How did you get into the industry?
I got into the industry through university where I had my first photography classes. Before that, taking pictures was just my hobby. In 2020 I left my hometown and I moved into London, where the whole story began.
At that time, I already knew that I wanted to pursue a photographer’s career but I didn’t really know how to do that. Right before the lockdown I met a few people at the local fighter’s gym, and I started taking pictures of them for their social media. My work started to draw people's attention and now I'm doing it professionally.
Where are you based now and who do you work for?
I’m currently based in London, UK, and I work as a freelancer and sometimes photographer's assistant.
If you weren’t in your current industry, what would you be doing?
Art and creativity were always my passions. I was studying graphic design before I became a photographer. So, I guess I would still be working in the creative industry but as a designer not a photographer.
Can you explain your creative process? What makes it unique?
I always try to connect with the people I work with, understanding what they want to see in their photos. By using a more creative approach to my photography and not being afraid to experiment with angles, composition and lighting I make sure that the pictures look captivating and special.
But the best part is editing! It reflects the vision that me and my clients had in mind when taking the pictures.
How would you describe your style?
I would say that it’s bold and creative. Thinking outside of the box gives me a chance to create something unique. I’m not afraid to experiment with photography and I’m not limiting myself to just one certain niche.
For instance, my black and white photography represents strength and confidence and it's an ideal choice when I’m shooting portraits of boxers and mma fighters. But also I often experiment with colours and editing to enhance photographs of fitness models, or any other subjects.
Which individuals do you gain inspiration from? Do you have any heroes in the industry?
Annie Leibovitz for her carefully staged, intimate portraits that always capture the emotional essence of the people that she photographs. She's my hero in the industry. The other photographer who inspires me a lot is Platon for his ability to capture incredible and personal portraits with just simple light and great individual approach to his subjects. His black and white portraits are one of my favourites! They're truly powerful.
Since I'm doing mostly sports photography and sports portraits I follow and take inspiration from other photographers that are really good in that niche. They're Will Fox, Philip Edsel and Aleksandra Szmigiel.
What tips would you give to aspiring creatives looking for work?
First of all, never stop connecting with other individuals who are as creative as you are. Networking is really important in this industry. Getting to know as many people is essential to be able to find work. Secondly, have your own website. It makes you look professional and real about what you’re doing.
And last but not least, don’t be afraid to reach out to other photographers who have more experience than you. Most of them are always looking for assistants to help them with some of their work, and they may be able to help you get your first job as a photographer's assistant. And you can learn a lot from them!
What tips would you give to other professionals to get more clients?
It’s a tough industry, finding clients is difficult and the industry is demanding. But connections really help! Also, always make sure that you’re tagged on all of your photos that anyone is sharing. Thanks to that, any other potential clients will find you.
Marketing yourself out there is the key! Instagram really helps with that as well as having old fashioned business cards that you can hand in to people who may be your potential clients. If they’ll ever need a photographer, they may remember that one person who gave them their business card and they’ll reach back to you.
What kind of tools/kit/software could you not do without?
Obviously Photoshop. I could possibly do without Lightroom, but Photoshop is a must. I can’t imagine not having my laptop where I edit most of my photographs and my phone, that I use for finding inspiration or writing any ideas that I have on the go. My camera and two of my favourite lenses, 35mm and 24-70mm.
What’s your secret to staying inspired and motivated?
My secret is other fellow photographers! Honestly other people's work and their own creativity helps me stay motivated and creative myself. Attending workshops where I can meet new people and talk with them about art and photography is all I need to be enthusiastic about what I do. Also following magazines such as British Journal Of Photography gives me lots of inspiration.
What’s the work achievement you’re most proud of?
I'm mostly proud of developing my own style and being confident in my ability to experiment with it. I've progressed a lot since my first job and I significantly improved my skills in a short amount of time.
Moreover, having a professional portfolio is a significant achievement. It allows me to identify myself as a photographer and helps me get noticed by other professionals and potential clients.
What is the one thing that you would change about the industry?
I would love to see more women out there! Of course there was a huge change in the photographers industry but I still feel like there’s not enough women that are seen as professional photographers.
Any websites, books or resources you would recommend?
British Journal Of Photography, LensCulture, The Photography Foundation and from books I recommend: The Secret Code written by Priya Hemenway.
