Interview: Photographer Monika Cichoszewska (Poland) Winner of the Month

Tell us something about yourself. Monika Cichoszewska - I was born in Poland and I live in Wrocław city, which I love. The residents sometimes call this city Wroclove.

I have a lots of interest, two of them are paragliding and diving, now less active .

I like travelling, looking for flea markets and retro cameras. I love spending time on shooting and meeting new people.

How and when did you get into photography? Analogue photography took me 3 years ago. I discovered a wet plate collodion and decided to develop in this field.

What does photography mean to you? Photography is a form of expression, the ability to create and express emotions. It changes my life, makes sense. Through photography I can meet wonderful people.

Please briefly describe your photography style for our readers. I photograph a large format camera using a wet collodion technique which dates back to the XIX century. Ambrotype, photography on glass plates is a positive image of the mirror image, which creates pure silver. I make the picture in the manual and chemical process - by preparing a glass plate, collodion emulsion, sensitization in a bath containing silver nitrate, exposure and then developing and fixation. All operations, takes the photographer a few minutes and the model has to be as frozen as monument for 5 to 10 seconds. I want my photos to emanate by emotions , which give something to think about. I like the nature and the whole scenery, also design projects.

Where do you get inspiration from? I watch some photo albums, paintings and artistic photography. I am open to nature, trees, places and the people themselves. I appreciate also designers projects, they inspire me.

Think you in advance what you want in the picture? Yes, it is good to have a cadre and an idea ready. I start by looking for a place, something that will inspire me, stir my imagination. Sometimes I give myself a moment, emotion and then I create from my heart.

Studio, on location or both? Working in the studio and in the open air. I like working outdoors, but outdoor is only possible in late spring, summer and autumn, due to weather conditions, and too low temperature for chemistry. In winter I stay in the studio and work using lot of studio's lights.

Would you consider yourself a hobbyist or a paid professional? It is more like a hobby, rather a way of life, I do not strive to cross the boundaries of a paid professional.

What has been your most memorable session and why? Recently I've took part in a photo shoot for TVN's reportage about the life of model David Hemke.

What has been the biggest source of inspiration in your work? Artistic painting.

Nikon or Canon? Favorite lens? I'm using the Kodak View 6x8 "Graflex 5x7" Wista 45 camera, as well as Mentor Panorama 18x24 and Globika 18x24, tessar lenses 210, 300.

What is one piece of advice you would like to offer a new photographer looking to start their own business?

I do not treat my photos like a business, but good idea is to improve myself, be active and always have a passion.

What do you think of our new magazine? It is interesting to be able to share the photos and watch the work of others.I am happy and thankful to be part of it.

monikacichoszewska.com

instagram: @monikacichoszewska

https://akt-ambrotype.blogspot.com

https://kolodionowy.blogspot.com

https://bridges-wroclove.blogspot.com