Kişilikle ilgili konuşuyorsak hiç bir idealim yok. Fakat herkesten öğrenmeye hazırım. Hedeflerle ilgili konuşuyorsak; yeni bir şey öğrenmeyi istemeyeceğim  zamanın hiç gelmemesini dilerdim. Çünkü bu, yolun sonu demektir. 

Röportaj : Levent YILDIZ
Çeviri : Berna AKCAN
 
...

When did you first realize you were going to become a photographer?

It was about 30 years ago when I have just returned from an army. I am not able to sing, not able dance, not able to draw. Becoming a photographer was a necessity.

What was your first camera?

The very first?

„SMENA” http://photocam.ibelgique.com/images/smena1-front.jpg  

But I was 8 years old then and it is hardly possible to say I was photographing. After army I got „ZENIT” http://studio.maiski.com/museum/IMGP3939s.jpg . Very prestigious camera in those times.

Can you give us some information about exhibitions you opened/joined?

There have been plenty of exhibitions, I do not even remember how many. And plenty of rewards. There are all levels of FIAP medals and gold in PSA.

What formal training do you have?

I have graduated institution of higher education and have a diploma in visual design. At present I am teaching photo and Photo Shop in the same institute.

How important is it to specialize?

It is possible to know something about everything or everything about one thing. Times of encyclopedias are over; there is too much information in the world. I am specializing in processing pictures, assembling and Photo Shop. There is not enough time or strength to master any other useful programs in sufficient level.

What was the best assignment you ever went on?

I try not to repeat myself, otherwise I get bored. Every assignment has to be more difficult. Last challenge was portraits of people famous in my country where they were made to look 30-40 years older on computer. I know things like that are done in the world (for example Michael Elins), but in Latvia nobody had done it so far. I am not disgraced about result.

Can you give give us information about your tehnique shortly?

If you are talking about photo technique I have Nikon D200 with one zoom object-lens. I desire to have Nikon D3, but that exceeds my financial possibilities way too far.

Processing technique is changing periodically for it is boring to hold on just to one method. And of course every photograph needs different processing technology, important thing is not to mistaken and hear precisely what picture tells you.

What do you want to transfer about yourself and your feelings to people looking at your photographs? What is you purpose in taking photographs?

I want to surprise people, built interest in them and rise emotions- doesn’t matter good or bad emotions. Most important is not leave person disinterested.

But taking photographs is for my own pleasure.

What does PS mean to you?

It only the tool. No more.

Could you give us some information about your photo work’s models? How do you work with them?

I don’t have specified models. My models are my friends, neighbors, relatives. I Photograph strangers in the street rarely. I am too lazy to walk around with camera in my hand trying to catch moments from passing reality. I am making my own reality in studio and then in computer. And second phase is determinant. If you saw non processed files you would be disappointment. I don’t have talent of photographer.

Is there one story / experience that stands out in the making your photography?

Many years ago I was managing a photo hobby group for schoolchildren. Once I inserted a thirteen year old boy’s photograph in collection of a legendary photo club “RIGA” witch was sent to a prestigious exhibition in Spain. When this photograph received GRAND PRIX I understood- everybody can be a photographer. Even myself.

And one more thing- prizes mean nothing.

What are your ideals in your photo life?

If talking about personalities I have no ideals. But I am ready to learn from everybody.

If talking about goals- I wish there never comes a time when I don’t want to learn anything new. Because that’s the end of the road.

Interview by Levent YILDIZ
Translated by Berna AKCAN

Use By Author Permission Only.