Interview: Photographer Kate Kalumiere (Poland)

Can you tell us a little about you?

I'm Katarzyna Kalumiere. I'm from Poland. At the moment I live in Warsaw.

I work as a photographer, art director, and producer in my company - Kassai Production. I love what I do. Creating is my innate need. I can't live without making art. In addition to photos, I also make films - mainly Music Videos for bands.

How and when did you get into photography?

It was a long time ago. I think my first contact with a camera was in elementary school. At that moment, my passion started. At first, I only took photos of nature and my friends, and then step by step, it developed into work.

What does photography mean to you?

Photography is my passion, is my stimulus to life. Thanks to that, I want to live and develop myself. When I'm taking photos, I don't feel time. It gives me a lot of power and positive energy. Thanks to that, I'm also meet a lot of interesting people with passion and big talents. It's a way to get to know the interior of another person. It's always fascinating.

Please briefly describe your photography style for our readers.

In my photography, I pay special attention to the compositions - to make sure that every element matches each other. Also, I attach a significant role to the light - so that it does not obscure the charm of my model. It is also essential to extract something from the model - some strange, non-obvious pose, intriguing, sensual, or calm facial expression.

Where do you get inspiration from?

I get inspiration in many ways — for example, trough people, nature, places, architecture, other photography, art.

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

I always prepare a mood board of photo sessions before shooting, but I think that I prefer the surprises. I like to catch the most natural and unplanned moments. Moments in which the composition and the figure go together perfectly, cleanly, plastically.

Studio, on location, or both?

I prefer outside locations because then I can play with the geometry of the landscape and stuff in the frame. The outside is also full of natural light, which I prefer over studio lights. But for work, the studio is better because there I can make sure that every element is well illuminated. I don't also worry about the weather.

Would you consider yourself a hobbyist or a paid professional?

I think both. Photography is, for me, my hobby, but also a way of life.

What has been your most memorable session, and why?

My most memorable session was the project in Brigitte Bardot's style.

It was the situation that a model was my inspiration, and she associated me with this old actoress. Each element of this session went better than I expected: lights, crew work was on a high level. The atmosphere on the set that day was beautiful.

Nikon or Canon? Favorite lens?

I have been working with Canon camera all my life. I think it would be hard for me to get rid of it and switch to something different.

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

Be self-confident - don't worry about any skirmishes. Develop all the time, looking for creative ways to promote and contact with potential clients and don't give up.

What do you think of our new magazine?

The magazine is really great. It's beautiful that You give a chance to promote a lot of different artists and show a lot of different styles of photography and modeling from the world.

More about me: www.kalumiere.com

INSTAGRAM: @katekalumiere