Katarzyna Hrebieniuk
Award Winner - Fashion Photography - Editorial Edit Achievement Award 2021
Katarzyna Hrebieniuk @katarzyna_hrebieniuk
What inspires you?
There is no one single but many things that inspire me with my work. Lights and shadows, simple forms of nature, images from my past, people I meet, interiors, movies, music, all those elements may stimulate me depending on the project. The compilation of many different ideas arises in my head gradually. I love the “non-obvious” blurred images, all sorts of distortions, the glamour and gloss of the ’80s, the simplicity in form. To achieve that effect, I use different, sometimes unconventional tools like analog cameras, professional editing programs, handmade filters, etc.
Why did you choose to pursue a career as a photographer?
Choosing photography was a pretty natural process. After working more than 10-years as a creative director in Polish advertising agencies and while doing photography as a hobby, I decided to turn my life around - the best decision ever! And right after decided to move to Spain. My passion finally blossomed into a full-time occupation in Barcelona, where I made my first steps in the field of professional photography. Being able to express "myself" through portraying other people and creating unique moments together is something I believe guided my choices unconsciously and led me to where I am today. Photography will now always form a super important part of my life - that much I am sure.
What makes the good picture stand out from the average?
As individual humans, we differ, we live in various countries, we like different things, have different lifestyles, and perceive art in different ways. What unites us all are emotions: we all feel happiness, joy, excitement, sadness, pain, or fear in our very own ways. Capturing those sometimes chaste and very private moments: that’s what, in my opinion, makes a good picture stand out from the average; it is not about the one or the other particular style, the light, color, or even technique but the power of expression and the ability to trigger emotions and the act of uniting people in that process.
What is the most difficult part of being a photographer for you?
Fashion photography has evolved a lot over the last couple of years, social media allows us to build an audience, to grow, and be seen all around the world but at the same time this excessive amount of content makes our work anonymous and invisible. “Fast photography” and the imposed need to adapt to the social media rules of engagement take the quality and authenticity away from our work. It is very occasionally that a photographer is given support, enough time, and proper resources to develop their skills in achieving perfection. The more practical business side of being a photographer including the preparation of contracts, planning expenses, and other “anti-artistic” activities make the process hard and frustrating as well.
MODELS: Marta Suso, Marta Tarin, and
Gemma Colome
Whose work has influenced you most?
Many incredible personalities, artists, writers, designers, and other talented people have inspired me throughout my life. It changed over time and along with my personal growth. As my taste evolved, my idols changed, but all the experiences have forged me as a human and artist and helped me create my "personal" style.
The ones whose art/work is and will continue to resonate deep inside my heart forever are Helmut Newton (for his groundbreaking approach to portraying the femininity and unpretentious nudity), Tamara Lempicka (for her genius sense of form), and Carl Gustav Jung (for giving me the knowledge to further discover and understand myself and the role that art plays in my life).
What are your career goals?
Not stopping to experience, create, share and work with the same passion – these are my career goals. Although I feel at best in editorials and fashion, I am always looking forward to new endeavors. Every single project has always been part of a lesson to better myself as a photographer and that’s how I want to continue to evolve in the future.
What does photography mean to you?
To me, photography means freedom, observation, people’s emotions, understanding, creative expression, purpose in life, and art. When I look at the object I sense it rather than see it and can pass my own reality through the lens. It is a personal vision, a bit like looking through a crooked mirror (in a good way). Photography is powerful to me; at times, it might lie, hurt, move oneself, give hope and sometimes change the world.
Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
In 5 years I see myself: still living in Copenhagen - love this place to bits! - doing other exciting projects (miss working with jewelry campaigns yet again), still furnishing our house (that process never ends and that’s a lovely thing in itself), traveling, continue to grow, learn, experience, laugh, enjoy life, love, and share
What is the most rewarding part of being a photographer for you?
Being a photographer allows me to make creative, artistic work and have personal control over my projects most of the time. By being authentic and doing what I love, I will always experience intense job satisfaction, which in turn, affects my personal life. Freedom of traveling, interacting with people, planning my photo shoots in the smallest details, the privilege of being published in fantastic magazines, and work for interesting brands - these are the most rewarding aspects of following that passion. Working hard to fulfill the idea I created in my mind and watching my imagination come to life is an incredible experience, worth every sacrifice and effort, no matter how seemingly gigantic or trivial. If I had to do it all over again, I wouldn’t hesitate a second - I just might start a bit earlier in my life.
Style Edit | Online | Fashion
