Interview: Photographer Mantas Grimas (Lithuania)

Can you tell us a little about you?

I’m 39 years old. I live in Lithuania, Kaunas city. Photography is just my hobby. Most of the time I have taking pictures of people. With my team doing editorial or creative photoshoots just for us, for our ideas and for free. All team getting lots of good emotions and nice pictures as our work result.

How and when did you get into photography?

The first my camera I had when was 10 years old. That was just small, simple camera that I found at home. I haven’t attended any courses or classes of taking pictures. Just took the camera and waked to shoot. I have my first tapes that I have took pictures with. My mother saved them for me.

What does photography mean to you?

Photography for me it’s just not taking pictures, its more process from finding idea, place, clothing, dealing with other team members and ect. This is all process that’s concludes with nice pictures and good emotions.

Please briefly describe your photography style for our readers.

One of the most important thing in my style is light and light quality. Most of the time hard light and saturated colors.

Where do you get inspiration from?

Most of the time looking known photographers work. Sometimes location gives idea for photoshoot. My team ideas are also important for me.

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

Usually I think haw I want to light the model, what atmosphere to create with light, how much I want day light and haw much strobe light. Do I want hard shadows or soft, haw much light on background and ect. Just after what will be the pose, or composition.

Studio, on location or both?

I used to say that: I can do studio where I want. Most of the time I take pictures with strobe light.

Would you consider yourself a hobbyist or a paid professional?

I am totally hobbyist. 95% of my pictures are made for idea to create something beautiful and interesting.

What has been your most memorable session and why?

The most memorable photoshoot is my first nude photoshoot. I was so nervous that even model said to me no worry everything will be ok. And she in the same time was so calm.

Nikon or Canon? Favorite lens?

First my camera was Casio in 2003. Then Sony in 2005. And from 2008 Canon type cameras. Favorite lenses are 85mm f1,2 and 35mm 1,4. For portraiture 70-200mm f2,8.

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

It is difficult to say, because it is not business for me. But I see how lots of young photographers want to earn money first of all, but not learn how to take good and interesting picture. So advice would be: learn how take a good picture with the right light, then learn to do good retouching, then think about the money.

What do you think of our new magazine?

I was surprised about offer to have interview with posting pictures for free. That’s amazing what you and your team are doing. I wish you good look.

https://www.facebook.com/Grimas.M