Interview with Rafael Kos | Ljubljana, Slovenia
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Hello Rafael, we are honored to be able to conduct this interview with you and show Slovenia street photography.
Please tell us a little bit about yourself to begin with.
Hello, first of all I would like to say thank you for this opportunity … I was born in Ljubljana, Slovenia October 1969. Slovenians know me as excellent connoisseur tires and wheels. About approximately two years ago I got tempted to buy my first DSLR machine.
Have you been involved in the arts in some form other than photography?
Ballet. Just kidding :) Very short – No
Seeing your remarkable work I am curious where your creativity comes from?
Inspired and creativity i get the masters of photography, watching photographic exhibitions, reading books, magazines and many participate in social networks. Practice makes perfect, no one is born a master.
I noticed you shoot not only on the streets but also landscapes, architecture, time lapse… what do you think about street photography compare to these genres? What make street photography different and stand out in your opinion?
At the moment I like the spirit of the streets. Thousands of faces, thousand of moments, infinite possibilities. You, your camera and your creativity. When you see apparently invisible. The street is a totally different world than the nature, there are thousands of variables, which can surprise you in every moment. Searching for motives, observing surroundings, waiting for the right moment, possible disagreements, tension… yes, I love street.
Since when are you doing photography, and when did you start with Street Photography?
I’m doing photography for 2 years now. I started with street photography about a year ago.
What equipment are you using now and with what did you get started and what did lead to this development?
My gear consists of a Nikon D90 with Nikkor 35mm f1.8, Nikkor 18-10, Sigma 70-200 f2.8 and Sigma 10-20 f4.0 lenses. Lately I carry around my 35mm f1.8 for street shoots. It’s small, light , inconspicuous, works well with portraits. All around it’s a very versatile lens with a lot of creative potential.
Do you like to shoot in groups or are you rather out alone?
Groups are always interesting .. beer, joy, photography .. yeah ..
What would you say characterizes your work in comparison to other street photographers?
Currently I like what I’m doing .. I believe that I am still very early but I’m better with age .. watch me haha – Joke ;)
Do you often interact with your subjects, and if: before or after you got your shot?
It all depends on the opportunity. Usually I try to establish communication with my subjects. But mostly people are in a hurry so there’s no time to make conversations. But when conversations do happen I hear amazing and extraordinary stories.
Do you see your personality reflected in your work?
With time, I realize that yes .. can really be a little
Among your works, which is your favorite and why?
Photo nightlife Ljubljana – because it was my first night street photo out of hand .. movement of people, nightlife, lights and I came at that moment took the photo ..
Tell us your funniest or most awkward street photography story
This photo shows one of the street moments. Some time ago I was on a walk with my friend. We headed for a marketplace where there’s usually a lot of people. I spotted a selling mirror on a table. I stepped closer to catch an image of my friends face in it. I pressed the shutter and move on. When I later opened the photo on my computer I noticed that I actually caught a couple kissing each other. I find it more of an unexpected moment than anything else hence the name – “Moment”.
What are some of the most important lessons you have learned from shooting on the streets?
Patience. Waiting and waiting for the right moment…
What would you tell a newcomer who asks for your advice on how to start?
Be creative, try different perspective and angles. Be sure to get permission for shooting in private areas. Look for locations with a lot of people, people having fun ,people working together, gatherings, … blend in and take shoots seamlessly. With practice you’ll gain knowledge will grow and your experience expand. Be bald. Do not compare too much with other photographers.Make a photo that inspires you and mostly a photo you like.
Thank you Rafael for this interview!
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