Interview: Photographer Zsófia Jámbor (Hungary)

Can you tell us a little about you?

I am a hungarian portrait and fashion photographer and I live in Budapest.

How and when did you get into photography?

I was always interested in visual arts, so I was studying graphic design when my stepfather gave me an old film camera with a black and white film and as I was looking into the viewfinder I was lost, it was magic. It was about 10 years ago, now I shoot mostly on digital, but I shoot some personal projects on film.

What does photography mean to you?

Photography is a hobby and profession at the same time, which is sometimes a bit overwhelming and sometimes I have to move away from it, but I always realize this is my passion and this is the only thing what I love to do and i can express myself with. It is always important to do my own projects, I just have to take photos for fun, when nobody tells me what and how to do.

Please briefly describe your photography style for our readers.

I think my style is simple and clear, I'm always looking for natural beauty.

Where do you get inspiration from?

It's a cliche but from everywhere. From places, people, films, nature, travel and other people's pictures. I often go to exhibitions and I love photography books, magazines.

Think you in advance what you want in the picture?

If it's a fashion shoot I have to plan a lot of things, I make moodboards, I talk to the stylist, makeup artist and hairstylist and I have a clear vision what I want to see, I am thinking about the what kind of light do I want to use or poses, expressions, but at the same time improvisation is a big part of my photoshoots.

Would you consider yourself a hobbyist or a paid professional?

I am a professional.

Studio, on location or both?

Both have advantages. I shoot in studio more in the colder seasons, because it's comfortable, but I love using natural light there too, but it can be boring, so I try to do more outdoor shoots, which is much harder to plan, I have to check the location in advance, I have to find out which part of the day is the best, and of course the weather is tricky, if you need wind, the weather is calm, if you need sunshine, there are clouds and so on. One of my last photoshoots I had to postpone it because of the rain, but eventually, it turned out great the other day, we had lots of sunshine and totally worth it.

What has been your most memorable session and why?

I was planning a personal project and I choose a girl from an agency and turned out that she is a refugee, who started a new life in our country and they've made a documentary about her life. They asked me if they could come to my photoshoot and I said yes, although I don't like if there are too many people on set. But I didn't regret it, because she is a wonderful girl and the crew was very discreet and quiet, and they made a beautiful film. Our part was just a few seconds but I am very glad that I was a part of this.

Nikon or Canon? Favorite lens?

At the beginning I had Nikon, but a few years ago I switched to Canon, but I can't say that one is better than the other, both have good cameras, and I am not too technical person. My favourite lens is maybe the Canon 85/1,8, but I use a lot the 50/1,4 too.

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

Always make personal projects, even if you feel you have enough experience, I think you can always learn something. And don't give up, it's very hard to start a business, maybe you need years to make a living.

What do you think of our new magazine?

It's a great source of inspiration, i like to read interviews with photographers and other creatives.

Thank you!

my website: http://www.zsofiajambor.com/

insta: https://www.instagram.com/zsofia_jambor/