Modellenland
- 4 mei

Interview: Photographer Nikoletta Nerpel (Hungary)

Can you tell us a little about you?

I am a portrait photographer and digital artist based in Leányfalu, Hungary. Specializing in business and beauty portraiture, I also venture into the realms of creative, cosplay, and fantasy portraits.

How and when did you get into photography?

When I was a little child I found an analog camera on a family trip. At the time I did not attach much importance to it, but now I find it an interesting and fateful coincidence.

During my university years, I changed photography for economics, but after graduating I immediately enrolled in a photography school, where I fell in love with studio portraiture.

After photography school, I tried many types of photography to earn money: family, maternity, event, wedding, concert, music bands, food, product and for a long time fashion was my favourite. Then I went back to portrait photography, because that's what I enjoy the most and I feel I can do the most to help and bring joy to people.

What does photography mean to you?

My goal in each portrait is to convey a profound sense of beauty, elegance, and sophistication.

Driven by the belief that everyone deserves to feel confident and proud, I strive to capture these qualities in my photographs. My work transcends traditional boundaries, demonstrating that art can be a source of joy, playfulness, and boundless creativity, offering endless avenues for self-expression.

Please briefly describe your photography style for our readers.

I love beauty and harmony, I like to idealise, that is why my photographs are mostly staged. I strive to portray the subject as aesthetically as possible, whether it be a person or a landscape. In order to create the "perfect" image, I do a lot of retouching and even composites.

It probably comes from my background as a concert photographer, but I love backlighting, coloured lights, smoke, haze, all the "theatrical" elements and I use them in my photography.

After the theatrical exaggerations, I sometimes long for the "minimal", in which case I shoot clean, black and white, light and shadow games.

Where do you get inspiration from?

Literally from everywhere. I can be inspired by a person, a place, a dress, a feeling, a mood, a song… I'm a big fan of fantasy movies and stories from long ago, especially Arthurian legends and Lord of the Rings. My photos often have a fairy-tale, film-like feel, but the inspiration often come from the work of Renaissance or Baroque painters, so the end result has more of the feel of an old painting.

Would you consider yourself a hobbyist or a paid professional?

I am a paid professional with the heart of an enthusiastic hobbyist.

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

I always plan it, I have the finished photo in my head before the shoot. I work from a concept, a moodboard, which is given to the creative team too. Of course, there may be some minor changes along the way, but only if it raises the quality of the final images.

Studio, on location or both?

Both, depending on the theme of the shoot. I'm a perfectionist and like to have full control over the lights, if given the choice, I'll go for the studio. Of course, there are projects that require outdoor space, but even then I go with full studio equipment with battery flashes. I often change the background in post-production, so you never know where the original photo was taken.

What has been your most memorable session and why?

I have so many wonderful photo shoots behind me. The most recent one I really enjoyed was a shoot inspired by the Bonnie Tyler - Total Eclipse of the Heart music video. When I saw the imagery in the music video, I just identified with this backlit, smoky, over-exposed world with a heavenly atmosphere. Every time I heard the song afterwards, I fantasized about what kind of pictures I would take based on it... Then over the Christmas break, that photo series was born as a family program. The pictures are starring my brother and his partner, they are wonderful, I love all the photos!

Nikon or Canon? Favorite lens?

Nikon, by the way the camera I found as a child was also a Nikon. What a coincidence. My favourite lens at the moment is a Sigma Art 50mm 1.4. But basically, I think the equipment almost makes no difference. And the brand really doesn't matter. The most important thing is the knowledge, creativity and the soul of the photographer.

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

Most of all, to dare to be themselves, to develop their own styles, the art that comes from the heart. Do your best on every shoot, do it with enthusiasm and passion. Photography can only be done (for the long term) with dedication and love for the profession. AND learn a lot about marketing and self-branding!

What do you think of our new magazine?

It gives us a great opportunity to “meet” talented artists from all over the world. Thank you for being part of it.

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