One shot interview with Gisela Szlatoszlavek

 

 

what made you push the shutter button to capture this image 

 

 

The image was taken during the Punk Rebellion Festival in Blackpool. 

This was the first time I had visited Blackpool when the festival was on and I was getting really soaked up in the atmosphere. 

Luckily that day the weather was beautiful and everyone was relaxing a guy out of shot made a comment, as you can see this was the reaction and that was the moment I pushed the shutter button. 

 

IS THIS IMAGE PART OF A WIDER PROJECT?

 

In short no, although I always class my images of Blackpool part of a wide ongoing project. Documenting as often as I can through street photography. 

 

WHY IS THIS IMAGE SPECIAL?

 

Firstly because it was taken in Blackpool (are you getting a theme.)

I also know with this shot I had an idea in mind to push myself completely into the image and really capture a emotion. 

We had arrived very early that morning and had already struck up a conversation with the guy in the shot. They had slept rough overnight to save on hotel costs. 

Later around midday I bumped into them again, sat outside Winter Gardens. I went and sat with them for about 15 mins discussing the weather and Blackpool. Everything came together nicely for the shot.

 

ARE THERE ANY BOOKS THAT INSPIRE YOU ? 

 

There are many books and photographers that I can name as inspirations but purely because the man is a legend I would have to say Joel Meyerowitz. He speaks volumes through images and words.

 

WHAT CAMERA ARE YOU CURRENTLY USING? 

 

I use a FUJIFILM XT10 with a Fuji 23mm 1.4 lens. 

Really lovely to use and a camera I am very comfortable with ( like comfy slippers.)

I also shoot on film using my Medium Format TLR Minolta Autocord and my Olympus Trip using Ektar 100. Using film just reminds you to think before pushing the shutter button. 

 

PLEASE TELL ME ABOUT YOURSELF... 

 

I am from the Northwest of England. Born and bred in Oldham Lancashire. My late father was a projectionist and owned his own cinema. Looking back now I never knew my dad out when we were on holiday without his Super 8 filming the family. So I guess I have inherited a love of documenting through my father and street photography has been a passion of mine for over 8 years also luckily a passion I share with my husband Craig. 

I have had previous work exhibited and also in print. 

 

Although born and bred in Oldham my main focus for my street photography is Blackpool. 

I suppose I have always been a seaside girl at heart as I was brought up on holidays at Butlins Holiday Camps and Blackpool. So I do have a strong affinity and connection with the seaside. 

I am also influenced by strong colours this reflects in my work.  

 

INSTAGRAM.  giselaszlatoszlavek

 

FACEBOOK.  Gisela Szlatoszlavek 

 

TWITTER.      GiselaSz