Interview: Photographer Rafski Przedsiębiorski (Poland)

Can you tell us a little about you?

Hi, I am known as Rafski, I am a photographer currently living and working in Ostroleka, Poland. I was born in the 80’s. I run a photography studio and develop this studio into a business. We offer a range of products and services aimed at local people and photographers. Some recent work could be found on my website www.rafski.com

How and when did you get into photography?

I have seriously started with photography in 2007 while living in Edinburgh, Scotland. I have been impressed by magnificient landscape views of Scotland and picked up a DSLR to record and share my adventures and travel. Some of the pictures taken at that time could be seen at https://www.flickr.com/photos/raf-k

What does photography mean to you?

Photography is a huge part of my life and allows me to understand it in a greater depth. It is a fantastic way of social development for everyone. No matter what you do in other areas of your life, get involved in photography either as a model, stylist or a photographer to develop yourself further.

Where do you get inspiration from?

Every day brings something to my palette of tools I could use in my photography. In digital era we have many ways to get inspiration, either by visuals we see, shapes, contrast, colors, or things we do (eg. sports, hobbies, transport), our families and friends not to mention animals. Other photographers and their work. I can even be inspired by sound, feel or particular mood and place I am in.

Please briefly describe your photography style for our readers.

I am predominantly a portrait photographer, I often work with people to create images they like most. I allow them to participate in my creations. I explore what they like in life, in photographs and how to achieve it. I learn photographic techniques and study lighting techniques to be able to express myself in my photographs. I also like to photograph people in natural environment. Style is constantly evolving into the form I’d like it to take, however I’d like to master color photography for glamour beauty shots.

Do you think in advance what you want in the picture ?

I picture frames of my operation. I think in advance about lighting as it is the most important part – what we see on the screen is a reflection of the light on a subject. I allow for and try to inspire my model for his or her input in the picture and it is a good strategy to figure out with whom I want to work on more occasions than once.

Studio, on location or both?

Both. Some of my favourite shots were taken on location and some of them in studio.

Would you consider yourself a hobbyist or a paid professional?

I am definitely a paid professional at the minute.

What has been your most memorable session and why?

Hard to say but photoshoots for water sports enthusiasts are super cool and the environment makes it harder and risky.

Nikon or Canon? Favorite lens?

I work using any make camera that fits the specs and allows to achieve goal. I love FujiFilm S5 Pro and would definitely buy a full frame SuperCCD Fujifilm camera. My gear to date was Canon, Fujifilm, Sony, most recently Nikon. Favourite lens of all time Canon EF 50mm 1.8

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

Learn and use knowledge in real world scenario. Or use (my) courses and workshops. Gear will change, things will develop further, your knowledge is the key.

What do you think of our new magazine?

I love you gather all these fantastic photographers and their work at one place.

www.rafski.com or www.facebook.com/rafskifoto