Interview: Photographer Mike Sapiecha (Malta)

Can you tell us a little about you?

I have been a professional photographer for nearly 30 years specialising mainly in weddings, portraits and school photography, In my spare time I enjoy Landscape and night photography.

How and when did you get into photography? My first foray into photography was when my grandfather (who was wheelchair bound) gave me his camera for me to take a picture of him. This was in the days of film. When the film was returned from the processing, I was enthralled that I had created an image of him. I learnt to process my own films moving from B & W to colour processing. With the advent of digital imaging I became an “Adobe Certified Associate” developing my own processes and actions.

What does photography mean to you?

Photography has been a development of me as a person and find the image taking to be an almost spiritual experience, at times I find the world around me drifting away as the only reality is what I see through the lens.

Please briefly describe your photography style for our readers.

As a style I suppose that I have varied interests and explore them through my photography, however I love shadows and have been known to state that if light is the “king” of photography then Shadows is the “queen”. I enjoy the challenges of environmental portraits and many of them are lit by me, I am a student of light and feel that it enables me to “get” images in most conditions.

Where do you get inspiration from?

Inspiration comes from everywhere, but I am an unashamed “people watcher”, but I also follow my peers and adapt ideas from everyday life and images I see.

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

I think out and plan my images mostly in advance especially some of the concept images, although they may be adapted or developed as a session unfolds, as you see here I had a session in the studio with a model that I had worked with before which was mainly organic just testing the light and soft box, but I asked if she would mind going to a Phone box to try a couple shots and this is something I shall revisit.

Studio, on location or both?

I like the control and order of a studio but am excited by the “danger” and unpredictability of location shoots especially night time ones.

Would you consider yourself a hobbyist or a paid professional?

Having been a professional for 30 years I guess I am a paid professional, but with a strong connection to being a pure hobbyist, would I take images without being paid…. YES.

What has been your most memorable session and why?

As for my most memorable session well that would be my next one and the one after and so on, I look at my sessions as an adventure.

Nikon or Canon? Favorite lens?

I use Nikon gear and currently use a Nikon D850, favourite lens 24-70 f2.8 for convenience but I also love using my 85mm f1.8 nikon.

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

If I were offering advice I would say take pictures of what you love and try not to be seduced into areas that you think is more profitable if it is a genre you would hate … I love working with people and am far happier shooting them.

What do you think of our new magazine?

I should like to congratulate you on the magazine and shall be a regular reader.

https://www.instagram.com/shadow.master001

https://www.facebook.com/mike.sapiecha

Model : Maria Cassar

Muah: Maria Zahra

Model: Janice Falzon

Model: Janice Falzon

Model: Kat Rose

Model: Kat Rose

Model: Kat Rose

Model: Janice Falzon

Model: Kat Rose

Model: Tilly

Model: Janice Falzon

Model: Adrian Dominicus

Model: Janice Falzon