Interview: Photographer Marketa Novak (Czech republic)
Can you tell us a little about you? I am photographer from Prague. My portfolio was created and shaped by the influence of the environment I live in. I grew up on a housing estate in the capital, and to me, trips to nature were a part of the fairy-tale present in this world. Later, I started to connect these themes with people who fascinated me by the breadth of their feelings and expressions. Over time, I started to enrich these tales of people’s connection to nature.
How and when did you get into photography? I started dedicate to photography when I was young. The impulse was my father. His hobby was photoshooting and creatings photos. I always used to take his photoaparate. I started take photos of animals and nature
What does photography mean to you? Photoshooting is a relaxation for me. I take photos full of calmness and love.
Please briefly describe your photography style for our readers.
My work is based on admiration and love to nature. I really love fairytales topics, because always there is happy ending. The meaning and motto of my work became the words of the impressionist painter Renoir "there are enough inconsolable things in the world than we have to produce more" my work desire to create a space for people to stop, relax and dream in the everyday hustle and bustle of life.
Do you think in advance what you want in the picture? I think about it very often. Sometimes I draw possibilities to image what I really want.
Where do you get inspiration from?
My greatest inspiration is for me love and admiration for nature. Very often I create the photographs with desire to show my audience that we are inseparable part of nature around us. Writers are another important inspiration for me. I'm a big lover of Tolkien's stories. I have a romantic personality and I like to believe in happy endings, honesty and character, that's why I often work with fairy-tale themes that awaken this in me. While studying at university, I focused on the history of art, which to this day also greatly influences me in the themes and perception of art as such.
Studio, on location or both? Both but I prefer specific locations in nature.
Would you consider yourself a hobbyist or a paid professional? I would consider my paid professional. Lately I am focusing on education future photographs. The best photos are always taken at my expense. I do photography for clients and it has been feeding me for several years. Photographs that are created just for fun seem different
What has been your most memorable session and why? My four day trip in Poland. Because I saw many beautiful location and it was raining=D
Nikon or Canon? Favorite lens? I have Canon. My favorite lens is 85mm f1.2 and for portrait 50mm f1.4.
What is one piece of advice you would like to offer a new photographer looking to start their own business? I think the basis of good work is to be yourself. What do you think of our new magazine?
Any activity with good intentions makes sense.
