Nikol Nikolchova

Tell us something about yourself.

I am a photographer originally from Bulgaria, at the moment I am based in Bournemouth - UK, studying Commercial Photography at the Arts University. I can’t live without music and nature, since I grew up really close to the forest, where dusty clouds and pine trees is what I’ve been seeing from my window for most of my life.

 

How and when did you get into photography?

I got into photography was when I was 14 years old - my father bought me a digital compact camera - you can say I am a kid of the digital photography era. I started using my camera, taking pictures of my cat and the spiders in my yard and after a year I just knew I wanted to be a Photographer and express myself through the art of the lens.

 

What does photography mean to you?

It's an atmospheric feeling in my soul, a desire to create an scene, a story, a feeling,  a connection with the viewer.

 

Please briefly describe your photography style for our readers.

Slow guitar notes accompanied with atmosphere, ambience and cinematic colours.

 

Where do you get inspiration from?

Mostly from music, people, cinema and experiences. Andrey Tarkovski, Jim Jarmusch, Gregory Colbert, Radiohead, Tom Waits, Kottarashky, Oratnica are some names, which have inspired me to create and share my art with people.

 

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

I want to recreate an atmosphere for the viewer that will affect his inner self and his understanding of life and my photograph to become part of his life indirectly. I do plan out my photosessions, but whenever i am photographing i never know what kind of new idea or event might pop up in front of the lens and I'm always ready to capture it. It's important for pople to be logical, but we should be driven by our instincts and feelings as much as by logic.

 

What has been your most memorable session and why?

I love to go in abandoned places because they have so many secrets, so many stories to tell and questions without answers, that keep us guessing. I do this regularly in my photography especially when I am in my home country Bulgaria. My memorable sessions were definitely in abandon places mostly because of the feeling that they gave me.

 

Would you consider yourself a hobbyist or a paid professional?

Freelancer.

 

Studio, on location or both?

Both, but i prefer locations, because of their authenticity and different atmospheres depending on the time of day, sunlight, weather or time of the year for example.

 

What has been the biggest source of inspiration in your work?

I cannot say just one source of inspiration. It is everything that my eyes see, my mind creates and my heart feels. I am trying to get as much information and knowledge as i can to be a better photographer.

 

Nikon or Canon? Favourite lens?

Canon and Hasselblad

 

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

Experiment as much as you can. Get in contact with as much people working in the field as you can. If your friends are good in something, find a way to collaborate with them.  Promote your work in a creative way!

 

What do you think of our new magazine?

I think it's a lovely form of media for aspiring and already well-known fotographers to be a part of. Seeing the level of others, in a way makes me want to be better at what I'm doing and pushes me forward in a positive way. It's really good for photographers to have a knowing of their colleagues improvement and have a place to share their art.

 

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