We love connecting with our community from all over the world. People who use our products and share our passion for the great outdoors. Emmanuel Speciale is a talented photographer and director from France, who was kind enough to share his journey with us, as well as a few tips on how you can take better photographs of your adventures.
A Journey Through Storytelling
Emmanuel’s career as a photographer and director began with his love for adventure. “My journey started with a passion for capturing the essence of remote landscapes and the people who inhabit them,” he says. Over time, his work evolved into creating films and images that blend craftsmanship, travel and the emotions tied to unique environments.
From high-end automotive films to luxury travel experiences with brands like Aman Resorts and Four Seasons Hotels, Emmanuel’s work is all about creating a strong sense of place and atmosphere. “I aim to tell stories that resonate with people, whether it’s through a single image or a full-length film,” he explains.
A Life-Altering Experience
A few years ago, Emmanuel lost everything in a house fire, including his beloved Jeep and LT-50 rooftop tent. “Losing everything was an intense and transformative experience,” he explains. “Beyond the material loss, it made me reflect deeply on what truly matters. Memories, experiences and the ability to adapt.”
The fire was a turning point, both personally and professionally. “It reinforced my appreciation for storytelling and resilience,” Emmanuel says. “It also reminded me how valuable the overlanding community is. People came forward with support, and that sense of camaraderie is something I carry with me in my work and travels.”
Nature as Therapy
For Emmanuel, his vehicle is more than just a mode of transport. “Overlanding strips away distractions and allows me to reconnect with nature, my thoughts and the simplicity of life on the road,” he says. “There’s something incredibly therapeutic about waking up in a remote location, making coffee as the sun rises and having no rigid schedule. It’s a form of creative reset that fuels my perspective as a director and photographer.”
A Mobile Basecamp
When asked what drew him to a rooftop tent, Emmanuel says: “The LT-50 immediately stood out for its rugged build and smart design. As someone who spends a lot of time in harsh environments, I needed something that was durable, quick to set up, and offered comfort in extreme conditions. The LT-50 ticked all those boxes. It felt like a mobile basecamp rather than just a tent.”
Compared to other gear he’s used, Emmanuel found the LT-50 to be the perfect balance between practicality and reliability. “It made my overlanding experience smoother and more enjoyable,” he says.
Capturing the Essence of Adventure
Having lost his rig in the fire, Emmanuel considers himself lucky that the photos still remain and uses them to revisit his adventures. “Those shots are taken in a mix of rugged landscapes, from rocky desert trails to misty forests,” he says. “Each location was chosen for its ability to highlight my rig’s personality. Untamed, adventurous and built for exploration.”
“I focus on storytelling rather than just visuals,” he says. “When people see my work, I want them to feel like they are stepping into the scene, sensing the vastness of the landscape, the dust in the air, or the warmth of a campfire. My goal is to inspire others to seek their own adventures and embrace the unknown.”
A New Chapter
Emmanuel recently bought himself a new Land Rover 110, a vehicle he’s excited to customize for overlanding. “It’s an incredibly capable vehicle with a rich history in exploration,” he says. “My goal is to build it into the ultimate overlanding setup. Focusing on reliability, comfort and self-sufficiency.”
His plans include equipping it with a new Alu-Cab rooftop tent, extra fuel and water storage and a modular storage system for gear and camera equipment. “It’s a work in progress, but the vision is clear: a home on wheels, ready for long, remote journeys,” he says.
Tips for Taking Better Photos
For those looking to take better photos of their overlanding adventures, Emmanuel offers expert advice.
- Tell a story: Capture the small moments, like preparing a meal or setting up camp.
- Use natural light: Sunrise and sunset provide the best lighting conditions.
- Play with composition: Try different angles and use leading lines to guide the viewer’s eye.
- Incorporate scale: Include a person or vehicle to convey the immensity of the landscape.
- Keep it real: Authentic moments are more powerful than staged ones.
Whether he’s behind the camera or behind the wheel, Emmanuel embodies the spirit of overlanding. We’re excited to see where his new Defender takes him, and we can’t wait to share more of his visuals with you.