Vladimir Yavorov: Best Single Photo Finalist of 2022 exibart street contest
Dear Vladimir,
first of all, congratulations! You are one of the 10 finalists of the third exibart street contest in Best Single Photo category. Can you tell us something about yourself and about the finalist picture?
I am 39 years old, from Bulgaria, currently living in the Netherlands. I work as a Iberico ham curver. The picture was a surprise. It happened on a boring day while I was having my regular photo walk.
How would you define your photographic style?
Not sure how to define it. I guess It’s a mix of inspiration and my view on everyday life.
Have you ever studied at a photography school or are you a self-taught artist?
Self taught. I learn mostly from photography books, interviews and documentaries about art.
Who are the Masters of Photography who inspired you most in your photographic works?
They change with the time. In the beginning I liked the classic street photographers more. At the moment my favorite ones are Nikos Economopoulos, Lars Tunbjork and Cristobal Hara.
Do you ever do Street Photography with your smartphone?
I was shooting only with my smartphone when I started. Nowadays I use it less, but it still happens when I can’t have the camera in my hand.
“I mostly photograph my surroundings. The reasons are that I don’t believe one place it’s better than another and like to challenge myself and see how much I can get from where I live.”
Analog and digital photography. Do you see these as alternatives to one another or the same thing?
It doesn’t really matter to me. I love how analog looks, but form and content are far more important. A good picture could be done both ways.
Black and white and color. Two different worlds. You decided to go color. Why? Do you ever shoot in Black and white?
When I began I was doing black and white as well. Later I decided to do only color in order to understand it better. I might do some black and white in the future.
Do you think Street Photography has a more documentary or more artistic value?
I believe it is more artistic, because of the subject matter and aesthetics.
When you take photos, do you ever have a theme/project in mind?
No. I just walk and try not to think. The photos in my projects happen, because I’m interested in a certain theme, but I’m not really looking for them specifically.
Do you think there are ethical limits in street photography? Do you think it’s possible to shoot everything and everybody? What is your approach in street photography?
I think there are, but everything could be photographed. It’s all about how it’s done and selection plays a big role in that. My approach depends on the day, place and other factors. Sometimes I walk and shoot. Other days I can spend 1 or 2 hours on a scene. I don’t like to disturb people or show them in a bad light.
What kind of equipment do you use and what role, in your opinion, does equipment have in street photography?
I use a small camera. Certain equipment could be more appropriate for somebody’s character in a way, but at the same time I don’t think it matters, especially in street photography.
If you had to choose one lens that you would have to be using for the rest of your life, which one would that be and why?
I’m not sure. So far I have used only 35mm and my smartphone, which is quite wider of course. I would like to experiment with 28mm and 23mm for some time before answering this question.
“I was shooting only with my smartphone when I started. Nowadays I use it less, but it still happens when I can’t have the camera in my hand.”
After shooting, what actions do you take in terms of processing and editing?
My editing is very basic. Slight cropping if needed and some small adjustments. I have plenty to learn in that area, but it’s not a priority.
Are you currently working on any project?
Yes, I’m working on a few short series and one kind of long term project.
Which are your favorite photography books?
Right now In The Balkans by Nikos Economopoulos, The Retrospective of Lars Tunbjork and Spanish Colour by Cristobal Hara, among others.
Is there a country or a city that you like to photograph more than others?
Not really, but I mostly photograph my surroundings. The reasons are that I don’t believe one place it’s better than another and like to challenge myself and see how much I can get from where I live.
What advice would you give to someone who is starting to do street photography?
Learn from good work, be courageous, follow your instinct and don’t take yourself seriously. Being open to the surprises life throws at us and having fun helps a lot I think.
Thank you!
VLADIMIR YAVOROV BIOGRAPHY
I’m 39 years old, from Bulgaria, living in the Netherlands.
My first encounter with photography was about 5 years ago, when I started taking pictures in public spaces. Soon after I discovered street photography and decided to give it a try.
Vladimir Yavorov Links:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/v.yavorovv/
