Petzval LomoAmigo: Fashion Photographer Joe Prileszky

Joe Prileszky is a 21-year-old fashion and portrait photographer based in London. He jumped at the opportunity to shoot with the New Petzval Lens and absolutely went to town with it! Check out our exclusive interview with Joe and his Petzval shots after the jump.

Tell us about yourself. How did you get into photography?

I’m a 21-year-old fashion and portrait photographer based in London. I started photographing about four years ago, but have only been based in London since May 2013. I first started shooting while studying for A Level Art and forgive the pun, but it just clicked. It’s been an obsession ever since.

How was it shooting with the New Petzval lens?

It took some getting used to, not going to lie. I usually shoot with a manual focus 50mm f/1.2 on a Nikon so I’m used to manual focus, but the Petzval is noticeably heavier than the 50. However, when I got used to it the results were absolutely incredible – I don’t want to give it back!

What do you love about film photography?

This is an interesting question because I just love photography in general, so it’s difficult to answer. Film forces me to slow down and really consider what I’m doing so whenever I take that mindset into my digital work I tend to get better results, so I suppose that’s my main reason for loving film.

In your opinion, what makes the perfect portrait?

Intimacy. For me it’s all about the connection I have with the subject – usually before my subject even sees my camera I talk to them for a few minutes, getting to know them a bit and making sure they feel comfortable around me. There’s nothing worse than “hi, we’ve just met, I’m going to shove a camera in your face now”.

Have you had any difficult or challenging situations throughout your photography career?

Of course, but isn’t that part of the fun? What piece of advice would you give to someone who wants to become a professional photographer? This is not an easy industry. If you come into the industry expecting it to just all fall into place, you’re going to be very surprised very quickly. You have to be prepared to work – if you have a day where you’re not doing something, find something to do. Shoot anything if you have nothing planned, just make sure you’re constantly trying to improve yourself. This industry is rewarding – you get to meet the most wonderful people, but these people will only help you if you’re prepared to put the work in.

Thanks for the interview, Joe! For more information about Joe Prileszky, visit his website or follow him on Twitter.

written by hannah_brown on 2014-09-03 #people #analogue-photography #lomography-gallery-store #gallery-store #features #lomoamigo #eastlondon #35mm-films #120-films #londonsoho #petzval #joe-prileszky #new-petzval-artist