Daniel Kordan’s Captivating Portraits Of Ethiopian People (30 Pics)

Daniel Kordan is a landscape photographer based in Bali, known for his stunning aerial shots ofAustralia, sweeping views ofVietnam, and much more. In this article, we’re excited to share a different side of his work: a recent collection of portraits he captured during his travels through Ethiopia.In this collection, Kordan shifts his focus from vast landscapes to the people of Ethiopia, capturing the richness of their daily lives and the stories etched in their faces. Scroll down to see the captivating portraits!More info:Instagram|danielkordan.com|Facebook|x.comThis post may includeaffiliate links.

In this collection, Kordan shifts his focus from vast landscapes to the people of Ethiopia, capturing the richness of their daily lives and the stories etched in their faces. Scroll down to see the captivating portraits!

More info:Instagram|danielkordan.com|Facebook|x.com

This post may includeaffiliate links.

Ethiopian people adorned with face paint and floral headdresses, embracing a tree branch in a lush, green setting.

Bored Pandareached out to Daniel Kordan once again—this time, to learn more about his Ethiopian photographs. “Ethiopia has always fascinated me with its rich cultural heritage and diverse landscapes,” the photographer shared. “From the ancient rock-hewn churches of Lalibela to the tribal traditions of the Omo Valley, it’s a place where history and nature intertwine beautifully. I was especially drawn to the Oko Valley tribes and the hospitality of the Ethiopian people.It’s a seriously underrated place for tourism barely visited and still very isolated. It was difficult to plan but I’m so happy I’ve done it! Can’t wait to come back, I’ve made so many beautiful friends and together with Andy Marty we even managed to help adopt to school two talented kids from Ethiopia.”

It’s a seriously underrated place for tourism barely visited and still very isolated. It was difficult to plan but I’m so happy I’ve done it! Can’t wait to come back, I’ve made so many beautiful friends and together with Andy Marty we even managed to help adopt to school two talented kids from Ethiopia.”

Ethiopian child with traditional face paint held by arms adorned with copper bracelets.

Ethiopian people adorned in traditional attire and body paint, sitting on a tree branch in a lush forest.

Smiling person in traditional attire, face painted, holding a goat in a village setting.

Ethiopian person in traditional attire, surrounded by lush greenery, displaying intricate beaded jewelry.

When preparing for his trip—both in terms of technical equipment and cultural understanding—Kordan packed a lightweight yet versatile kit: a high-resolution Nikon Z8 full-frame camera, a 50mm f/1.8 prime lens for portraits, and a 24-70mm zoom lens for landscapes with people. To connect with the communities he planned to visit, he also conducted extensive research on the customs and traditions of the local tribes. “Working with local guides was invaluable—not just for access but also to ensure that my presence was respectful and that I could engage with people in an authentic way. I’m so grateful to my guide Andu!Besides most essential was to use proper light and background. I had amazing help from Advanced Media Dubai to provide us with Godox light. I find it optimal to use the Godox AD300 Pro along with Godox tube light for such a long expedition.”

Besides most essential was to use proper light and background. I had amazing help from Advanced Media Dubai to provide us with Godox light. I find it optimal to use the Godox AD300 Pro along with Godox tube light for such a long expedition.”

Ethiopian person smiling, wearing traditional attire, against a rustic wooden backdrop.

Ethiopian person adorned in traditional jewelry and hair decorations, captured in Daniel Kordan’s photography.

“Ethiopia has a raw, untouched beauty that’s rare to find. But what truly makes Ethiopia unique is its cultural depth. The country has more than 80 ethnic groups, each with its own language and traditions. Photographing Ethiopia feels like documenting a living history, and that’s what makes it so special.Omo Valley is just unbelievable. When I asked locals if they have many tourists—yes, they agreed that last month they had many, 3 cars in a month!”

Omo Valley is just unbelievable. When I asked locals if they have many tourists—yes, they agreed that last month they had many, 3 cars in a month!”

Ethiopian people with body paint in a captivating portrait by Daniel Kordan.

Young Ethiopian wrapped in a patterned shawl, gazing thoughtfully, photographed by Daniel Kordan.

Kordan shared that he is always in search of places where nature and culture intersect in a meaningful way. “Right now, I’m planning an expedition to Antarctica on a red sails schooner and the remote islands of the Pacific. Greenland, with its dramatic ice formations, is calling me back too. I’m planning to expand my tribal photography to Papua New Guinea and Indonesia too!”

Ethiopian person smiling through a tree, captured in a natural setting by Daniel Kordan.

Portrait of an Ethiopian child in a red shawl, featuring intricate braids adorned with beads.

Ethiopian person sitting on a raised, straw hut during sunset, captured by Daniel Kordan.

Ethiopian child with face paint and bracelets, leaning on a wooden structure in a traditional setting.

Ethiopian person in traditional attire with floral headpiece, arm bangles, and face paint, captured by Daniel Kordan.

Ethiopian person adorned with colorful necklaces and rings.

Ethiopian people in vibrant traditional outfits and painted faces, lying on green grass in a circular formation.

Young Ethiopian child wearing traditional adornments, embraced by an adult, captured in a captivating moment.

Ethiopian person standing in front of traditional reed structure, wearing a dark cloak under a blue sky.