Interviews / Stories
Interview: Photographer FairyLady (Poland)
Tell us something about yourself
My name is Paulina Maciejewska and I use alias FairyLady. I'm from Poland. I was born in 1994 in Konin. Currently, I'm living and working in Poznan. I'm a vegetarian, slowly transitioning to veganism. Besides photography, my other passions are the history of art and fashion. I collect postcards from the places I visited. What is more, I like exploring mansions, manors and castles in Poland, about which I collect various materials. Someday I plan to publish a book about these interesting buildings. My other fascinations are flowers and shabby chic style.
How and when did you get into photography?
My adventure with photography started in childhood, when I got my first Kodak camera for a school trip. Thus, my first shoots were meant to be typical documentations of reality. I took photos of my dolls, landscape and family meetings. In the later years of primary school I started making my first stylized photoshoots. I would hang bedsheets in my room, place lamps, make decorations and stylizations. Today these photos may look funny for some, but I was really proud of them at that time . The models who took part in my shoots would be either my friends or I. Later on, I moved on from Kodak to digital camera and then, with time, to reflexive camera. That was the time when I found out that photography was my life calling.
What does photography mean to you?
Photography is my greatest passion, an escape from reality. It helps me to fulfil myself through art and forget about problems. Thanks to photography, I get to meet incredibly creative people, with whom I form more lasting relations.
Please briefly describe your photography style for our readers.
My photos may be characterized as vintage, as well as slighty dark and conceptual at times. Additionally, I love sunsets and photographies taken during „golden hour”. I take mainly fashion photos, but sometimes I make simple portraits or art photographies. I really like standing on the other side of the lens and creating series of self-portraits in various sceneries. My favourites are muted colours and soft light.
Where do you get inspiration from?
From magazines, fashion websites, from my dreams and nature.
Think you in advance what you want in the picture?
It is important for me to make photo memorable for viewers. It may perhaps even be a small detail, which could be remembered. In addition, I try to stick to my specific style.
Studio, on location or both?
Definitely on location.
Would you consider yourself a hobbyist or a paid professional?
I would love to describe myself someday as a professional photographer. It would be great if photography became my way of life.
What has been your most memorable session and why?
I made many shoots. Each of them is made up of new, interesting teams, new adventures and new memories which I hapilly contemplate. On of my most well remembered shoots is a shoot for loftcollect, in particular my first time working with wonderful owner of loftcollect – Iza Pająkowska. Photos were created in farm Wąsowo, in a beautiful rural scenery. I had difficult phase in my life at that time, but this shoot let me forget about it for a moment. I met wonderful people with whom I made a few projects already and, I believe, many more are going to come.It was a crazy day as I was up for almost 24 hours. When I was coming home from the shoot by train, I was surprised by a terrible storm which caused the tree to fall on the tracks.
Nikon or Canon? Favorite lens?
Definitely Canon! My favourite lens is Canon 35mm f/2.0. My equipment is not that much expanded at the moment but I really like this lens. I made most of my sessions thanks to it.
What is one piece of advice you would like to offer a new photographer looking to start their own business?
They should constantly develop as well as not sit back and feel too satisfied with themselves after first successes.
What do you think of our new magazine?
I discovered your magazine not a long time ago and I am going to be your avid reader. I really like the fact that you promote many talented, young artists in various fields and that you do it in a very professional and reliable way. Keep it up!