Interview: Photographer Łukasz Liszko (Poland)

Can you tell us a little about you?

Hi everyone! My name’s Łukasz Liszko. I live in Poland and I’m a photographer and graphic designer. I absolutely love reading and collecting novels and artbooks. I’m keen on traveling and I’m a big fan of fantasy and sci-fi.

How and when did you get into photography?

My experience with photography started about 7 years ago. As a graphic designer (mainly 3D graphics), I looked for opportunities to create illustrations and I made many of them, however, there was always one thing missing… I mean characters. I was never able to create characters because all the time I just worked on locations and objects and that was something that I was best at. Therefore, I came up with an idea to take up photography and combine it with my artworks. That’s how something I call “CGI Photoshoots” was made.

What does photography mean to you?

Photography is just another way to express myself and present my artistic visions to others. It makes it possible for me to create works that I couldn’t make using 3D graphic on its own. Besides, it gave me a lot of opportunities to meet new people and I can tell you that each person I meet can be inspirational. That way I feel I’m still developing and getting better.

Please briefly describe your photography style for our readers.

I love using color filters for lamps. Thanks to them, I give my pictures a unique character. And when I combine that effect with post production, I can get a result similar to that of movie scenes, which I love. The color is very important in that case. Anyway, I try to use various techniques, just whatever exists out there – I’m flexible. In my works, you can notice some photomanipulation or 3D graphics, for example. That’s how I can achieve the unique character of my works.

Where do you get inspiration from?

I’m mostly inspired by books, computer games, movies and TV series. You know that I’m fond of fantasy and science-fiction. That’s why, among my latest works, you can see a lot of cosplay photography, which suits my interests very much.

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

It depends. When it’s a small project, everything happens on the spot during the photosession. We’re just looking for the best body poses, scenes, light, and I try to do it together with a model. When a project is big and the budget is bigger, then, of course, I always try to think in advance of what I want in the picture, so that we can avoid some unexpected things.

Studio, on location or both?

Definitely studio. In the studio I can control the light and I can change it the way I want. Also, I very often create some virtual backgrounds and it’s a little bit similiar to using green/blue screen, just like in the movies. That’s why using the studio is the best option and it makes it possible for me to create my own virtual location.

Would you consider yourself a hobbyist or a paid professional?

A hobbyist with an ambition to be a professional.

What has been your most memorable session and why?

Generally, I can say that each session was unique and one-of-a-kind, however, I think the most memorable was the “photo marathon” during Pyrkon event where I did 27 cosplay sessions during 3 days. I met a lot of fantastic people and I had to leave my comfort zone and work in the field, not in the studio. That was “a little bit” exhausting but definitely worth it!

Nikon or Canon? Favorite lens?

Nikon. I’ve always used it and I’m not going to change it, I guess. Regarding the lens, I prefer 35mm.

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

I’m still trying to work on my own stuff full-time and quit nine-to-five job, therefore, I have a piece of advice for people who want the same. Keep on working and never give up. Don’t worry about failures and don’t let them drag you down. Each failure can become your strength. Of course, it won’t happen in one day. You just need time. Anyway, if you keep on working really hard, you can make all your dreams come true.

What do you think of our new magazine?

I’m really impressed. It’s a great place to present yourself to bigger audience and meet a lot of great and gifted people.

www.lukaszliszko.com www.instagram.com/lukaszliszko