Interview: Photographer Julia Kopeć (Poland)

Can you tell us a little about you?

I am second year student of architecture in Wroclaw, interested in music and photography. I’ve been playing the piano for 15 years, and taking photos for 7 years. I love visiting new places, looking for amazing architecture, and breathtaking views.

How and when did you get into photography?

I started taking photos when I was 14 years old, inspired by my friend’s blog. It seemed really interesting to me, so I began running with camera through forest and collecting money for my own one. When I finally bought it, I started photographing people, and that’s what I enjoy the most. Actually as a future architect, I’m also taking photos of urban spaces, and buildings.

What does photography mean to you?

Something that is the most important thing about photography for me – colecting memories. I’m doing lots of photos of strangers, but the most important ones show my family and close friends. It’s amazing, that I can catch the moment, materialize it, and come back to it, whenever I want.

Please briefly describe your photography style for our readers.

Most of my photos show people, and lots of them were made during golden hour. It’s definietly my favourite time to take portraits. It is said, that you shouldn’t take photos against the light, but in photography shouldn’t be any prohibitions! If you think that something can give you satisfying resul – just do it. 2 years ago I fell in love with urban portrais, just model in simple outfit against the background of little (or big) architecture.

Would you consider yourself a hobbyist or a paid professional?

I can describe myself as experienced amateur. I’m doing lot of photos for my own satisfaction, and to enlarge my portfolio, but I have also paid orders. Nothing else to add!

Where do you get inspiration from? I find inspiration in everything. Sometimes when I come across a perfect place, I already have all photoshoot in my head, sometimes I’m looking for ideas on Pinterest, Instagram or other social medias. Last week I found an inspiration during painting classes at college, when I was mixing paint colors. Another time I saw girl with unique outfit walking down the street, and I thought that I have to do photoshoot in this style. Inspirations are everywhere, if you are good at looking around. :)

Think you in advance what you want in the picture?

Most of my photos are the result of a lucky case and good capture of the moment, but I have a few ones, which were planned from the begining. It’s usually depends on the place where I wanted realise a photoshoot, or my model’s beauty – when I want to use her potential in the right way. It’s really hard to meet your expectations in reality, because of obstacles like a weather, money or a distance. The most important thing is do not give up, and always trying to push your barriers!

Studio, on location or both?

Without second though – location. I’m not made for taking photos in tiny room with artificial light, I love using natural light, and inspire yourself during the photoshoot, looking around at the surrounding areas. I’m not limited by walls, I can change the place whenever I want. I’m used to walk large distances with my photo-crew during photosessions, and I really enjoy feeling fatigue after them!

What has been your most memorable session and why?

It definietly was photoshoot with Milena, which had place on the roof of a block of flats, during the sunset. We had so much fun (like always with her), but when the time of return has arrived, we had so much problems getting out of it… I was the most panicked of our team. Bruises had left, but we managed this!

Nikon or Canon? Favorite lens?

I’m using Nikon. I don’t have many lenses, actually my favourite for portraits is 50mm f/1.8. In a few days I’m gonna become the owner of Sigma 18-35 f/1.8, and it will probably be my best lens for architecture shoots.

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

Taking a lot of pictures! Practise makes perfect. Also reading articles and books, getting to know the technical side of photography, and setting limits that we’ll soon exceed.

What do you think of our new magazine?

I really like it! I love the fact that I can see photos of artist of all world, It’s really interesting and inspiring, I will definietly stay here for a while.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JuliaKopecPhotography/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/berysunrise/

https://www.instagram.com/juliakopecphotography/

Blog: https://kopeciaphotography.blogspot.com