There is something very captivating with our community member PoloDâs images. They are very dramatic; very noir. They tell many times a dark story of people who looks like they live in another world. PoloDâs images are a perfect mixture of great photography techniques, light and creativity. Take a look yourself!
What inspired you to be a photographer?
I would say it came just like that, a bit by chance. Doing videography at that time, I wanted an affordable DSLR to shoot with different lenses and thatâs how I got my first Canon back in 2011. Even though it was mainly for video I enjoyed trying to capture moments and photographing people. A new passion started!
What was your first camera and what do you shoot with today?
My first camera was a Canon 600D. I then got another Canon full frame DSLR and other mirrorless cameras from Panasonic and Olympus. But I am mostly shooting today with my new Sony A7RII and I love it!
When someone looks at your photos, what do you want them to take away from it, what are you trying to communicate?
I like people who takes the time to look at a photograph before saying âWow thatâs so cool!â only because they are your friend or they just simply like the naked woman on the image. It takes me sometimes a few minutes to understand and feel the story behind a photographerâs photo. This is one of many things that is amazing with photography, to be able to create a story out of a single image. This is what I am trying to create when others are looking at my photos.
What is it that you love about photography?
I would say the freedom to capture the things you want, the way you want it and when you want. There are no precise places for photography. Every square meter of the world can be a good choice for a good image. I like the fact that the less elaborated shot that you havenât planned to shoot in advance can sometimes become your all time favorite, just because you were here with your camera in that place, at this moment and with this person. If you wanted to redo the exact same shot it would be impossible.
What has photography done for you?
Photography has been my passion for the last 5 years and I simply love to do this more and more. I have the feeling that it teaches me to look at things and sometimes think differently about them. It also brings you to nice places and gives you the chance to meet new people.
Do you try to be conceptual or do you prefer to show the feeling behind a photo?
I enjoy getting that feeling (that I really cannot describe) when I look at other photographerâs images. So yes, the feeling behind a photo is surely the most important thing to me.
How do you describe your style?
I am not sure if I can fit in only one category of photography style. As many passionate photographers, I like to shoot different things in different ways and learn from my mistakes. I can go and shoot things that I wonât add to my portfolio. But as you can see, a majority of my photographs are quite dramatic and dark/noir.
If you had to choose one lens which one would it be and why?
I carry since a few years back a Sigma 50mm 1.4 ART lens and I really like it. It is my favorite lens for portraits and street photography. Even though itâs a big and heavy lens I just love the quality of the photographs it gives!
What are your 3 tips for others who want to become better photographers?
1. Try new things and do what you like. Do not think about if others will like your photo or if they wont. Donât be afraid, if you think itâs a good idea thatâs enough.
2. You donât need the best equipment to create amazing photos. Try to make use of all the functions of your camera. The best way to do so is to shoot in Manual mode. Even though I do own some expensive gear now, my best shots were not created using my most expensive cameras.
3. Donât be afraid to ask others. Learn, join workshops, watch tutorials, etc. The possibilities in photography are endless. Never think you already know enough and that you canât be better than you are now. Unfortunately, from my own experiences meeting a lot of photographers, humbleness isnât the number one virtue of many of them.
Have you received negative feedback from your work? What did you do about it?
Yes, I do get negative feedback from time to time and I donât really care about it as photography is just my passion. I am not making a living out of it and I donât really want to either, so why should I try to make pictures having in mind to have the maximum of people liking it? We are all thinking differently, having different tastes, and that works for many other things in this world, not only photography. If you donât like it, then donât look at it. Itâs as simple as that, no? But I personally prefer a sincere negative feedback than a insincere positive one.
Where did you learn to take photos?
I learned first by myself then with time I met other passionate people that gave me tips on different shooting techniques. I am still learning and what I love is that I know that Iâve got so much more to learn and wonât ever get bored of it !
Raw vs jpg and why?
Raw! Why? Not so sure why⌠Maybe because I am just to lazy to set white balance while shooting?
What do you carry in your camera bag?
I carry my Sony A7RII camera, a Samyang 14mm 2.8, a Sigma 24mm 1.4 ART, a Sony Zeiss 35mm 2.8, a Sigma 50mm 1.4 ART, a Canon 100mm 2.8, and a Metabones adapter to put those lenses on the Sony e-mount. I only own fixed focal lenses at the moment and I am happy with that. I will also carry flashes/strobes if needed.
If you could have the gift of a great photographer who would it be and why?
Marta Bevacqua. I just love the color tones she gets in her shots, the simple but amazing look of the models she chooses, the natural way the photographs are done⌠Well, the overall feeling that she manage to create. She is just an amazing photographer and I invite you all to have a look at her incredible work. This is just a personal choice. We all like different photography styles.
What is the most common mistake you see people making when shooting these days?
I would say the oversaturated post processing of the photographs. Most of the time with poorly done HDR, skin softening on people to make them look like ceramic dolls, or just the fact to add a quick preset filter on a photograph that will destroy the overall thing. As you will see on some of my images I am absolutely not against hard post processing, but to me there is a balance while doing it. I like it when the colors of a photograph stays real, unless you are doing a Sci-Fi kind of a shoot.
What is your dream location to shoot?
I canât think of a dream location. I like to shoot in abandoned places for the look of it and also for the feeling you get when you enter them for the first time. I canât really explain that. I do however have in mind an abandoned jail located not too far from where I live. That could be a nice experience.
How do you decide on where to shoot a photo?
Another passion of mine is motorcycles and when I ride alone I love to get off the beaten tracks. That is the way I find really nice untouched places to shoot, most of the time trespassing but please donât tell anyone about this, haha!
What is next for you? Any planned adventures with your camera?
I have no idea whatâs next or if it will be good or bad, but I canât wait for the adventure!
What is your goal with your photography?
My goal is to continue shooting what I like, the way I like to shoot it and keep enjoying it and continue to share my photos with others. I have been in some photography contests since a few months back as well and I always enjoy receiving an email saying that I was the winner of that contest. I would of course also be very proud if I would see some of my photos in famous international magazines.
For more info and great photos taken by PoloD: Facebook and Flickr.
