Modellenland
- 16 jul. 2023

Interview: Photographer Marek Jeznach (Poland)

Can you tell us a little about you?

I’m photographer from Płock, Poland. This is not my profession. Technical university graduate, working in logistics. President of Płocka Grupa Fotograficzna association and v-ce president of Fotografia Polska foundation.

How and when did you get into photography?

It started in high school in 1979. My father had complete set – camera, developing tank, enlarger etc. So having all equipment in reach of hand – I grabbed it.

What does photography mean to you?

Passion, second love of life. First one is my my wife J

Please briefly describe your photography style for our readers.

“Visually consistent film style at available light” “Visual consistency”. Every specific set of pic, gallery has common elements – surrounding, light, concept etc.

“Film style”. My background is in traditional, chemical “analog” photography and I don’t overuse modern processing tools. I don’t have Adobe Photoshop and I will not. In the beginning of my digital photography I deliberately rejected heavy processing of image. DxO PhotoLab and ColorEfex plug-ins is all I need . Of course I use some tricks enhancing image but all visible elements of image come from reality not my imagination. “Available light”. I don’t use lamps and often forget about screen.

Where do you get inspiration from?

Other photographers work and interesting places. But sometimes literature, titles of books or songs – “Breakfast of champions”, “Picnic on the roadside”. Anything.

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

Always. I arrange session using two key combination: model-surrounding. To find place suitable for specific model or model good for planned place. But in the past a talented photographer told me: keep your eyes open, use opportunity, improvise. So if I suddenly find something useful I’m willing to try. Maybe it will work, maybe not but at least I tried.

Studio, on location or both?

In the beginning I had some studio sessions. But now I find shooting on white/black background boring. Helmut Newton said: “A woman does not live in front of white paper. She lives on the street, in a motor car, in a hotel room”. So now if studio – with arranged furniture only. But I prefer on location, quarry, creek, city street even urbex type.

Would you consider yourself a hobbyist or a paid professional?

Hobbyist definitely.

What has been your most memorable session and why?

Budapest, may 2016, session with Kate Purt. For first time I worked with top-tier model with great results. Kate gave me not only excellent frames but also friendly approach and creative input. Later I had many great sessions with fantastic models such as Fanny Muller, Michaela Novakova, Viviane Forerova or Kate Lewandowska to name a few. But Kate has special place in my heart.

Nikon or Canon? Favorite lens?

Nikon since 1992. F801s first, then D300, D810 now. Sigma 50/1.4 Art Series because of excellent image quality even at 1.4 and Nikkor 135/2 DC because of dreamy bokeh.

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

Business? I don’t know what to say. My photography is cost not profit. But I believe in photography there is some critical issues: learn as much as you can, try new things, don’t be happy with results, strive to be better every time you grab camera, know your gear, don’t copy anybody, let surrounding world inspire you and last but not least – shoot pictures with heart and soul. Express yourself, be yourself. Be free.

What do you think of our new magazine?

Excellent idea. Interesting and inspiring. And I’m happy to be part of this issue.

www.jeznach.eu

https://www.instagram.com/hannegem

https://www.facebook.com/marek.jeznach.12

https://www.pgfplock.pl

https://www.fotografiapolska.pl