METAL PULP AND PAPER: Hello Radek. Thank you for taking the time to answer some questions for Metal Pulp And Paper’s feature called Behind The Lens. We appreciate it.
Before we go any further, let’s first tell everyone what Behind The Lens is all about. This feature is about the person that’s behind the camera lens. All about that individual that captures that perfect fiery orange of the setting sun, finds a child jumping in a mud puddle in the pouring rain, or catches the moons glow in the water next to some snowcapped mountains. Or captures the rock guitarist jumping in the air during mid solo. It’s about finding that beauty in something that some might not take notice of in their everyday busy lifestyles. Behind The Lens will be a way to get to know a little more about the photographer and the work that they bring to everyone. A full 360 degrees around the camera.
So, let’s take off the lens cap, and go behind the click of the shutter and get to know more about you and your photography, shall we?
RADEK: Hi, thank you for the opportunity to speak - indeed, you mentioned in the introduction the photograph is a shot of something that no longer exists. Sometimes there is simply a better composition, then we consider such a "better photo".
MPAP: How long have you been a photographer and taking pictures?
RADEK: My father implanted it, so I spent most of my life "5 inches behind the shutter". From the beginning it was a traditional technique, which I often use to this day. I began to present my work to a wider audience about 8 years ago.
MPAP: What first drew you to it? Was there an inspiration for picking up the camera and beginning that journey into the art of photography?
RADEK: Volatility of the situation is the reason. Today, everyone can take photo and watch results right away. It has its advantages and disadvantages. The downside is the total lack of reflection on what you are doing (using classical photography you have a limited number of frames, and the result is not obvious and appears only after the film is developed). The upside is that good photographs are (often) immediately visible.
MPAP: Now that you’ve been doing it for a while, what interests you the most about it? Is there a passion behind it for you at all?
RADEK: Photo passion is something addictive. Twice a month I have to organize a session, otherwise I feel that something is missing. Simply pressing the shutter is easy. But first there is the idea, then thoughts on how to do it, then finding the right model, styling, etc. It really addictive.
MPAP: Can you describe that moment, the experience, or even the emotion you felt when you knew that photography was something you just had to do?
RADEK: I do not think about it - I just have to do it now. There's no other way.
MPAP: What do you like to photograph the most of? Do you have a favorite setting, scene, landscape, or any items that you like to capture? Or do you like to just take pictures of people, or perhaps a live music concert now and then?
RADEK: I like everything. Each topic is a different challenge. Everyone requires a different preparation, mood, approach. Sometimes, of course, the type of photography is imposed: when it's too cold I choose a studio, when I have to photograph a band to their LP, I choose the open air, matching the climate of their music. When I leave somewhere, I take an analog camera with me and take pictures of people. Summarizing; act, editorial, portrait, reportage. I like everything.
MPAP: Is there anything out there that you try to avoid taking pictures of?
RADEK: People who just want to show themselves on FB. People who want me to show them how they dreamed. For this you need a psychiatrist, not a photographer.
MPAP: When picking up the camera, it obviously took some time, along with some practice, to get the feel and hang of it of what you wanted to do or go with it? Maybe even a class or two was taken to learn more about it. Tell us what were some of the challenges you’ve encountered with taking pictures? What have been some of the difficulties you’ve experienced since first began, and maybe still happens to this day?
RADEK: Obstinacy and fortune are the base (we have sentence: fortune is only for the best). Initially, good pictures come out by accident. If you start to wonder why and well you will infer, you will always make good pictures. If you will not be like 99% of people - you just take pictures. For most of them - it is enough.
MPAP: On the other side of it having some difficulties, what are some of your favorite things about being a photographer you can tell us about?
RADEK: Meeting new people is the asset of being a photographer (and this is the main part of photography’s highlight). However, at some point you start and treat people as "material", part of the staging. You have to be very careful with that.
MPAP: What have been some of your camera highlights so far that you can share with us also?
RADEK: There were some good photos. A few, even very good ones. But the best was not yet. And this is also what pulls me in this profession.
MPAP: When someone sees the picture you’ve taken for the first time, whether it’s the new bride and groom, or a family member that just had a baby, what do you want someone to get out of it? Is there ever anything you’re trying to say within your pictures, a message deep in the pixels that makes it up?
RADEK: I make the first selection myself. If I'm not sure, I ask other photographers what they think about it. What better pictures I send to contests to see if they are able to compete with others. The best are the pictures that make the recipient stop and ask: “WTF?!”. Maybe this is the definition of art? My interpretation is not as important as allowing the viewer to interpret it. I can only direct him.
MPAP: Is there an artist or another photographer out there that you admire and might have influenced you at all? What about their work do you love the most?
RADEK: There are many of them. For sure the most important ones are Saudek, “Fetish” Frankowski and Beksiński.
MPAP: Before we move on to talking about the pictures that you shared with us, are there any tips or advice that you would want to give yourself if you had to pick up the camera and start photography all over again?
RADEK: Watch the best, draw conclusions, do not listen to (often) the advice of the Internet.
MPAP: Now on to the pictures that you took and have shared with us here? Take us into each one of the pictures and tell us what they are about, and which one is your most favorite and why?
RADEK: My assessment is very subjective. Often, whether or not I like something depends on the atmosphere, the people I photographed. Then even the worse pictures I receive, as really good. This is strictly subjective.
I present a few works from the last period. I do not want to influence the observer, let him make his own opinion on them.
Table's No
Witches And Other Fears
Shower For All
Milky Blood
Brutal Bar
MPAP: Everyone has a different style or taste, whether it’s street photography, modeling, black & white, or nature, from your point of view what do you think makes a good picture?
RADEK: It seems to me that the interest of the recipient is the basis. For me, the best praise is when someone tells me that they cannot forget some of my photographs. Sometimes the technique, sometimes light, sometimes "something" has an influence on it. And there is no division into types of photography.
MPAP: After the camera is put down for the moment, for the day, or for the night, whether it’s for a day or a week at a time, what else do you like to do in your free time?
RADEK: I like to loiter. Everywhere; in the forest, city, park. But I always think in terms of "photographic". I rarely put down the camera, I always try to take it. Sometimes I carry it all day and I will not take any pictures, but I feel better having it with me.
MPAP: Before we bring Behind The Lens to a close, just one last question and we’ll wrap things up and put the lens cap back on. What would you want to say to someone that’s interested in taking pictures for the very first time?
RADEK: Think in your own way. It is you who must like what you have done. Learn, copy, and finally find your style, if you're stubborn.
MPAP: On behalf of myself and Metal Pulp And Paper, I’d like to thank you, Radek, for being a part of this Behind The Lens feature. It was great getting to know you and your photos. We look forward to seeing what you will capture in the future and beyond.
Please tell us where we can find your work or your photo galleries on the internet, and any social media that the readers can follow you on?