Interview: Photographer Monika Łasicka (Poland)

Tell us something about yourself. Just starting with a most obvious characteristic, my name is Monika and I’m a 27-year old photographer, from Poland. What my gist says is to combine professional work with a true passion. In my free time, if there is any, I’m rather a normal girl, who love to read books and watch films, but only the good one. And now you might say, that is so typical. Well, you’d right, but up to a point. Generally, I treat this kind of activities as a way of inspiration for my photography. You wouldn’t believe how many movie scenes and book plots have inspired me so far! I truly love this feeling!

How and when did you get into photography?

So many years ago, when I was 15. My dad loved photography and, actually, he was the very first person who inspired me with his shoots, taken with an analog camera. Then, as a young girl, I was photographing a lot of nature, themes which always comes first when you start your adventure. For eight years since that it was only my hobby and I generally prefer to photograph nature and landscapes. Three years ago I started to treat photography more seriously and I decided to work with photography of people. That gives me an impulse to pay more attention to details and engage tointeresting creations.

What does photography mean to you?

Generally, it means the same as any other art to an artist – it expresses me. You probably hear such an explanation very often, but when you are or became an artist then you will truly feel that it is so true. Let me give you an example, just to emphasize it. Think about what are you doing when you come back happy or extremely angry or even sad from your, let’s call it, a normal full time job. In my world it simply boils down to photography! When I’m happy you will see, particularly on my fan page, many colorful pictures with beautiful smiling girls. On the contrary, during bad days, black and white photos substantially dominate. The really fun thing in my work is that sometimes, when I pursue a cosplay project, I have an opportunity to touch my lovely hero, which I remember from movies I saw in my childhood. So, generally – as I said – it’s a way of expressing yourself and actually, it is a part of me.

Please briefly describe your photography style for our readers.Briefly?

It’s impossible! That is because I have no one style, particularly due to the wide variety of photoshoots I take. As you may see I’m taking dark and gloomy photos and, at the same time, also warm and vivid. My cosplay photos, in turn, generally follow the style originating from the particular movie or game. But what is hard to define by myself, seems to be more easy for other people. A lot of people say that when they see my photos, they know that I’m the author of them. I actually have no idea how they do that.

Where do you get inspiration from?

Well, I’ve said that already. For cosplay photography my the most obvious inspiration are films, books and games. But, actually, there is a lot of things which can inspire me. Sometimes, a nice photo from other talented photographer is enough. Other time, it could be a song or even a dream when I’m taking a nap! In might look funny, by I’ve already realized two photoshoots which I was dreaming about!

Think you in advance what you want in the picture?

Yes, I always do. I’m trying to check some ideas for poses, photo climate, etc. What’s important, I do it regardless which type of people photography I’m going to take. I really want to, and there is a good official expression, build a rapport between me and the model. I find this kind of “preparation” as a good and necessary step towards.

Studio, on location or both?

Both. I can’t even choose which one I prefer. Of course, taking photos outside gives us greater opportunity – for example in terms of variety – than in studio. Honesty speaking, I’m photographing in my so-called studio, than in real one. This is usually my bathroom or another room in apartment. That’s one of drawback of being a photographer and combining a work life with private life. I don’t have to commute to my office, but I also cannot go out of the office at all. But, generally, most of my photoshoots was taken outside, I think mostly in the forest. I rarely photographing in the streets.

Would you consider yourself a hobbyist or a paid professional?

Right now photography for me is both a hobby and a work. I’ve been photographing from six years, but only for three I treat it, let’s say, seriously as more than only hobby. Since last year, in turn, I have my own business and a I’m used to payingall of my attention to it.

What has been your most memorable session and why?

Oh, that’s a hard question. I think I don’t have one, the most memorable, but rather a lot of them about which I can talk in hours. Just give me more space here (laughing). The one I can remember the most is a session inspired by The Witcher series. What is interesting in that, it was taken in a noir style, in a atmosphere of 40-50’s. Our model has a real gun and at one shoot she pulled the trigger and actually shot to me! Of course with blanks in the gun and with full insurance of professional, nevertheless, it was really scary and amazing!

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

When it comes to my personal authority or an important inspiration, I can mention –with no doubt – two people: Pugoffka and eosAndy. Both of them specialize in cosplay photography. I really love the way how they work with light and whose photos can truly take you in the game world. Another person who I really need to mention is MysticMoments. Her work really creates own fairytale while the color in photos are by far amazing. You should see the work of these guys.

Nikon or Canon? Favorite lens?

I’m from gang of Nikon, without a doubt! And lenses. Mostly I use my favorite Tamron 85mm 1.8f, but it has some limitations. Then, for example in case of wider photos it I use Sigma 18-35 1.8f. A few years ago I used to use a classic one, Nikon 50mm 1.8f.

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

At the beginning of your adventure with professional photography it might be really a hard time. So, to be honest, you need to be strong. You need to deal with all of the marketing things and purely technical aspect of photography and – additionally – don’t let down if comment below your work would be not good enough at the beginning. It’s not easy to be a good photographer since the very first shoot, talent is only part of it. The greatest contribution comes from hard work – even the best confirm that.

Do you think of our new magazine?

I saw it for the very first time relatively recently, just a few issues ago. And to make things short, I like it. It looks really professional, with a modern style and – according to what I previously said – it’s one of my inspirations! Your magazine give me a chance to see a lot of amazing, talented people who I’ve never seen before.

http://facebook.com/sliwkowapanna.photography

www.sliwkowapanna.pl