Interview With Hungarian Documentary Photographer Zoltan Vancso

For Zoltan Vancso, just as every little coincidence can play an important role in producing a picture, every chapter of my life was undoubtedly necessary from the standpoint of developing himself as a photographer. Thanks for accepting our invite Zoltan. Please read and inspire yourself.

When did you first discover your love for photography?

I was 14 years old when I began to use my father’s EXA camera and his photo-lab equipment.

Why did you choose to pursue documentary and people photography as opposed to other forms of photography?

At the beginning (in the first 15 years) it seemed to me naturally to take photos of scenes with people once I’m also one among them. However, in the last 5 years, as I’ve been changed, I’ve been turned to make (not ordinary) landscapes without any people…

What are the characteristics that a good Documentary Photographer / Photo Journalist needs to have?

Curiosity, humility, sense of humour, promptness and awareness.

Your idea between classic and contemporary photography?

I do not care about categories. For me, there are only consciously created genuine, profound photographs and consciously or accidentally made bluff without any profound content. It is decidable at one glance.

According to Zoltan, what makes a good picture?

I only expose when the matter (message) and the form (composition, visual principles) have equal importance.

What is your most memorable story in photography?

I have countless little inside-experiences during my authorial life without any big stories. I prefer to avoid agonistical treats because they only have power to need the next one instead of remaining longer in the current one.

Please share few words about your books/publications?

I prefer to collect my works in a photo album or in a slideshow like musicians who time after time try to publish a CD or plan a live tour. Single images without converging form can easily run to waste.

You are conducting workshops. Few words about that?

The most important part of these workshops is focusing to the awareness of the creation (independent of the genre) and I help to reach this state of mind with different and uncommon methods (certain yoga and meditation practicing).

Which photographers have inspired you?

What does Zoltan do when not behind the lens?

I often run and swim (with music!), wintertime goes to spinning and regularly practices yoga and zazen (without music). Besides, I read a lot and go to concerts (mostly classical and jazz).

What do you most appreciate in your friends?

They let me to be their friend.

What do you consider your greatest achievement?

My feature-length slideshows (so far six of them) and my workshops.

What is your idea of happiness?

Happiness depends on only us. And it is no important at all to always be happy. If someone is able to “enjoy” unhappiness, he or she will be able to value happiness, as well. Happiness is a state of grace. Actually like unhappiness is it, too.

What is your favorite motto?

Only the one who walks ahead can allow himself the pleasure of being grateful to the one who passes him. – Miklós Mészöly

Thanks again for providing 121 Clicks with this opportunity to interview you. Any final thoughts for our readers?

Art does not guarantee any kind of salvation. That is beyond its realm of authority. It can only seduce, illuminate. The air becomes clearer after it. Not clear, just clearer. – Miklós Mészöly

You can find Zoltan Vancso on the Web:

Copyrights:
All the pictures in this post are copyrighted Zoltan Vancso. Their reproduction, even in part, is forbidden without the explicit approval of the rightful owners.