Photographer Adrian Krupczyński (Poland)

I was born in 1975 - so long ago that I used to take black-and-white photos on film. Yes, my first camera was a Soviet Zenit ET. Working with it taught me everything about photography, and those lessons continue to pay off. In the 1990s, my friends and I would run around with cameras, capturing everything around us. We developed our own negatives, recording the frames of our youth. Those were carefree times.

Photography isn’t my main occupation, but I dedicate a lot of time to it, and it absorbs me the most. The world around me never ceases to amaze, and that’s what I try to capture in my photos. I often shoot landscapes, either traditionally or with a drone. I strive for thoughtful, well-planned shots - location, time, lighting... When everything aligns, the results can be amazing. But portrait photography brings me the most satisfaction. Here, everything is spontaneous, and I can’t predict anything, which excites me. I photograph people I meet by chance who agree to a short photo session. I see a face and just know I have to try. About 50% say yes, and I think that’s a pretty good rate. I don’t control the light, background, or clothing - I photograph the person as they are. The only thing that matters to me is emotion. Without it, it’s just another picture. Usually, I chat with people before taking their photos, and they quickly open up. Their faces soften, and their eyes show more trust. A successful portrait is one where, when I look at the face, I start imagining the person’s life story. I want to understand the life that shaped that face. Where there are emotions, there’s a good photo - that’s my motto.

Even though I’ve been photographing for 35 years, often for money, I still see myself as a hobbyist. The photos I take for pleasure are the ones that give me the most satisfaction and stay with me. And I think it will stay that way.

Every guy loves gadgets, so gear matters. I’m in love with the image quality of Panasonic Lumix cameras. When I take my GH6 "on assignment" (yes, I like MFT and have no insecurities about sensor size), I usually pair it with the Lumix 42.5mm f/1.7 (85mm in full-frame) for portraits or the Leica 12-60mm for landscapes. But the best camera is the one you have with you, and I always have the Sony A6400 with a Tamron 18-300mm. This small body with such a versatile lens allows me to capture a wide range of subjects, from landscapes to street photography, portraits, and ultra-close-ups. I use this setup the most. It’s not a pro kit, but it’s enough. In my opinion, the camera is just a tool, and the photographer’s job, whether beginner or pro, is to take photos - lots of them. Learn from mistakes, be inspired by better photographers, and... take even more photos.

The magazine Modellen Land is an excellent place to draw inspiration and learn from the craft of great photographers. If you’re interested in portrait photography in the broadest sense, this publication should be a must-read.

http://facebook.com/adrian.krupczynski