Interviews / Stories
Interview: Photographer Sebastian Preus (Poland)
Tell us something about yourself
Im 40 year old, software developer from Poland. I live in capitol city bur on its broad, close to forest, some lakes where I like spend some time far from coputer, walking with my wife and our dog.
How and when did you get into photography?
I bought my first camera on end of 2013. Just to have something better than camera in my phone, but only to take pictures on our trips, family meetings etc. Few months later when I was in Gdynia city to visit my family (I was born in this city cose to sea) I catched some pictures of birds flying over sea. I realized that is really nice and a lot of fun.When I came back home I started to read about nature photography, what kind of equipment is required, where and when to go to catch nice views and meet animals. I found it not easy and quite expensive. But then I found pictures from studio and started to read about this part of photography. Finally I bought some studio stuff and started make studio photos in my home. It was begining of 2014 y. From this time changed a lot. In my life and photography.
What does photography mean to you?
Its my passion. Im not trying to push it in some ways. Rather photograpny live its own life and push my life in some directions. Its like open book, very interesting, and Im still wander what is on next page !
Please briefly describe your photography style for our readers.
As mentioned above I started with studio photography. I was learning and doing fashion and beauty (or just portrait) photography for long time. From spring 2016 I went outside studio and fall in love with outdoor photography. There is so many beautiful places, and ordinary that I can turn into beautiful on my pictures. Still looking for them and for emothions when working with my models.
Think you in advance what you want in the picture?
Emotions. Something what make you stop for a while. There is so many pictures in the wolrd, most of them in social media like facebook. We scroll down reading our walls of news. If my picture stops you for a while to take a closer look and think for a while – then I reached a point.
Studio, on location or both?
Both, but for now prefer locations.
Where do you get inspiration from?
One of biggest inspiration is Nicholas Javed. Not only his photos, style, colors, but also his life. Im really happy and proud that I can work with people that had possibility to meet and work with him. I know from them that he was warking a lot, like a mad man. And there is no other way to reach success. Work, work and one more time work. Unfortunelly I didnt meet him, I wanted to go to his workshop in Poland but couldn't when it was planned. I was sure next time I'll go. Well.. Still miss his new pictures.
Other inspiration are Dah Hecho, Jean Noir, Magnus Brynestam and some others with similar style. Also Liam Topham, one of Nicholas Javes students, make great pictures.
Nikon or Canon? Favorite lens?
Nikon. D5100 was my first camera. Now I use D750. I use nikkor 85 1.8 in 90% of my work. Sometimes its 50mm 1.8.
Would you consider yourself a hobbyist or a paid professional?
Hobbyst. When it brings me some money its nice addition, not a reason to work as photographer. But I dont exclude anything. I've made some small workshop for beginners and high end retouch. People asked me about this, and I found it really nice, share my knowledge with others with passion
What has been your most memorable session and why?
One of the most memorable session was with Magdalena Lewińska, this summer. We spand all day taking pictures in old town, but also in water, with some animals, looking for interesting shots. And we did it. Our pictures was awarded and even set as covers in Essence, Your mood photo and other sites with best pictures. One of them will be published now in Dark Beauty magazine. We woke up at 4 am for this session, working in cold water, bitten by insects. But nothing can stop people with passion, definitely it was worth it.
What has been the biggest source of inspiration in your work?
Im regulary looking into fanpages of my favorite photographers. But also looking for inspiring photos posted on 500px.com, 35photo.ru. There is a lot of wonderfull works, its hard to mention all photographers, you should explore it and find what inspire you.
What is one piece of advice you would like to offer a new photographer looking to start their own business?
Well photography is not my “business”. But what I noticed people with passion are more succesfull than others oriented only to earn money. They dont care enaough about quality and market verify it fast. So if you want make photograpy your business, take your time, invest in workshops, work hard. When people start to recognize you as good photographer then turn it into business.
What do you think of our new magazine?
Its really great. I can watch other pictures on their portfolio, but our magazine allows me to meet them closer. They are closer to me and often look different way on their work when I know something more about their life and passion.