Interview: Photographer Iwona Aleksandrowicz (Poland)

Can you tell us a little about you?

My name is Iwona Aleksandrowicz and I come from Poland. I am a German philologist with a background in sworn translations and an advertising manager.

How and when did you get into photography?

It is complicated! Before World War II, my grandfather had a photo studio in a small town in the Eastern Borderlands. So photography was still present in the background of my childhood. My grandfather died before my birth, but I often looked at his photographs. When I was maybe 13 years old I got a Zenith 35mm camera from my uncle. For about a year, maybe two, I was taking photos of my friends and developing them in the tiny bathroom of our flat. Then I gave up photography completely for many years.

The second time photography found me was when I had my kids, I also had cute dogs and I wanted to capture them all the time. After some time, my own kids and dogs stopped being enough for me. Anyway, the children already had enough of me... I started photographing the kids of my friends, then the strangers. And so it went further, until this day; I cannot stop.

What does photography mean to you?

This is always a very difficult question. All photographers can basically answer the same: air, life, addiction. I do not like repeating clichés. I would like to say something wise, something different, but it's true. For me, photography is self-expression. Self manifestation. Creation. I adore the whole process of traditional photography: shooting photos without knowing the results at sight, developing in a traditional dark room and eventually printing them in old techniques.

Please briefly describe your photography style for our readers.

Since 2013 I photograph only with analog cameras, medium and large format. Since 2014 I am fascinated with the instant film photography. I would say, my style is a classic fine art. There used to be a lot of magic and fantasy in my photography. Today I am inclining to minimalism more and more often.

Where do you get inspiration from?

From the surrounding world, music, movies, novels. Everything can inspire me at any time.

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

It depends. Sometimes I plan the session carefully. I write out individual shots. Other times, I will suddenly be inspired by a piece of the landscape and take photographs spontaneously in this place.

Studio, on location or both?

On location. Definitely.

Would you consider yourself a hobbyist or a paid professional?

I am a hobbyist.

What has been your most memorable session and why?

My most memorable session is the shooting for the project “Native Stranger”. This project was very difficult. Draining temporarily, physically and mentally. In addition, it had to be completed in a relatively short time, 3 months including the exhibition. But at the same time it brought me a lot of satisfaction.

Nikon or Canon? Favorite lens?

Neither. Large format camera Graflex Speed Graphic and the Kodak Aero Ektar 178 mm lens.

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

Be yourself. Do not copy others.

What do you think of our new magazine?

Absolutely amazing! I saw many interesting photos and interviews there. It could be inspiring for the beginner and for expierienced photographer. Many friends of mine: photographer and models had published in Modelland.

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