Interview: Photographer Tomas Haluska (Tomáš Haluška) (Slovakia)

Can you tell us a little about you?

Hello, my name is Tomas I’m 35 years old and I’m from Slovakia which is located in the “middle” of Europe. IT guy trying to escape from the world of information technologie to dream world of my creation. In it, I create a world how I see it through my eyes and capture it in my photos. Many times it shows reality and some times how it could be or how I want it to be.

How and when did you get into photography?

I got into photography about 7 years ago. At the university I always wanted to take some photos but didn't have any money to buy a camera. At my first job in IT, I got some extra money and bought my first camera. From then it was always part of me. I started taking photos of nature, landscape and city. This was the easiest to photograph as it was all around me. After 4 years it was too much stereotip for me so I started also taking photos of people and it quickly changed to be my new photo inspiration.

What does photography mean to you?

For me it means relax, a way to connect with other people and escape from reality :)

Please briefly describe your photography style for our readers.

I don’t have any specific style, I’m always trying new things. But I more or less try to capture portraits which are focused on the face. Maybe it could be defined by beauty, realism, naturality and natural colors. Sometimes something dreamy.

Where do you get inspiration from?

I get inspiration sometimes from other photographers, sometimes from the world around me. Movies, music or just walking through a city or nature is amazing inspiration. Also old paintings are a great source of inspiration.

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

This is very hard for me. Many times I just freestyle on my photoshoots. I have only a rough idea of what I want. Maybe location, maybe styling and anything else I work out on the location. This is what I need to work on more. It’s great to have everything planned in the mind, then the photoshoot is more relaxed and focused on specific ideas.

Studio, on location or both?

For a long time I was primarily only on location guy. Every photo was done in nature or city. But half a year ago I also started doning “studio” shoots which were focused on closeup portraits and natural beauty of women. Before I had never done many studio photoshoots because I didn’t want to spend much money on ateliers. But I get around it with one light setup and collapsible background. And now I photograph every “beauty” closeup portrait in my living room :)

Would you consider yourself a hobbyist or a paid professional?

Now I’m more hobbyist, maybe in the future I will have more paid jobs. For now it’s my hobby and I’m fine with that, less stress :)

What has been your most memorable session and why?

For me every photoshoot has some great memories. But maybe when I first photograph a profi model and saw how she can change poses and expressions with every click of my camera. Many times I had to stop here so I could catch up with her :)

1Nikon or Canon? Favorite lens?

I started with the Canon EOS 600D, then Canon EOS 80D. But now I’m Sony shooter and have Sony A7III and my favorite portrait lenses are Sony 85mm f1.8 and Sony 24-105mm f4

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

To never give up. Take many photos and the result will arrive. Do your own style, be yourself and the right audience or clients will find you. And maybe photography business is not only about taking photos but it also consists of the business part (emailing, networking, finding clients). Be brave, bold and never give up :) Most important is knowing your price ;) when you are trying to get into the paid photo business.

What do you think of our new magazine?

I found it just recently. I was checking older issues and they are great. They feature many interesting photographers, models and makeup artis. It's a great platform and you are doing an amazing job and also giving all of us an amazing opportunity to get visible to your readers. I wish you all the best for the future.

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