About

The World is beautiful, most of the time we walk by something really interesting but don’t see it because we always seem to be in a rush. By stopping for a minute in our busy lives, to listen and look around we can see a world that is in constant motion. What I am trying to do here is open your eyes to the world through my open lens. You may see things that you walk by on a daily basis but somehow missed, things that you never seen before but always wanted to, creatures you never knew existed or you may simply share my love for simple things.  But over all I hope you will enjoy my work.

Background:

 My interest with photography came to me when I was young.  Seeing pictures of my grandparents and great grandparents opened my curiosity to how a box  like that can “freeze” time. That was so interesting that I started taking shots of everything I saw in that very moment.  Yet, that didn’t go too far since film and picture developing were pricey back then. My passion for photos started in high school when my photography teacher introduced me to a whole new world of picture taking. ( Thanks Mr. D. ) That was the only subject that came naturally to me.  My mind was wondering with ideas I started applying to my work and coming up with tricks that we have not even covered in class yet.  Eventually one of my photos made the cover of a school art magazine. Fast forward a few years and I remember distinctively when I received my first point and shoot digital camera from my brother. That was a Christmas gift that put me back in the game. At that time I owned a promotional company that dealt with providing the right exposure and to promote clubs and bars.  My job was to take photos and create flyers and websites for a particular business.  But the turning point came in 2012 when I got my first DSL camera and started shooting life through a different point of view.  Wildlife became beautiful, landscape started making sense and people became more interesting. And now here I am and here is my work.

  My name is Lukas Kondraciuk and I am a freelance photographer based in NJ, USA .

Me

Contact Me Throughopenlens@gmail.com

Dedicated to my two inspirations:

grandpa  Grendfather Army pic_1

Alexander Kondraciuk & Stanisław Łuczak

Hope You enjoy my work.

552 Comments

  1. Caro Encounters's avatar

    Hi Lukas! What a great idea to do the 365 challenge. The thought has crossed my mind a few times but I’ve never had the guts to fully commit to it. Well done and I wish you daily inspiration for it. I am quite excited to see what you come up with. 🙂
    Thank also for stopping by on my blog. Its so encouraging to have other bloggers like your work when you are just starting out.
    All the best.

  2. James Dee Clayton's avatar

    I adore your cover photo, Lukas!! Perfect. And you are so right – in such busy lives there is so much we miss.

    Thank you, also, for visiting my site! I appreciate it much.

    J x.

  5. Dr Rupert Harker's avatar

    I love the picture of the heron and the fish. May I please post it on my haiku website?

    Fish for tea again;
    Just for once, couldn’t we have
    A nice lasagne?

    • throughopenlens's avatar

      Thank you very much, I am truly happy that you enjoy my photos. And I am looking forward to bring more of my work in the future. 🙂

  8. Juliana Lightle's avatar

    Glad you like my blog. Take a look at the photos I took last summer in Ethiopia, especially those taken in Simien Mountains National Park.

  9. Deborah Harris's avatar

    Following. I like the photos and interesting facts combination. I’ll enjoy reading these daily posts of yours throughout the year.

  12. artdoesmatter's avatar

    Hi throughopenlens! I’m enjoying your photography and blog – hard to believe I’ve found another fellow “New Jersey”-ite in this wide land of WP bloggers. I hope you’re in a part of the state that’s not being blanketed in this intense snowfall (like we are here.) Cheers and TY for visiting artdoesmatter.

    • throughopenlens's avatar

      Thank you very much, I am happy that chance to stop by and take a look at my blog. I actually am in that part of the state that got covered. But it’s despairing quickly today. I enjoyed your blog as well, keep it up. Happy Blogging. 🙂

  16. Nita Teri's avatar

    Hi Lukas, thank you for the like on my recent post. I really appreciate it.

  18. Jules Told Me's avatar

    Thanks for stopping by Jules Told Me and liking the New Zealand story. You have some wonderful images here, looking forward to seeing more of them.

  20. rebeccaarnoldi's avatar

    I love the egret photo. and your statement. thanks for checking out my blog. and here’s to the people, nature, culture that inspire us both.

    • throughopenlens's avatar

      Thank you very much, I enjoyed checking out your blog, and I appreciate you taking the time to stop by my blog and posting this amazing comment. 🙂

  21. Marisa's avatar

    Hi Lukas! Love your wildlife work–from one NJ photographer to another 🙂 And thanks for stopping by eve’s apple! ~Marisa (mcproco.wordpress.com)

    • throughopenlens's avatar

      Thank you very much. I appreciate you stopping by, enjoying my work and leaving a great comment. Happy blogging and keep up the great work Marisa. 🙂

  22. noctiluna's avatar

    What a lovely blog. I love the ideas behind it – noticing the little details that make up life. Thank you for stopping by and liking my post!

  23. adriankrucker's avatar

    Hi Lukas! Thanks for stopping by at my blog and the like on “until ‘death’ us parts … or a mini-series on worn jeans”. You also have very nice blog and you take great pictures! Cheers, Adrian

  24. rosentravel's avatar

    Hi Lukas! I can relate to your passion on photography (struggling photographer here). Thanks for liking my post and cheers to your 365 project! 😊

    • throughopenlens's avatar

      Hi there. Thank you for stopping by and checking out my work. 365 projects is kicking my butt a little but I am not giving up. 😉

  26. Sisterexplorers's avatar

    I think the 365 challenge is such a good idea, and a way to try and be creative in new ways.
    I absolutely love that you add interesting facts to your photos. There’s always something new to learn.
    Good luck with your 365 challenge.

