Martin Stranka is a self-taught professional photographer, born on April 13, 1984 in Czech Republic. Martin’s distinctive vision of photography etched as a unique space located in a balance and serenity, while his sophisticated and rewarding images exists in that narrow space of a few seconds between dreaming and awakening. During the last two years Martin has gathered over 30 remarkable international photography awards, from diferent competitions including: Nikon International Photo Contest, International Photo Awards, Sony World Photography Awards or Digital Photographer of the Year.
We had the privilege to interview the director, author and photographer Martin Stranka, and we are excited to share with you his unique opinion regarding photography among his fascinating, emotional & award winning photographs.
Tell us about something about Martin Stranka Photography?
I was born in Most on Friday the thirteenth in April 1984 in Czech Republic. I was involved into photography since 2007, but I never studied it and I have been always self-taught himself. During the last two years I gathered over 30 international photography awards. There is a list some of them, these I really appreciate like: Emerging Talent Award in Nikon Photo Contest International 2010-2011 with over than 60.000 entries, Finalist of Sony World Photography Awards 2010 with over than 43.000 entries; 1.st place in International Photo Award 2010; Finalist of Photographer Of The Year 2010, over 114.000 entries; 3.rd place in Digital Photographer of the Year Awards with over 300.000 entries, Artist of the week at The Saatchi Gallery.
Can you make a brief description on the pictures in this set?
Well, I could describe my “art world” like a space where I deny the laws of physics and erase the border between conciseness and dreaming. The world, where impossible becomes evident, and the perception of reality is shifted to its next level. I perceive photography as an unique space located in a balance and serenity. My work exists in that narrow space of few seconds between dreaming and awaking.
What’s your creative process like?
Photography for me is quite an intimate moment. Lots of photos arise first in my head, but rather is influenced by magic of a moment. I let the places and models personalities to inspire me very often. Some photographers tend to have countless sketches and some manuals, how it will be shot. This is a good thing again for commercial photos, where you need all steps planned. This example is also why I dont take so many images during short time. I take pictures at the moment when feel it, when I need to express myself, when I search for an escape from reality I would say. And it really can not be scheduled. Thats life and life can not be planned.
And then there are always two camps. One of them accept and use software like Photoshop for final touch and a power tool for finalize the idea that born in your head. And the other one who declines any kind of postprocess. I belong to the first one.
Where do you find inspiration and why you like photography?
Basically I answered many time above. It was the accident it happened to me, it is daily usual moments that stop me and make me think and makes my especially happy, it is a smell of autumn that makes me so peaceful. The music is huge inspiration too. I cant imagine creating my photos without Lisa Gerrard, Adele or Sigur Ros. They are never ending stimulus.
During the last two years your life changed radically. Can you reveal some secrets for this accomplishment, and how it affects you?
Secret? I have only one way – one secret – that I suggest to everyone who asked me what was the secret of my success. There it is: “Be yourself and be loved by a few and not understood by the rest!“. And it affects me? I am glad I can say I am still the same person like few years ago when I started taking photos. There is only one thing that changed. I become independent photographer who can live in his own inner world and let the dreams come true through my photos. I am really grateful and thankful for this.
What are some tips you could give to people that really like your work?
Like I mentioned it above already: “Be yourself and be loved by a few and not understood by the rest!“. Because there are lot of people who tries to copy or imitate someones style just beacuse people love it. Go and make your own typical style what will bacome your unique recognitive and characteristic sign and mark of your work. Thats the key of your success.
Can you name some great photographers that inspires you and why?
Yes, there are some artist I really admire. My biggest muse are Shana and Robert ParkeHarrison. I am so amazed by their visions. I love how they connect modern people mostly worn in suits with the purity of nature. Last days I was so much inspired of one painter – Xhxix. It is something new for me with really deep feelings and meaning for me.
***
Dear Martin Stranka thanks a lot for the time and effort invested in this interview. We are thrilled about the look and feel of your artwork, and about your explosive professional evolution. For sure you are one of the names in photography to keep on watching. Good luck with all your future projects. Don’t hesitate to let us know when you have something big to share.
**
You can also follow Martin Stranka’s works on his Facebook, Google, Twitter or Tumblr.
