Interview: Photographer Magdalena Kubiak (Netherlands)

Can you tell us a little about you?

My name is Magdalena Kubiak and I am a photographer based in the Netherlands, coming originally from Łódź, Poland. I am fascinated by people and photography all my life and that’s why I decided to combine these two passions. I started to treat photography as my profession just a couple of months ago and I am achieving my goals and making my dreams come true step by step. Since I admire fashion, it was quite clear for me, that next to portrait photography, fashion will be my second main thing. Starting from August I made already several editorials and gained few publications in international magazines. There is nothing better than meeting new inspiring people and create something together though. Building relations with models I photograph is almost as crucial for me, as the final result in one image.

How and when did you get into photography?

I was into photography from the very beginning. As a little girl, I used to watch photo albums and books with illustrations every evening before going to sleep. That urge has always been there. Then when I was 11 years old I bought myself my first camera (very amateur type) and I loved to take photos of my school friends or to style a set for my plush toys etc. I didn’t treat it seriously back then though. My first steps in “more advanced” photography I made just after high school, but I didn’t believe in myself to let it become my main goal or a profession. So after many years of struggling and doing different things in life, I decided to come back to it and go for it in 100%. And here I am!

Please briefly describe your photography style for our readers.

It is very challenging and not easy to describe myself in that matter. I hope that my followers and my clients can just see a piece of “me” in my photos.

What does photography mean to you?

It means a world to me! Actually it is one of the most important things in my life. When I have too long breaks between certain photo sessions, I become irritated and bored. I really need to keep on going to feel that I’m constantly growing and improving myself. I photograph people, so it is also very crucial for me. I am a very social person and I love to meet new people and build some new relationships with them.

Where do you get inspiration from? Basically from everything – these are my travels, people around me, my experiences, emotions, films, other photographers work, paintings, music.

Think you in advance what you want in the picture?

I am rather spontaneous and chaotic, but I really try to improve that and plan my photos in advance better. In the end it is needed, since we don’t have all time in the world. However in my opinion it is not possible to plan every single thing for a photoshoot.

Studio, on location or both?

In the past it used to be on location only, but the more I work in the studio, the more I like it. If I have to choose though, working on location will still win for me, even though it is way more exhausting, logistically complicated and more difficult with the light.

What has been your most memorable session and why?

All of the creative photoshoots that I made for my development are the most memorable for me, because I put all my heart into them and they were not made for any specific client, but for my team and art directed by myself.

Would you consider yourself a hobbyist or a paid professional?

I consider myself a professional, since it’s basically a full time job for me.

Nikon or Canon? Favourite lens?

I use Nikon and so far my favourite lens is the 50mm f/1.8.

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

Don’t feel discouraged or overwhelmed by other artists being more advanced than you – learn from them! Don’t compare yourself to other creatives. Search for your niche and your audience. Listen to your heart and follow your instincts. And the last one – do not expect that everything will go super fast, just be patient and don’t give up, if you love doing it!

What do you think of our new magazine?

I think it is an amazing initiative and a great way to introduce people to different people from creative industry. I appreciate it a lot and I am happy to contribute!

www.magda-kubiak.com - www.facebook.com/byMagdalenna - www.instagram.com/bymagdalenna