Interview: Photographer Wojciech Chmielnicki (Poland)

Bijgewerkt op: 4 apr 2024

Can you tell us a little about you?

I’m a 41 years old photographer from Tarnowskie Gory, Poland.

How and when did you get into photography?

It was really long time ago – i started with analog SLR, simply because there where no digital cameras yet. It was much harder to learn back there, especially if you wanted to learn everything by yourself. I was so disappointed with my first pictures, that I left photography for many years. Ten years ago I bought my first DSLR and decided to give it a try. From this time photography is an important part of my live.

What does photography mean to you?

As I said, it’s important part of my life. I use it to earn money, but it’s more hobby then job. And I like to leave it that way – for now.

Please briefly describe your photography style for our readers.

I’m a boudoir photographer, so I photograph mostly women. I like more glamour then casual style and I think you can see it in my pictures. Models on my pictures are often strong, confindent, sometimes a little seductive.

Where do you get inspiration from?

It is much easier today then ten or more years ago. Facebook, Instagram – almost every known photographer has a profile there. I follow many of them. I’m a member of many facebook photography groups. Sometimes I like to buy albums dedicated to famous photographers – last time I bought an album with pictures made by Helmut Newton, every fashion photographer should know his work.

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

I always plan my sessions. Of course, not every picture I make is planed – sometimes the best come as surprise. But I never invite a client or model without having a plan, what I want to do.

Studio, on location or both?

Mostly indoors – studio or boudoir interior. But sometimes i like to go on location – just to make something else. I like working indoors, because the lighting conditions are much easier to predict and control.

Would you consider yourself a hobbyist or a paid professional?

I think I’m somewhere between hobbyist and semi-pro. I earn some money with photography, but it’s only an addition to my full time job. That gives me the possibility to do only what I want to do, sometimes even for free. Photography is fun and I want to leave it that way ;)

What has been your most memorable session and why?

I think it was the first time I worked with a naked model. I was really stressed out – the session was actually model’s idea, but I wasn’t sure that I will do it good enough. I was so concentraded on lighting, framing, posing, that when after the session my wife (which assisted me in this session) asked me about model’s hair color – i couldn’t remember :) The pictures were quite good for the first time, by the way.

Nikon or Canon? Favorite lens?

I used Pentax and Nikon systems in the past – now i shoot with Fuji. But I think today you can make great pictures with any camera and the brand is not so important . My favourite lens is by far 35/1.4 (I use APS-C camera, so it’s 50mm equivalent for full frame).

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

I don’t have good news – this is a very hard way to take. I though few time about go pro and make photography my full time job. Maybe someday… For now, It’s easier for me to earn money elsewhere – so photography can stay a hobby for me.

What do you think of our new magazine?

It’s great :)

https://chmielnicki.eu

https://www.facebook.com/Wojciech.Chmielnicki.Fotografia/

https://www.instagram.com/wojciechchmielnicki/