For most of us, Inspiration and admiration does happen through the Magnum Photographers and Jan Gott is no exception to be added to this list. In this brief interview with 121clicks.com, Jan tells us how a workshop with magnum changed his stint as a photographer. He feels that photography is a ticket to the world wide open, the numerous unexplored places and lots of other interesting localities.
Speaking about his photographs, there is an interesting balance of lights and shadows with constant intrusion of decisive moments. Street photography does involve more than that and there is a lot of surprise factors within this portfolio. Take a look and be inspired.
(c) Nikos Economopoulos / Magnum
Could you please introduce yourself to our readers?
Hi there, my name is Jan Gott. I try to be a serious photographer since 5 years, since i did my first Magnum workshop with Nikos Economopoulos. Beforehand I worked as a picture editor for a news company in Austria. I studied law, sound engineering and jazz guitar. In 2012 I was finalist of the Miami Street Photography Festival and had my first exhibition in Vienna. This year in march I’m going to have my first show in Zurich, Switzerland and currently working on my first book.
What makes Street Photography so interesting for Jan?
For me Street Photography is a journey and the camera is my ticket to the world I wouldn’t normally step into. But it takes a lot of patience, some courage and intuition to succeed into good photographs.
What difference does photography create in your life?
As a photographer you learn at least as much about yourself as about the subject you photograph. In this way photography made a big impact on me the way I approach people no matter if I photograph them or not. I learned to trust people and gain trust from them. Because without trust you’ll almost never take a good photograph.
Can you please choose one picture from your portfolio and share the story behind the making?
I been in Bucharest with a befriended photographer and we had no clue where to go to take photographs this day. So I asked the staff of our small hotel which place in Bucharest they would never recommend a tourist to visit. After I convinced them that we are not crazy they sent us to Ferentari district with best wishes. To make a long story short we stumbled into a weeding party there, been invited immediately and spent the rest of the day with them taking photographs and having a great time.
Your Inspiration?
My main inspiration is the behaviour of human beings which gives me great pleasure to observe.
Your Gear?
Leica M9 – 35mm Summicron
Your favorite photographers?
For me a single photograph from an unknown photographer can be as much important as a body of work of a well known master.
One thing you always make sure to remember on the streets?
Smile!!!
Apart from Photography, tell us your hobbies and interests?
Music and love
Any final thoughts and words of advice for our readers?
Don’t try to be a good photographer – this state of mind is a trap. Photography is a tool to explore yourself and the world you live in. But it should never be about the result. If you take a good photograph enjoy it and move on.
You can find Jan Gott on the Web :
Copyrights:
All the pictures in this post are copyrighted Jan Gott. Their reproduction, even in part, is forbidden without the explicit approval of the rightful owners.
