic adjustments. Nothing major — just enough to help the natural tones pop. Any tips for Kilimanjaro trekkers who want to capture amazing photos? Bring the best camera you have. Yes, DSLRs are bulky — and yes, carrying them is tough, especially on summit day — but I would have regretted leaving it behind. For this trek with I Artist Adventure, I packed the 5D, two lenses (16–35mm and 24–70mm), and a tripod. The gear weighed about 12 pounds. I left my 70–300mm zoom at home because we weren’t doing a safari — but the day before our climb, we stayed at Ndarakwai Ranch and saw giraffes, elephants, and more. That zoom lens would’ve been great. So if you're debating one extra pound, bring it. 😉 Your best piece of advice for photographers? Don’t get lazy! It’s tempting to leave your camera in your pack when you’re tired or the elevation gets tough. But when you see something that moves you — take it out. Get the shot. Those moments pass quickly.

About Elizaveta Popov

How long have you been doing photography professionally? “Professional” is a stretch! Maybe 4–5 years. I’ve assisted a wedding photographer and shot a few weddings myself. I mostly shoot families and portraits now. What’s your favorite subject to photograph? People. Always people. What did you think of Kilimanjaro as a photography destination? It was a dream come true to visit Tanzania. Photographing Kilimanjaro with I Artist Adventure was unforgettable. We flew in a day early and explored Arusha before the trek began. The markets, the people, the city’s energy — it was all so photogenic. Then on the mountain, every day felt like a new canvas: golden light, swirling clouds, and the humbling power of nature. Ready to experience Tanzania like never before? Join I Artist Adventure for your own Kilimanjaro trek or photography-inspired safari today! From mountain peaks to vast savannahs, we’ll help you create images — and memories — that last a lifetime.