Interview: Photographer Adam „Topowicz” (Poland)
Can you tell us a bit about yourself?
I was born over fifty years ago and live in Poland. I love to create and I have many passions in my life - electronics, computer programming (which is my job), music, travel and photography among of them.
How and when did you get into photography?
I have always been fascinated by the fact that with one click you can freeze a moment in time and return to it years later, as if it were a few seconds ago. I got my first camera of my own - ZenithXP as a teenager and I took pictures at school - reports for the school newspaper and group photos - for earning my first money :) I developed it myself in the darkroom, which was like magic to see the image appear out of nowhere on paper.
What is photography to you?
Photography is like a notebook for me - it allows me to help my poor memory, take pleasure in returning to the best moments and views of my life. Recently, it is also a field to work on improvements to make my work better and maybe more valuable to the world, to make it a more beautiful place to live for everyone.I am also fascinated by beautiful female faces, long hair, big eyes, originality, oriental, unusual features. Watching them is like watching beautiful sunsets. One of my goals is to learn how to capture it perfectly - maybe it's not obvious, but even with the most beautiful woman is not easy to get a good picture.
Where do you get inspiration from?
I watch photo groups on Facebook every day. It allows me to see photos of good artists - as a long-term goal, but also people who are on my level, and yet - they manage to take good photos sometimes - so I can :) It gives me the opportunity to slowly, step by step , improving.
Do you think in advance what do you want in the picture?
I try to get to know the place where I will take pictures - I arrive there a day earlier and plan the organization. I also browse photos of the model who will be posing to see what style she likes and what I like the most about her. As for the session itself, I usually don't have specific plans for what exactly should be in the photo. I try to arrange different situations and just take reportage photos of what is happening. At home, I select the photos I like the most and edit them in
Photoshop.Studio, on location or both?
Now I prefer photos on location - I like freedom, unpredictable, spontaneous events, but I also plan to be interested in photos in the studio - because I believe that it is necessary for me to improve my effects.
Would you consider yourself a hobbyist or a paid professional?
(Un?) fortunately, I have a good job as a programmer and I can treat photography as a escape from the daily routine, for the pleasure of creating, expressing myself and meeting wonderful people and collaborating with them.
What has been your most memorable session and why?
Hard to say. I think there were a few such sessions - workshops with artists that I admire, when I could see them work live, and that their effects are not magic, but something that you can achieve yourself. It allows you not to give up despite difficult times.
Nikon or Canon? favorite lens?
Nikon. By accident - the D50 was the cheapest digital DSLR when I returned to photography after many years :) Now I have Nikon Z6, Sigma lenses. Favorite portrait lens is Art 85/1.4, sometimes Art 50/1.4 and Sport 70-200/2.811
What is one piece of advice you would like to offer a new photographer looking to start their own business?
I'm not a professional photographer, so it's hard for me to give advice. Maybe more generally - If you do something with passion, and you have a talent for it, the money will come by itself.
What do you think of our new magazine?
I really like the quality of the photos published in the magazine. They seem to be carefully selected. Not once have I read here interviews with photographs/models whom I know and admire. Therefore, thank you for honoring me and inviting me to be a part of this place.
Model: Julia Janiszewska
Model: Ola Nowicka
Model: Ania Wasilewska
Model: Agata Galikowska
Model: Karo Leżuchowska
Workshop with Damian Drewniak
Model: Claudia Winiarska
Workshop with Sagaj
Model: @kruszynkapaulinka
Workshop with Evgeny Loza at Zlodziejewo
Model: Alicja Wieclawek
Workshop with Evgeny Loza at Zlodziejewo
Model: Patrycja Kajda
make-up: Gosia Tomicka
hair: Wizaż i stylizacja-Imago
Model: @olivia.inga
make-up: @justyna_tomaszuk_mua
Workshop with Sagaj
Model: Kasia Katiens
make-up: Makeup by M.
Model: Natalia Matviichuk
Workshop with Beata Banach at Zlodziejewo
