Interview: Photographer Arek Dziki (Poland)

Can you tell us a little about you?

My name Arek Dziki, I'm 39 years old. I live in Łódź, Poland. I am self-taught, I have been playing photography for about 10 years and discovering its power with every new session. , I have been playing photography for about 10 years and discovering its power with every new session. I started by photographing abandoned places, shortly after that in my life appeared portrait and female photography.

How and when did you get into photography?

7 years ago I threw a job in a corporation and founded a ViaArt foundation ( facebook.com/fundacjaviaart ), which focused around itself amateurs and passionate photographers like me. I organized workshops, exhibitions, lectures and Photographic meetings of various themes.

3 years ago I opened my own photographic company. I mainly deal with a photograph of a woman but 3 years ago I opened my own photographic company. I mainly deal with a photograph of a woman but I also photograph for many large companies realizing reportages, co-creating fashion catalogues. Last year I was an official photojournalist on European Union Sustainable Fashion Festival 2018 Fashion Week Berlin

What does photography mean to you?

Photography is a way for me to express myself, my emotions, and what I cannot tell with ordinary words. Photography is contact with man, inadequacy, crossing borders and above all empathy and openness. Photography is a joy.

Studio, on location or both?

I never photographed in a studio and I almost never use artificial light.

Please briefly describe your photography style for our readers.

As I have said, I am self-taught. It's hard for me to describe my style. I love the small depth of focus, the naturalness of simplicity and symmetry. My photos are often need a moment, The golden middle between me and the model. I never impose a model of my vision, I tell about it and I open myself to interpret the model. I think I'm still looking for my style though I often hear that my photos are recognizable.

Where do you get inspiration from?

The inspiration is often the internet, but probably every photographer, regardless of whether he is a professional or an apator, looks at the world a little differently than others. Often driving a car or simply arranging my affairs I look and the world for the frame, create and arrange the situation under a photo shoot. Ideas appears, and those that change into specific photo shoots evolve often something else on the basis of the first idea.

Do you think in advance what you want in the picture ?

Of course. Every session I try to plan. The final results, however, are a mixture of photos that I planned and what the model brought to the session. I like spontaneity so I don't just close my ideas.

Would you consider yourself a hobbyist or a paid professional?

It's a tough question, a professional is someone with a photographic education. From the very beginning, I learn myself, on my mistakes. The only workshops I was on are the ones I organise myself. I prefer to talk about myself "passionate about photography" rather than a pro. I have to learn a lot yet and improve but I am pleased that the stage on which I am being evaluated by people who want to pay for my work.

What has been your most memorable session and why?

Such sessions were several and it will be hard for me to choose this one. There were touching reportages in hospices for sick children, the first sessions with professional models, the first session of my children, participated in Fashion Week Berlin. Each of these sessions is a huge emotional charge and will never forget them.

Nikon or Canon? Favorite lens?

The Eternal War is not known about what. I think it's a little like ask someone or will dinner cooked on the stove Bosh or AEG?

I have been using Canon cameras for many years and often in jokes I am arguing with users of other brands but it's just jokes.

Recently my favorite lens is the SIGMA 105 1.4

I also photograph a lot of Zeiss 200 2.8I also photograph a lot of Zeiss 200 2.8

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

Shoot, shoot, shoot! The more You photograph the more you learn. Show photos and get customers in this way. Appreciate Facebook and Instagram because it's a powerful tool for your promotion. Catch contact with your advertising agencies. Respect your work

What do you think of our new magazine?

I think it's a very cool initiative. Both from the point of view of promoting people and giving inspiration.

Facebook.com/dzikipstryk