What was the idea behind your series ‘Warsaw
Nights’?
The process of capturing the nightlife came quite naturally. Going out, I
would simply take a camera with me and take pictures. I didn’t think of it in
terms of a project. Most of the shots were taken in the years 2011 and 2012. In
2013, when I had to prepare a set of pictures for a photo editing class (I
studied photography at the University of Warsaw), I thought it would be cool to
make some sort of a selection of these photos, make them into a whole with a
thought behind. That’s when a few new frames ware made and the general concept crystallized
– showing the reluctance to grow up and the insecurity of the young people
living in Warsaw.
What’s the most memorable thing that happened
while you were working on this project?
It’s hard to find anything special that could have occurred when I was
engaged in this project. The environment within which I worked was easy to cope
with, even though the photographs show people who are strangers to me. Nothing
I hadn’t expected happened.
What do you like or dislike about Warsaw? Why did you choose this city for
the project?
I was born, I studied and I live in Warsaw. I took pictures here simply
because there is no other place where I spent so many nights. And I like Warsaw
for its creative potential, the people who live here and the demanding beauty
it offers to those who devote enough time to seek it. When it comes to the
city’s nightlife, the only thing I dislike is the fact that places with
character get shut down too often and, as I feel, too quickly. Fortunately, new
ones keep appearing.
You have a heavy emphasis on street photography
on your website. What do you find most intriguing about it?
I don’t know if the word ‘intriguing’ really applies to street photography.
This form of photography has been practiced for decades and it’s hard to be
original in this matter. I do like its naturalness, though. The fact that wherever
you are, you see something and you just document it. You don't have to think of
it in terms of a project. Of course, this apparent ease can be pernicious at
times, it’s a straight path to repeating patterns. Personally, rather than
catching funny scenes in the streets, I value creating the image itself – the
form, the colours, the emotions.
Are there any street photographers you admire
yourself?
There are plainly photographers who I appreciate and who happen to take
pictures in the streets from time to time. I don’t think anyone self-conscious
would like to be labeled as just a street photographer. My master's thesis concerned
the American colour photography and from among the artists I mentioned there, some
I particularly esteem – those are above all Saul Leiter and Joel Meyerowitz.
Not only do I admire their work, I also respect them for what kind of people
they are. I do like the works of Harry Gruyeart, Alex Webb and Patrick Zachmann
as well. From the younger generation I would pick Trent Parke and Jesse Marlow.
And for something completely different – Nan Goldin and Antoine D’Agata. There
are plenty of artists whose output I follow and I could probably carry on
naming more for a while.
Would you consider working for a news agency
full-time?
I once thought of working for a news agency. Now I know it’s not something
I could do. Questionable financial aspects aside, I’m mostly concerned about
time and topics. I’d rather be the master of both. Otherwise I’m afraid at some
point photography would no longer bring me joy. And I prefer to treat
photography as a source of joy.
Which camera(s) do you use?
I always carry a Fuji X100. I use a Nikon D7000 and an analog Ricoh G500 as
well.
What are/will you be working on in 2015?
Good question. I’ve been having a break from photography for the last few
months. It’s not like I don’t take any pictures, I’d rather say I’m
'recharging'. When I make something I find worthy, I might share it.
Do you prefer to work alone or in company?
I definitely prefer to work alone.
What’s the perfect midnight snack, at home or
out working?
Raisins.
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