Interview: Photographer Balint Csongor Istvan (Romania)

Can you tell us a little about you?

My name is Stefan, 28 years old. I live in one of the most beautiful cities in Romania ( in my opinion) , Brasov. I mostly take portraits.

How and when did you get into photography?

I started taking photos approximately 5 years ago during a time when I was stressed and begin watching the sunset that calmed me down and made me think everything through. During that time i was using my smartphone and due time I reached the capabilities of the phone and decided to buy a camera, this happened 4 years ago, since I bought the camera my world changed.

What does photography mean to you?

For me at this point in life I can say photography means everything, I can’t imagine my life without it anymore. It’s a way to express myself, it gives me the courage that I missed in the past. Simply put it makes my life complete.

Please briefly describe your photography style for our readers.

I try to focus most of the time on portraits, but at the same time I take photos about everything that catches my interest be that the city where I live, a bird, my pets, everything that other people might not notice.

When I take portraits my goal is to capture the person, not the appearence, but their real self, that’s hidden, or are afraid to show it because they would be judged by other people.

I lean toward the artistic part too. It may sound crazy but i think the humanity in recent years changed, but unfortunately in a bad direction. I notice this when it comes to Boudoir photography, the models who practice this style are judged. In my opinion that’s not right because if we look back in history big names in painting had naked models, and that’s considered art, so why isn’t it art these days? I wanna do something about this as much as posible, I wanna make the first steps with my photography to change this view, so that Boudoir to be considered art.

Where do you get inspiration from?

I get my inspiration from the persons who I do the shootings, from music, from movies, other photographers works. After all in my opinion everything around us can inspire us.

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

I wouldn’t say yes or no to this question, because sometimes I plan in advance, and sometimes just go with the flow. I would say it’s a mix of both.

Studio, on location or both?

At this moment I don’t have a studio yet, so I’m limited to location. But in the future i want to have a studio too.

Would you consider yourself a hobbyist or a paid professional?

With 4 years of experience with an actual camera, I’m still at the beginning of this wonderful journey so can’t really call myself a paid professional. I already started to have paid shootings and really enjoy it. I aim to be a professional photographer

What has been your most memorable session and why?

It may sound strange but my most memorable session was actually the first ever session that I had. It wasn’t planned it advance, I could say I was at the right place at the right time. And to answer why, it’s because I get to know really good persons who support me, even when I feel down, even at this day too.

Nikon or Canon? Favorite lens?

My first and actual camera is Canon. I don’t plan to switch brands.

Favorite lens? Currently I shoot using the Sigma 30mm f/1.4 EF-M, but I would be really happy to own a 70-200 f/2.8 lens in the future.

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

If you’re really serious about photography, don’t give up because of the critique.

What do you think of our new magazine?

It’s the first time I hear about this magazine, but when i saw it, it’s a really nice and well done magazine. I like it.

@csongorphotography

Model: Felicia

Model: Violeta