Interview: Photographer Lucia Cervenkova (Slovakia)
Can you tell us a little about you?
My name is Lucia Cervenkova and I come from Slovakia, but currently I am living in Czech Republic. I dedicate my time to romantic and fairy-tale-styled portrait photography.
How and when did you get into photography?
Since I was little, I was enamoured by the art of photography. I felt a need to document everything on the trips we took with my parents. I started taking pictures of nature, landscape and stills. I only ventured into portrait photography during my study at the university.
What does photography mean to you?
It is my passion, an essential part of my persona. I feel happy when taking pictures – the more challenging the photoshoot, the more I am excited to make the photo happen. I also enjoy meeting new people, visiting new places…
Please briefly describe your photography style for our readers.
I prefer the fairy-tale stylization. I wish the people looking at my pictures to be transported into the realm of fantasy. Fairies, elves, and princesses – that´s the good stuff .Second category are the frail romantic portraits enhanced by the surrounding nature and flowers, which I also like to incorporate into my work. Lately, I have been experimenting with portraits of people and animals – this is something I find genuinely challenging and beautiful.
Where do you get inspiration from?
Usually just by wandering around – seeing the “perfect spot” and visualizing the scenery in my head. Of course, there are a lot of talented photographers, which help me to gain even more inspiration. And last, but not least - the beauty of a model can be a muse by itself.
Studio, on location or both?
As I never use photoshop to adjust the background or do major changes in the lighting, I only use location-based photography. It can prove quite challenging to catch the “right” light, but it is totally worth it.
Do you think in advance what you want in the picture?
Surely. I like to consider myself a perfectionist. Mostly the idea is there from the start – from the background and model´s dress to the specific pose/stature and face expression.
Would you consider yourself a hobbyist or a paid professional?
At the moment, I call myself an experienced hobbyist. There is still quite a journey ahead (which I am looking forward to).
What has been your most memorable session and why?
I don´t think I can pick a single favourite one: water-related photos are always very distinctive – mostly for the models pulled under the water by the heavy dress or shoots including animals that chose not to cooperate. If I really should choose a singular case, the most unforgettable session I ever experienced was in Venice during a rush Saturday. First, taking a picture with no tourists in the background proved to be almost impossible, we often had to wait 15 minutes just to take a single shot. The whole trip proved to be maybe too interesting – the bus we took on our way back broke down and we got stranded on the highway with no food or water for hours.
Nikon or Canon? Favorite lens?
100% Nikon. At the moment my favourite lens is Nikkor 35mm f/1.8, although I would like the Nikkor 85mm f/1.4 to be its successor – I hope it would elevate my art one step further up.
What is one piece of advice you would like to offer a new photographer looking to start their own business?
Always stay true to your heart. Feel and enjoy every shoot, every session and don´t judge yourself through the lens of the haters.
What do you think of our new magazine?
It is fantastic! There are a lot of inspiring stories and people to be found in it and I am happy to be in the company of these amazing people I have been reading about.
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