"I left New Zealand with way more photographic experience than when I arrived, and now I just want to go back to Australia, where I spent a whole year before New Zealand, to re-explore the country with my new eyes," Lolos said.

His photographer friends inspired him to work harder to get great shots.

"They taught me to chase the soft light, to seek for contrasts, to actually hike a few hours to get a perfect shot from the top of a mountain," he said. "My photographic style considerably changed earlier this year as I found all the inspiration I needed in Wanaka."

