Interview: Photographer Gábor Lénárt (London)

Can you tell us a little about you?

My name is Gabor Lenart, I’m a freelance photographer from Hungary. I just moved to London. I mainly shoot fashion/lifestyle portraits and weddings.

How and when did you get into photography?

I discovered photography in the summer of 2008. So at the time of the interview, it’s about 10 years now. I always wanted to create since I was a kid. A popular way of creating anything was to start with Photohop. I tried it, and I really liked it. I started with graphic design, just tried to learn the software, but I quickly transitioned to photography.

What does photography mean to you?

it’s one of the most important things in my life. I think about photography every day, I’m always looking for new ways to do it, always try to learn about it and it’s a never ending passion for me. It got me so many friends, so many great memories and it’s not just a job for me. It’s really the part of my personality and I don’t know what would I do without it.

Please briefly describe your photography style for our readers.

My style is very calm and moody. I try to be simple and natural. The photos are staged, but they have a bit of spontaneity in them. I always want the viewer to be able to relate with the model in the photo. I’m trying to include the model’s personality into my images. We really make the images together.

Where do you get inspiration from?

Models, movies, tv-shows, music, my friends. They all inspire me but in different ways. Also other photographers, but lately I try to shut those out from my thinking because I think, looking at other photographers too much, really distracts you from finding your own style. So I try to not be influenced too much by other photographers and just listen to my own instincts.

Think you in advance what you want in the picture?

Yes, I always have some kind of concept or idea, because I always know who I’m gonna shoot, and I always have a preconception based on the look of the model, but when we meet, her personality can change the whole concept, so I’m quite flexible about that.

Studio, on location or both?

If it’s a studio, it has to be very well equipped, otherwise I always feel the photos a little “cheap”. So if I can have access to a great location, I would choose that, instead of a studio.

Would you consider yourself a hobbyist or a paid professional?

I’m a paid professional.

Nikon or Canon? Favorite lens?

Right now I use Canon, but I really want to change to Sony. It’s just a matter of time(and money) for me, but for film photography, I’ll probably keep Canon.

What has been your most memorable session and why?

Probably when I was really torn between shooting more weddings and make more money, or shooting portraits and make less money, I shot the first girl ever who speaked English instead of Hungarian. After that shoot, something clicked in me, I felt so happy, it was so different than everything else, and for the first time, I felt I could do this on an international level, and it’s not just shooting my acquaintances anymore. I’ve never felt that happy after any wedding, so since then, I really started to focus more on portraits and fashion.

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

From a business stand point, I would say shoot as much as you can, and don’t worry if it’s not paying too well, just keep on doing it! In time, you will have the resources and experience to raise prices. Just take any job that involves you holding a camera, any connection with any people is worth it. Money will come eventually, don’t worry! Also, just know that most of the professional photographers who you follow on instagram, they do lots of shitty work too, because everyone needs to pay their bills, but we only publish our best work, or our personal work. Most photographers’ portfolio usually contains about 80% personal work. So don’t wait for the “dream job” you want to shoot, create for yourself!

What do you think of our new magazine?

I think it’s nice, it’s always hard to find quality photos nowadays on social media, so I really like online magazines because of that.

http://gaborlenart.com

http://instagram.com/gabor_lenart/