    • throughopenlens's avatar

      Thank you very much, I appreciate you stopping by and checking out my work. 365 is very challenging there are days that I want to give up, between day time job and personal stuff it’s hard to find time, but people comment and feedback keep me going. 🙂

      • Sisterexplorers's avatar

        I can imagine it’s not always easy to find time. 🙂 Why I’ve never jumped into it. But I think the challenge also forces you to maybe look at everyday things/places differently, which is a good thing.

  27. Deborah Moss's avatar

    Intriguing blog with a lot of striking, artistic photos and great facts and humour. Thanks so much for stopping by my blog! Deborah

  29. Expatorama's avatar

    Clever – photos AND facts – great combination. I like your photos and was tickled by the bit about people using quartz stones as glasses once upon a yonder in China.

    • throughopenlens's avatar

      Thank you very much, I appreciate you stopping by, checking out my work, and leaving me this amazing comment. I am Happy to share that information and my work with you. 🙂

  30. Kim's avatar

    You are inspiration…Thank you for taking a moment to peek at my new post. Much appreciated!
    I will enjoy seeing the world thru your view box.

  31. Tanvi's avatar

    A very entertaining blog you have here Lukas ! I like the concept of adding little nuggets of interesting facts and information to your photography ! Keep up the good work 🙂

  33. thefullgull's avatar

    Hi Lukas, thx for stopping by. Wow, backflip grab with an appartment-ramp 😀 You got some fun projects going on.. good day to you!

  34. Born to Travel's avatar

    Hi Lukas, great idea, you have some excellent photos. Thanks for stopping by my blog. I like to write a lot but hope you like some of my photos. Cheers, Mark

  35. madli's avatar

    Wow, what breathtaking photos you capture! Any tips for photographers just starting out? I use a Canon EOS Rebel SL1.

    • throughopenlens's avatar

      That is a good camera you have there. With taking photos you can make everything look interesting, all you have to do is find the right engle of the object or subject. So don’t be afraid to take multiple shots from different sides, from above, from below, from up close and far away. Once you find the right angle, you will know it. And your audience will be amazed. I appreciate you stopping by and checking out my work. Good Luck and Happy Blogging. 🙂

  37. carmen's avatar

    You are so talented Lukas! A fantastic project for 2015 and you have another follower!
    Kudos!

    ❤ carmen

    • throughopenlens's avatar

      Thank you very much, you just made my day with this amazing comment. And I will continue pushing myself to bring you the best entertaining post that I can do. Thank you again and Happy Blogging. 🙂

  40. JC's avatar

    Thanks for the like on my post ‘Faith In Letting’ Go… Love your photos…very rich!

    • throughopenlens's avatar

      Thank you very much for stopping by and enjoying my work. Comments like yours push me to achieve higher goals, thank you again. 🙂

  42. firefly's avatar

    oHai there!
    Just wanted to drop by and say thanks for liking my post! I did a 365 a few years ago, and man was that a challenge… But most definitely worth it! ::smiles:: I give it all the credit for the photography skills I have now.. Nothing like being forced expand your horizons when doing the same thing every day for a year. ;D

    ~ZeeBam

    • throughopenlens's avatar

      Thank you very much for stopping by and checking out my work. I do feel the difference in my photography skills all ready, and the project is very challenging. I have a feeling when I’m done I will be happy and much more experienced. 🙂

      • firefly's avatar

        Most definitely!
        The one I completed was actually my second attempt. The first one failing mostly due to having two jobs, a long distance relationship, and the project to maintain… The second one was to prove to myself I could start something, and actually finish it!

        Very rewarding. :]]

      • throughopenlens's avatar

        That’s amazing, and congratulations on finishing it. This is my first attempt so far so good, but i had few days that I just want to give up, being very sick in bed, or running out of time. Yet I continue on my journey. People’s comment kept me motivated. So I hope that I will finish this, I will have the same satisfaction like you did. 🙂

  43. Schmoo's avatar

    I’ve seen many 365 projects in my career in the photo community, but I’ve never seen one like yours. I love it! Looking forward to seeing what I learn the rest of the year through your lens. 🙂

    • throughopenlens's avatar

      Thank you very much, I am very glad that you enjoyed my work. Your comment definitely made my day, thank you again. I will keep trying to entertain you with my posts. 🙂

  45. Lup Wai - Parent Whisperer's avatar

    Thanks for stopping by my blog and liking it. I’ve came across many 365days project but yours is really cool! Love the pictures on your blog. It’s really inspiring looking through your lens.

    • throughopenlens's avatar

      Thank you very much, i am really glad you stopped by and check out my work. I appreciate your amazing comment that just made my day, and I will try my best to keep entertaining you with my post. 🙂

  46. Nick Fox's avatar

    Great work, Lukas. Thank you for dropping by my blog and liking it. Much appreciated.

    Stay on the good foot and keep the photos coming.

    All the best,

    Nick Fox

  47. Tian Wen's avatar

    Hi Lukas!

    Thanks for liking my post! I’m working on my New Zealand travelogue at the moment, at that post is just the start !

    What a brilliant idea to start you own 365 project! Great photos, inspirational content. I’m going to start on my own 365 project (maybe not photos but blogging HAHA) and looking forward to more outstanding photos from you 🙂

    • throughopenlens's avatar

      Thank you very much,I appreciate you stopping by and checking out my work. I enjoyed stopping by your blog and I hope to keep you entertained in the near future. 🙂

  49. Diya's avatar

    Thank you Lukas for visiting my blog. A like from such a talented photographer for my humble attempt left me tipsy with joy 😉

    The 365 project… wow! That gives a new definition to commitment. Looking forward to following you on your progress.

    • throughopenlens's avatar

      Don’t be so humble I enjoyed your site. Thank you for stopping by and checking out my work. I appreciate you warm words, comments like your keep me motivated. 🙂

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