Interviews / Stories
Interview: Photographer Grzegorz Szafruga (Poland)
Tell us something about yourself
I was born in beautiful Cracow, Poland in 1983. When I was 22 I decided to open my first studio. Since then I was finding my way in photography. Now I’m owner of Skylight Studio, one of the best in Poland :) I’m specializing in advertising and nude photography. I shoot for fashion brands and magazines like playboy.
How and when did you get into photography?
When I was 17 one guy gave me camera at the rock concert, he said “Shoot something I’m going to have some fun now”. It was my first experience with camera. Of course those photos were really bad so I decided to learn how to make better ones. “That guy” is my best friend till now :D
What does photography mean to you?
I love it! My whole adult live I’m working with camera in my hand.
MY JOB IS MY LOVE AND MY PASSION
Please briefly describe your photography style for our readers.
Photography style? What is it? I’m a paid photographer so i shoot whatever my client need.
The only thing I can say is that I prefere to shoot good quality picture then corect it in photoshop.
Think you in advance what you want in the picture?
YES! It is very important for me. I carefully plan every detail in photo shoot. I spend a lot of time with light setups and others. There is no coincidence in my photos.
What has been your most memorable session and why?
It was few years ago. My first photoshoot with Nataliah Siwiec (Nat Gray). It took us 7 days to built giant jungle in studio, with all the tropical plants and rain. I was nervous because it was really big and expensive photoshoot and I did not know how Nataly worked.
I plan the whole photoshoot for 2 days to give her some time.
She flight from the Brazil enter the studio, said “ hello“ to everyone and we start with the make up. She looked marvelous. I took camera and she suddenly asked: What aperture you have?
… WTF? Why are you asking about that?, she said: Because I do not know where I should put my fingers so they be in the depth of field. … I was shocked!
2 days of planned photoshoot we made in 40 minutes. Nataliah turned out to be one of the best models I’ve ever worked with.
7 days building, 2 days crew payed and 40 min of photoshoot :)
All pictures perfect !
Studio, on location or both?
Studio! I love studio and flash lights, even on location I've got so many lights that sun is completle unnecessary.
Would you consider yourself a hobbyist or a paid professional?
Rather paid professional. It is my work in the first place. For most of the time there is no time for personal project.
Where do you get inspiration from?
From normal life, from my dreams, from vodka and redbull
Nikon or Canon? Favorite lens?
Nikon! And it will be 85mm f1,8
What is one piece of advice you would like to offer a new photographer looking to start their own business?
Go hard or go home! :)
What do you think of our new magazine?
It is great! I love the whole idea!
https://www.facebook.com/grzegorz.szafruga