Interview: Photographer Weronika Reichert (Poland)
Can you tell us a little about you?
I can call myself an artist, photography is my profession but as hobby I also dance, write, sing, draw and cook. I was trying to express myself through art since I was a kid.
I believe everything can be art if you put enough of your soul into it. All of those stuff can be your love language towards world. Because isn’t the “Earth” without a word Art is just “Eh”? ;)
How and when did you get into photography?
My first steps was years back when I was at school and my teacher from Computer Classes gave me his camera and told I can make some photos at Talent Show which was happening at the time. But I feel like photos were always present in my life. My mom always loved to take pictures of our family and she kept all those photo albums in the drawer, I often reached for them. Every time I was looking at those, I used to think that these are the very best moments of us kept forever on that paper. Later on, when I was in my 20s, I met my ex who was passionate about photography, and we started to work together. This is how it started.
What does photography mean to you?
Photography is my way of storytelling, it’s the way I can express my point of view. It is also the magical way of keeping something forever, bit nostalgic- I know, but I’m sentimental. With time, I noticed that it also can be a tool that help and cure others, sometimes it is a therapy itself. Making portraits of others was actually the most healing part of my journey as Photographer. It helped me to accept myself through teaching the same people whom I’ve been working with.
Please briefly describe your photography style for our readers.
I think that I can describe my style as a bit of vintage nostalgic in a modern world.
I always do my best to catch the real emotions and perfect moment, not necessarily the perfect picture. I love using low saturation and grain in my postproduction, there’s a special place in my heart for analogue cameras. Would love to have few in my collection in the future.
Do you think in advance what you want in the picture?
I usually have some ideas prepared before but I always leave like 30% of space for just “let it happen” attitude. Works every time.
Where do you get inspiration from?
I usually base the idea for photos on my current feelings. It helps me to keep things very authentic and I just show others as I see them in my imagination. But beauty which is inspiring me is everywhere, easy to find. It can be the light between trees on Summer day,
a good movie in the evening watched with friend, or a song that recently touched my heart. There are few Photographers that are my idols and I often look up to their work as a example of how this should be done, but I’m trying to not recreate their work because off the respect for them.
Studio, on location or both?
Personally I prefer doing photos outside of the studio. It is more natural and it’s easier to create low pressure vibe, also way much more options for different images.
Would you consider yourself a hobbyist or a paid professional?
At this point I’m a professional, but I can’t say that I only do this for money.
What has been your most memorable session and why?
I couldn’t pick the favourite one, but I can choose the most memorable for sure.
It was about 10 years ago, one of my very first photo shoot with models.Iit was three of them, middle of Summer so it was very hot, we spent all day outside, we were working with horses as well, and the worst part was I had no clue how to use the camera at the time.
So when I wanted to set anything on the camera I called my ex for help and he was doing it for me. Somehow we managed to make it, and it was actually a big success since the fashion magazine from US published the photos in printed version!
That was my first publication ever.
Nikon or Canon? Favorite lens?
I work on Nikon from the start, and my fav lens would be 70-200 mm for portraits and maybe 24-70 mm for daily use because it’s universal for all-purpose missions.
What is one piece of advice you would like to offer a new photographer looking to start their own business?
I would say make connections, take care of people you’re working with, go out and meet somebody new every time you have an opportunity. People are the most important part of this job and they can help and learn you a lot. If you think you can do it by yourself, forget it.
What do you think of our new magazine?
I remember Modelenland Magazine from few years back, I was published in it once before. It looks better now and I can tell you’re growing and evolving, which is great. Good job!
