Interview: Photographer Małgorzata Sulewska-Czarnecka (Poland)

Can you tell us a little about you?

I am an art master and a teacher by education. In my work, I try to combine painting with photography. As an experienced photographer, I also design artistic backdrops for studio sessions as Black Drop Factory ( https://www.blackdropfactory.com/ ).

I am an official teacher and juror in several international photo competitions: NPC - Newborn International Community, AAPC - Afns Award Prime Contest and ICP AWARD - Best Newborn Children and Maternity Portraits. I am the ambassador of the Quadralite and Irix Lens and Duonet brands.

How and when did you get into photography?

I have always been interested in photography (since Highschool) but in a different form - I played with camera obscura, luxography, black and white photography (mainly act) and video… In addition to photography, I have always dealt with painting, which at some point became my main hobby, until my little daughter Oliwia came into the world. Since then - my passion is connected with children photography, and it has become my job. I don’t paint pictures anymore, but I try to sneak some painting into my photography and backdrops. Especially when it comes to fine art portrait pictures that I have started to introduce for two years. I'm inspired by such masters as Rembrandt, Vermeer, Caravaggio etc. I prepare myself individually to each session. I spend a lot of time to create a new (often self-prepared) stage design, decoration, scenery, and clothes. I try to make everything different and exceptional for each person because each of us is unique and ultimate.

What does photography mean to you?

Photography can be expressed in many ways. For some, it is just a „snap”, but for me it is the same as creating a work of art.

Please briefly describe your photography style for our readers.

I mainly deal with portraits of children and teenagers. My photography style is fine art

Where do you get inspiration from?

I am inspired by literature, movies, unusual objects, and nature. I love watching painting and analyzing the position of the hand or the setting of the light on the models.

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

Of course. I can prepare for one shot for several days. I wonder about the whole, color, and structures. I build props, design the background, and look for a suitable model

Studio, on location or both?

I love working in the studio

Would you consider yourself a hobbyist or a paid professional?

I am a paid professional, I make a living from photography. However, photography is not only my job, it is above all my passion, which I am constantly trying to improve and learn from.

What has been your most memorable session and why?

The most memorable session for me was my first session with a teenage model, which pushed me further down the path related to a child portrait. It was an amazing meeting and a lot of frames were created from it, which I still love and are one of my favorites.

Nikon or Canon? Favorite lens?

I work on Nikon, but only because schools bought this brand as a teaching aid. I learned the basics on this apparatus. In my opinion, every camera is good, you just need to be able to use it. Any equipment, even with defects, can unexpectedly become the key that opens our imagination. My favorite lens is the 85 and 150.

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

Believe in yourself. Don't give up, develop as much as you can and remember that what matters is not your equipment, but your imagination and skills. Do not be afraid to experiment and do not be discouraged if someone does not like it, listen to your heart, and try to present the world with your own eyes. Play with techniques, light, color and look for something that will express you.

What do you think of our new magazine?

I believe that it is a very interesting and inspiring idea. Getting to know someone's point of view or experience can be motivating, especially at the beginning of the road :)

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