Interview: Photographer Attila Kapodarca (Italy & Hungary)
Can you tell us a little about you?
I was born in Italy, raised there by the sea jumping from party to party every night until I ended in the magic Budapest where I live for the most of the year with my supportive wife and my amazing daughter, taking pictures, teaching photography and feeling cold in the long winter.
How and when did you get into photography?
Many years ago I got a camera in my hands, I started shooting. Then it became fun and obsession, a continuous search for perfection trying to understand the eternal fight between lights and shadows.
What does photography mean to you?
A way to find the creativity we all humans need, a way to socialize and to know new people, a way to have fun together and collect good memories, a way to look for the best photo shoot trying to improve techniques day after day, a way to study lights and shadows, a way to understand beauty and harmony, a way to capture the real essence of the subject, a way to catch a moment that without photography would be gone forever, lost in what we call past without any visual proof that something happened or just existed somewhere in time.
Please briefly describe your photography style for our readers.
I shoot portraits most of all. Sometimes boudoir / glamour / nude which I consider portrait as well. I try to keep a natural edit, avoiding presets and strong modifications. I focus on finding beauty in the subject, framing properly and creating shadows in interesting places because it’s that darkness that makes the bright parts unique.
Where do you get inspiration from?
I have no idea, from everything around I guess. I’m a movie lover so maybe from movies too.
Do you think in advance what you want in the picture?
Not so much, I just want to shoot. Maybe sometimes I should plan more but I know I can always find something to be creative during the photo session, without planning. What I see in that moment inspires me in that moment.
Studio, on location or both?
They are different sides of the same coin. Both of them are good and complementary. Generally speaking I would say studio in winter, outdoor location in summer.
Would you consider yourself a hobbyist or a paid professional?
Paid professional, but I shoot as a hobby too, even if I have other dozens of hobbies.
What has been your most memorable session and why?
I can’t recall one in particular but I enjoy very much the ones in which many people are involved because I love collaborations, and the ones I am teaching photography to beginner photographers because I like to explain all the secrets of photography that took so long time and efforts to me to learn. And in these moments, during my workshops, I have the opportunity to work with models and make up artists I trust, so it’s always good meeting them once again.
Nikon or Canon? Favorite lens?
Sony forever. Favourite lens probably Sony 85mm f/1.8 for portraits but I love going wide too.
What is one piece of advice you would like to offer a new photographer looking to start their own business?
Choose very well the city where you want to work. That’s almost the only thing that can make the difference when you are looking for paid jobs. A mediocre photographer in the right place can make much more money than the best photographer in the wrong one. Connections are important as well. And unfortunately you must develop marketing skills, a lot.
What do you think of our new magazine?
I love it. I can read about other photographers, watch their pictures, get inspired and connect with them. Keep doing it!
