The Harmony of darkness, Tamás Andok calls it as thrilling & excitement instead. His photographs show the glooming darkness of the city and the stark contrast of people roaming around. In this Interview, Tamas tells us how his photographic style was born, how he found his own way of expressing himself through this dark medium. He explains to us how these stark atmospheres and surreal ideas envelope into these photographs and show us a new something. Over to Tamas.
Photo Credit: Lili Zentai
Could you introduce yourself?
I am a journalist and communication specialist. I’ve been active in photography for 4-5 years. Earlier I was busy with prose and scriptwriting. Thanks to a lucky coincidence I got a camera in 2009, and no one could take it away from me ever since that. I started to experiment with it, and I soon realized that I don’t necessarily have to write off my thoughts and feelings, or have graphic artists to express my ideas.
Your Street Photography style seems to be very gloomy and moodaholic. Few words on it?
I like these intense atmospheres. They may be too dark for some people, but as for me, they fill me with thrilling and excitement instead. Sometimes, of course, it’s better not to linger for too long, but submerge yourself a little, find something to discover, and then emerge at the right time. But those few hours, when I walk around the city, watch it resonating, the people, the buildings, the overall harmony – those few hours are marvelous.
How did you choose Street Photography in the first place?
I always felt the culture of the city and streets close to me, but photographically speaking, it was hard to find my own way. I felt I was lack of something. But after a while, this scratchy, blurry, foggy imagery was born on its own. It was possibly caused by my experiments with cheap films and cameras, and also by my devotion to the works of various photographers, cameramen, and movie directors.
Could you describe to us your vision towards these eerie street pictures. They are so different and unforgettable?
Usually, there is a consistent, strong atmosphere dominating my photos. I’m often amenable to surreal ideas, although I don’t inevitably try to see or let seem my environment surreal. More likely, I tend to think about my pictures as shooting a movie that takes place in a city. I put it together slowly, meticulously, frame by frame. I don’t know when it will be done, or what the genre and the story is about. I would rather let others to decide.
Your gear?
I used analog equipment for a long time, and small pocket cameras like Olympus XA2 for street photography. I also did the developing. About a year ago I was convinced to try out my iPhone. It resulted in not really using anything else these days. It’s simple and practical due to its size, and it provides great possibilities for post-editing. However, I miss the old equipment (and the experiences involved) more and more.
Your Inspiration?
Cliched as it is, but music, literature, and movies do give me a lot of inspiration, and I like to reflect some of it. I often do it consciously, but sometimes it takes years to find the connection. For example, I create some of my layered photos by having a music piece as a leitmotiv, and when listening to it, I play with the different layers as a puzzle, until the point when everything fits to its very own place.
One finest achievement so far?
There have been three goals I always wanted to achieve. Having a photo of mine on a book or music album cover, holding at least one exhibition, and publishing a photo album. I’ve already accomplished two of these, and the third one doesn’t seem to be too far either.
Any final words of inspiration for young aspirants
Try as many things as possible, but don’t be lazy and impatient. If you are sustained, sooner or later you will find what you really love in photography. It may be a long way down the road. But it’s worth going along.
You can find Tamás Andok on the Web :
Copyrights:
All the pictures in this post are copyrighted Tamás Andok. Their reproduction, even in part, is forbidden without the explicit approval of the rightful owners.
