Photographer Interview With Xenia Shlezinger Of Toronto, ON Canada
Q: Do you like to talk about yourself or your pictures? If yes, about what aspects of photography? If no, why?
A: I do not like to talk about my photos. My work may say about me more than words.
Q: When did you decide to become a photographer?
A: I decided to become a photographer, when tired of working in the office I just decided to try.
Q: What does photography mean to you?
A: Transformation of human nature. I mean, on any subject of my photos and personality opens in new ways.
Q: Can you recall the first photo you took that made you go WOW!?
A: I have not yet reached the ideal. If you reach the ideal, the work becomes routine.
Q: Do you have any formal training regarding photography?
A: Absolutely. This is a whole system of education plus self-study.
Q: How technical is your photography?
A: My technique is to use the photos of natural light / mix of natural light and professional studio equipment
Q: How do you feel about cropping?
A: I try to do initially frames that do not to crop
Q: Where is your favourite place to live and work as a photographer in the World and why?
A: These are places that matched both the three components model, light, inspiration
Q: Define the word “beauty”!
A: The beauty is that you feel during inspiration. I get my inspiration from music, art and movies
I’m sure that most closely the definition of beauty has been sounded in the words of the hero of «American Beauty»: «Sometimes there’s so much beauty in the world I feel like I can’t take it, like my heart’s going to cave in».
Q: What is your most favourite and least favourite word in photography or life? How do they make you feel?
A: least-unemotional, most -charismatic
Q: How does your personality change when you look through the camera?
A: I’m totally changing. Give myself is fully to the working process.
Q: Who are your influences?
A: It’s definitely Rodney Smith and Peter Lindbergh
Q: What is your favourite image, either your own or someone else’s or both? Describe its creation or meaning to you?
A: I watched the video of Royksopp “What else is there” and look inspired by the model. I photographed my sister, flying over the earth. It was a difficult process. And the picture made of one layer. All I used was a stamp.
Q: What are the biggest personal or professional challenges you face on a daily basis?
A: Lack of time, deadlines.
Q: What has been the single biggest obstacle against growing as a photographer in whole?
A: The process of becoming. From amateur to professional. I mean, criticism, failure to do just what I want … But I have done that and continue to move forward.
Q: What are your favourite subjects to photograph?
A: Human emotions. The beauty of youth.
Q: Have you ever thought about or actually stopped doing photography? What were the circumstances?
A: No! As they say, till death do separate us).
Q: What types of assignments are you attracted most?
A: I love following through my ideas into reality.
Q: Describe what black and white photography means to you?
A: For me it is Henri Cartier-Bresson
No comments.
Q: Do you think of yourself as an artist and what do you think of the word artist?
A: I think it’s a matter of time. I have not yet reached what I want. After all, I started one and a half years ago).
Q: How do you describe your photographic style?
A: The absolute tenderness.
Q: What has been the most surprising or most predictable reaction to your photographs?
A: The most interesting is to see the reactions of non-professional models. They are sorady.ne believe that the photo they are.
Q: Tell a little secret about yourself that no-one knows …
A: Oh, I think, my secrets will stay secret).
Q: Who or what would you love to shoot that you haven’t already?
A: I think people are always looking for something new. Important thing is not to lose your own style.
Q: How do you feel about digital manipulation and to what extent do you utilize it?
A: Absolutely. The main thing is to know the measure-to-use.
Q: What other thoughts would you like to share?
A: Look for your own handwriting and meaning in photographs. And for this – look for yourself.
Rodney Smith.
Connect with Xenia via her Facebook Photographer profile.
