Socolo: Hi Kinga. Thank you for speaking with us today. Please tell us a bit about yourself?
Kinga: Hi, thank you for having me! My name is Kinga, and this unique name you probably never heard before comes from Poland, and so do I. I am a recent MA Photography graduate from Arts University Bournemouth living in London.
S: When did you begin taking photographs and how did it lead to your current practice?
K: I first started taking photos when I was 11 years old on my Nokia brick phone! It was my dad that got me my first camera. I have no clue why he saw potential in those awful low quality photos, but I am forever grateful to him that he did. Once I got used to using a proper DSLR camera I began organising fun shoots with my friends and finding a hobby in street photography. Growing up in such a vibrant and busy city like London definitely helped, there were endless art and photography exhibitions and events to attend and get inspired by. I continued to practise photography throughout A-Level and University even though I decided to study Graphic Design for my Ba.
S: Does your background in graphic design influence your photography in any way?
K: I would like to think so, yes. I use skills I’ve learned through graphic design in photography everyday, whether that’s technical knowledge in Adobe programs to edit my photos or creative collaboration. I wanted to combine the two somehow in my final Ma project, and I’ve done this by incorporating AR (Augmented Reality) into the photography practice. I wanted to explore how photography and design can interact with each other as well as prospect the future of technology and art.
S: What is your favourite part of being a photographer?
K: Definitely the balance of collaborative and independent work. I’m quite an extroverted introvert, some would say. I love meeting and interacting with people but also need my alone time to process, reflect and get inspired again. Photography gives me the opportunity to meet like minded creative people and it takes me to places I never thought I’d be able to go to. I think photography is quite creatively stimulating and shoot days are usually busy and chaotic which I love but can get a bit overwhelming sometimes. Whereas the “second part” of the job is sitting alone at home or at a cafe and editing away for hours.
S: You were the lead photographer on the Dyslexicdayna x Socolo collaboration campaign. What did you do to prepare for the shoot?
K: The photographer’s work really starts way before the shoot day as there is a lot of preparation that goes into producing a shoot. The team and I discussed everything from location to props to lighting months before the shoot date. I always make sure to work based off a moodboard, whether that is one that the client provides or on projects where I have full creative freedom. Having a moodboard is like having a visual plan and it makes sure that both the photographer and client knows exactly what kind of photos we want from the outcome of the shoot. I also always prepare a list of equipment I would need for a shoot and make sure to find out what light I will be working with.
S: Can you share with us your favourite moments from the shoot?
K: The funniest part of the shoot from the Dyslexicdayna x Socolo collaboration campaign was probably when we tried to get our shots outside and the weather instantly changed from sunny and blue skies to wind and rain and we had to immediately run back inside with all of our equipment and props. However I did enjoy the whole process of the campaign shoot. As someone who never encountered anyone with dyspraxia, that I know of, I have learned a lot about the condition and I feel like I understand it more and I am more aware when working or meeting people with the condition.
S: You also did some filming/moving portraits for the shoot. How does creating moving images differ from still images?
K: I personally feel like still and moving images are quite similar in creating but very different in post production. Framing and cropping is very similar to cinematography and mise en scene, but it’s how you approach the editing that really makes a difference in the “feel” of the captured moment in photos and videos.
S: How would you describe your personal photography style/aesthetic?
K: Still trying to figure it out to be honest! I feel like it evolves with every shoot and every model. I try to adapt it a little bit to each and every shoot depending on what I’m intending the shoot to communicate and who I am shooting with. I like taking aesthetic inspiration from the model I’m shooting with depending on their vibe/outfit/ personality. Recently I have been braver with my colour use and like my images to be vibrant with a hint of abstraction but also very minimalistic and symmetric.
S: When you're having a creative block, what do you do to help you get out of the funk?
K: One thing that always helps me get out of a creative rut is going to galleries and exhibitions. It doesn’t necessarily need to revolve around photography, but I love seeing anything new and creative that makes me think of things in a different light.
S: If you were to give our audience one tip about taking photos, what would it be?
K: My biggest tip with photography would be to get your head around lighting first. Once you’ve learned the rules of lighting (what works and what doesn’t, what distorts the face and what makes a model look better) you can break them and find your own style.
S: Where will your camera take you next? Do you have any new projects in the works? What's next for you?
K: I would love to continue to work as a freelance photographer in London. I love fashion and editorial work so I would love to shoot for magazines in the future.
S: Please let people know what you're doing and where they can find you.
Check out Kinga's Instagram page to keep up to date with her.
