Interview: Photographer Kris Rusajczyk (Poland/Malta)

Tell us something about yourself.

I'm Krzysztof (Kris) and I am human being. I was born in Poland over a 41 years ago. Then I grew up, I lived in different places and I ended up where I am now – in Malta.

How and when did you get into photography?

Everything started in 1988, when I was 12 years old and took my first photos with the Russian Villa Auto 35mm film camera.

What does photography mean to you?

Photography is nothing else than capturing the moment. I don't really need a dozens of people to take a portrait photo. Most of my sessions were done without hair stylist, wardrobe stylist or art director etc.

Please briefly describe your photography style for our readers.

Tasty. Simple, natural and real. I am a hunter-gatherer of natural and soft light.

Where do you get inspiration from?

I find an inspiration everywhere – my family, work mates, social media, movies, music, neighbourhood, galleries, airports....

Think you in advance what you want in the picture?

Sometimes. More often I am spontaneous.

Studio, on location or both?

Location is usually the most preferred option.

Would you consider yourself a hobbyist or a paid professional?

Both. I don't think it should be mutually exclusive. You can have a hobby and treat it in a profssional manner. The professional photographer who is not a photography hobbist hardly can do a good photo.

What has been your most memorable session and why?

The one I was on the other side of camera (wedding session). Being the photographer – Iceland, 2008 – the first session in the professional studio.

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

Internet, endless source of good photos. Names? I just love Ruslan Lobanov. The real champ. Jan Scholz and Radoslaw Pujan are good too!

Nikon or Canon? Favorite lens?

Neither N nor C. It's Sony and Minolta 85 mm f/1.4 (Japan, 1987). Also medium format Ikoflex II (Germany, 1938), belonged to my grandmom who was a photographer in 40s-50s. And Sigma Merrill DP2 – a little devil.

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

I am not good advisor. One piece? Let me try... - Be yourself!

What do you think of our new magazine?

There are plenty of very good photos and interesting faces. Also, good source of inspiration... I should have mentioned it before...

www.krismalta.com and www.rusajczyk.pl

Instagram: @krismaltacom and @krismalta_bw