Modellenland
- 14 mei 2023

Interview: Photographer Michał Magdziak (Poland)

Can you tell us a little about you?

My name is Michał, I live in Poland, in the capital of Lower Silesia - the beautiful city of Wrocław. Professionally I deal with IT. Privately, I like theatre, traveling and computer games. I have a family - my girlfriend, Ewelina, is a fantastic make-up artist and hair stylist, if it wasn't for her, many of my photos simply wouldn't have been created. We have a wonderful daughter, Matilda. I'm colorblind, I can't distinguish some colors but it doesn't mean that I only like black and white photography :)

How and when did you get into photography?

I will not write anything original. I started taking pictures as a little kid, snapshots of anything that caught my eye. And so, slowly, slowly, the children's fascination with the new toy turned into a passion. Other interests passed away and photography is with me to this day.

What does photography mean to you?

A pleasure :) An escape from the gray reality into the colorful world of my own creations.

Please briefly describe your photography style for our readers.

My photography is a widely understood portrait. A conscious, posed, creative, sometimes sensual portrait. I like extremes - on the one hand, simplicity, almost ascetic photos in black and white, on the other hand, photographic Byzantium, colorful, stylized photos with extensive make-up, costumes, rich hairstyles. Style? I have no style. I have habits, workshop, aesthetics. I appreciate the attention to detail and the visual consistency of the photos that make up a certain project. I like blurring, photos taken with the aperture wide open. Although I shoot with digital equipment, I like the atmosphere of analog photography. In my photos you can find a fascination with old painting. I really like outdoor photography, but most of my work is studio photography.

Where do you get inspiration from?

The greatest inspiration for me is the painting of the old masters. I am inspired by the content, the way the models are presented, the colors and chiaroscuro. Sometimes the courage with which the creator was able to break the usual patterns.

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

It depends, There are sessions that I plan for a long time, I am looking for appropriate models, models, people who will help me create a photo. I think about the concept, I plan how I would like the photo to look like in the end. I like such sessions, I like the whole process of working on a painting. But more often I take pictures spontaneously, having no idea beforehand, not knowing what I would like to achieve. I am also happy to take part in sessions where I implement other people's ideas.

Studio, on location or both?

Both, it all depends on the topic of the session. I like to use artificial light, I like to define the lighting of the set myself. Also outdoors.

Would you consider yourself a hobbyist or a paid professional?

Definitely a hobbyist. Professionally, I do something completely different, photography is an escape from everyday life and pleasure after the hardships of everyday life. Nevertheless, sometimes I accept commercial orders or conduct paid workshops.

What has been your most memorable session and why?

I can't choose the "best" one. I remember many sessions very well, some for unpredictable and funny events, others for the subject matter and the amount of work that I had to put into the final success, others for the amazing people I worked with during it.

Nikon or Canon? Favorite lens?

Doesn't matter :) Nevertheless, I've been using Nikon D800 for years and my favorite lens is the Sigma 50 1.4 Art.

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

Enjoy your work :)

What do you think of our new magazine? I have to admit that I didn't know your magazine :) I found a lot of good photography in it. I believe that it is a good place to develop, to look for inspiration, to get to know the work of other photographers and to promote your own. I keep my fingers crossed for the further development of the magazine :) I will be happy to look at it :) Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MichalMagdziakPhotography/ Website: https://michalmagdziak.pl/