Photographer Joanna Piwek (Poland)

Can you tell us a little about you?

I am that kind of girl who loves the grass, bushes and flowers. All the things, which I’ve done recently, are about it. About nature. I consider myself as a portrait photographer, sometimes storyteller, maybe green lover, why not.

How and when did you get into photography? About ten years ago I got my first camera. But it wasn’t the beginning yet. I needed a few years more to discover what really inspires me. So, after a few years, after losing my camera and after dealing with life without taking pictures… I found out what’s really important. I grew up, quit my old job, moved to another city and left all my past behind. Then it started. About 5 years ago, I guess.

What does photography mean to you? For me, photography is the best way to express longings, desires and falls. In my case, these are mainly women's feelings and desires, because I work with them the most. I want to present the true faces of women, pure and natural, without their social role. The characters in my photos are not shown as mothers and wives, but as part of nature. Free creatures in their world. That’s why nature is so important to me and there is so much of it in the pictures. It’s a kind of trying to reconnect with the real world. Please briefly describe your photography style for our readers.

What is my style? A lot of trees, ferns, weeping willows and ivy in quite dark photos. And women tangled up in leaves. One day I just noticed that many people feel this huge longing to live in harmony with nature. Me included. As a photographer, I really wanted to express and show those feelings through pictures. Women in my photos are looking for freedom in nature, they dream of returning home, they are trying to find a way to get closer to our roots. Where do you get inspiration from? From the world. I love laying in the grass and feeling the warmth of the sun on my face. And I love to hide under trees. And love just being in nature. There are a lot of pictures like that. Do you think in advance what you want in the picture?

Yes. I am quite well organized and looove doing moodboards and plans. But I will be honest. In most cases, the first is to have a plan and the second is to feel and notice all things around me. Always on location I’ll do more than I planned, because the world inspires me so much, I can’t resist.

Studio, on location or both?

Location. Would you consider yourself a hobbyist or a paid professional? Paid professional with a lot of passion.

What has been your most memorable session and why?

It was a jungle photoshoot at a local flower shop. I didn't plan on this. We were supposed to do an outdoor session, but the weather was terrible. I remember it even snowed. Usually at this time of the year it is warm and green in Poland. Not this time. Back then, all the bushes and grass were still winter. No leaves. No jungle.

We couldn't reschedule, the deadline was chasing us. I had to think of something. I didn't want to take pictures in the studio, and there was no time to organize it anyway. So I wrote to a group of plant lovers on facebook that I am looking for a place with many plants for a jungle photo shoot. Several places, including the flower shop itself, had spoken. They gave us a place and saved our session.

Nikon or Canon? Favorite lens?

I work with Nikon, most of the time with Nikkor 85mm 1.8, but Sigma 24mm 1.4 is interesting too! What is one piece of advice you would like to offer a new photographer looking to start their own business? Don’t be afraid of making mistakes. It’s totally normal and you will do a lot of them, for sure. I keep repeating this to myself all the time. It works.

What do you think of our new magazine?

It’s really interesting. For the first time I saw different interviews with people from all of the world, and not famous photographers, but normal people. I’m thankful I could be here. Thanks!

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/joannapiwekfotografia website: https://joannapiwek.pl/

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