Interviews / Stories
Interview: Photographer Matan Eshel (Israel)
Tell us something about yourself
A:My name is Matan Eshel, I’m 31, based out of Tel Aviv, Israel.
How and when did you get into photography?
I got into photography somewhere around 2009-2010, I think. I had just broken up with my girlfriend at the time and I needed a distraction something to keep busy, so i bought a point and shoot that had a few manual settings, started to shoot pretty much everything and anything. After a year or so of messing around i really got into, got my first DSLR and just kept moving forward.
What does photography mean to you?
To me its peace of mind and a sense of purpose, basicly when i shoot, it just feels right, feels like im doing something that feels totally natural. So regardless if what im shooting turns out ok or it might not be that great but it just flows seamlessly and it just clears my head.
Please briefly describe your photography style for our readers.
I normally shoot Boudoir, swimsuit, a little fashion, im very interested in the female form and female sexuality.
Where do you get inspiration from?
Well i buy a fair amount of photography books, i like the feel and look of a well printed photography book, it makes everything more “real” and helps you see things that you normally dont see when you look through a screen.
Studio, on location or both?
Both, but mostly studio. mainly because Israel as a shooting location isnt all that interesting to me, also the light is quite harsh so it's not easy shooting outdoors.
Think you in advance what you want in the picture?
Yes and no, I normally have an abstract idea of what i want, but a lot of it come during the shoot, seeing the model, the outfit, the location and the light help me visualize it.
Would you consider yourself a hobbyist or a paid professional?
Professional, im also just finishing up my degree in photographic communication which basically takes still photography and everything that relates to that from marketing, web design etc…
What has been your most memorable session and why?
A while back ago I shoot this nude session, and everything was going great, both of us were having a great time, and during the shoot the model’s husband calls and asks her how things are going, they talked for around 30 seconds, and then she says “honey can i call you later im kinda naked on the floor covered in oil” and he just said “sure honey”. i just couldnt stop laughting for 2-3 minutes how he brushed it off.
What has been the biggest source of inspiration in your work?
It’s really tough to pinpoint one source but i think that i draw a lot of my inspiration from the models themselve, seeing what a model projects helps to inspire me, to change thing to see things differently.
Nikon or Canon? Favorite lens?
Nikon mostly, both film and digital. Digital its a Nikon D750, Film I switch between a Nikon FE and a Nikon FA. As for lenses i love prime lenses, I think my all time favorite is my 85mm 1.8D, i've had it for years, it's great both in film and digital.
What is one piece of advice you would like to offer a new photographer looking to start their own business?
Find what you love and focus and get better at it, of course money is still a thing and you have to earn a living but if you love like landscapes or food photography or macro or whatever it is that you love about photography, always work on that, and never lose it.
What do you think of our new magazine?
I think its a very interesting platform, the idea of sharing information has always been a great way to advance both yourself and other people.