NAME: Sylvia Krivickova
OCCUPATION: Fashion and Advertising Photographer
CURRENT CITY: New york
WEBSITE: www.krivickova.com
DF-In short, could you tell us who you are, where you’re originally from and where you live at the moment?
SK-I’m a fashion and advertising photographer, originally from Slovakia now toggling between Florida and New York.
DF-When did you decide to become a photographer?
SK-In my early teens I used to tear out ads from magazines and hang them on my walls because I liked the photos. In high school I was determined to turn photography into a career.
DF-What do you like the most about being a photographer?
SK-I love the variety and creativity involved. One day is never the same as the next.
DF-How do you prepare yourself when you have to go on a trip for a shoot?
SK-I make sure to have all equipment with me to be prepared for any lighting and weather situation. You have to have a Plan B!
DF-What does photography mean to you?
SK-It’s my hobby, my job, my passion.
DF-Can you recall the first photo you took that made you feel super proud of yourself?
SK-I shot a simple portrait of my dad, lit only by a table lamp. I developed the black & white film in my college darkroom and made one print, which to my surprise developed perfectly. I submitted the print to the annual school art competition and ended up winning the first prize in photography.
DF-Do you have any formal training regarding photography?
SK-I took a couple classes in high school and also in college but they all focused on developing black & white film and printing in the darkroom, none of which I use today. I would say that I am self-taught since most of what I know today was achieved by trial and error.
DF-How technical is your photography?
SK-My light meter is always on the set if that answers your question. I also aim for strong compositions and make sure all technical aspects add up to create the ambiance I was going for.
DF-Do you shoot digital (if yes with which model camera and what brand?) or film?
SK-Digital. Canon 5D.
DF-Where is your favorite place to live and work as a photographer in the World and why?
SK-New York City is where things rattle and shake! Anyone whom I might want to work with or for is there or passes through from time to time. I’m not a fan of the winter though so my favorite place to live would be some place warm. Considering California for 2010…
DF-Who are your influences?
SK-I like the beauty in Patrick Demarchelier’s images and the fantasy ambiance Tim Walker creates in his photos.
DF-What is your favorite image, either your own or someone else’s or both? Describe its creation or meaning to you?
SK-One of Tim Walker’s images. The atmosphere, the dress, the lighting, the pose – it all comes together to a beautiful photograph I can look at over and over again.
DF-Could you describe a day in your life as a photographer?
SK-Sometimes I brainstorm, scout for locations, cast models and the rest of the creative team. Or I’m just on set shooting. And other days I’m glued to the computer, editing.
DF-What is your favorite subject to photograph?
SK-I like to work with models that feel completely comfortable in their skin. Someone who understands what I’m trying to say with the image or story. Someone who can surprise me by taking it to the next level.
DF-Have you ever thought about stop doing photography? And if so,what were the circumstances?
SK-No, never.
DF-Describe what black and white photography means to you?
SK-It’s classic. It’s cinematographic. I love grainy black & white photos. I like the feel of it but I mostly shoot in color for my clients.
DF-What’s the nicest photo shoot you’ve done so far?
SK-I usually think the latest shoot I did was my nicest. As of today that would be an editorial shoot at an airport where I shot models on fighter planes with a bit of a retro feel. Such a fun shoot!
DF-How do you describe your photographic style?
SK-I like to tell stories with beautiful lighting, strong compositions, and carefully selected models that fit the role.
DF-Do you ever have photographer’s block and if yes how do you deal with it?
SK-It hasn’t happened yet. I usually have so many ideas that I need to chose one and I write the other ones down and do sketches for future reference. I guess I would refer to my sketches if I ever did have a “block.”
DF-What types of assignments are you attracted most?
SK-I like to be given a theme and get creative freedom to make it my own.
DF- Who or what would you love to shoot that you haven’t already?
SK-A major international fashion magazine cover with say … Sasha Pivovarova. Sure, why not.
DF-Do you like to listen to music while you’re shooting. And if so who are your favorite artists to listen to while you’re working?
SK-I usually ask the model what s/he wants to listen to in order to feel at ease.
DF-What is your favorite transport? With the plane, car or public?
SK-I love to drive (fast).
DF-If you could go anywhere on vacation, where would you go?
SK-Tuscany.
DF-Where would you like to retire?
SK-Tuscany!
DF-What did you want to become when you were little?
SK-I have no idea. I know, I always wanted to be like my mom, dress like my mom, look like my mom. And now I do. She was a pharmacist though and that was definitely not the path for me. My dad was an actor and I’m more like him, personality wise.
DF-Could you give any advice to aspiring photographers?
SK-Keep taking pictures, try things, see what you like and what you don’t like, stick with the style YOU like, not what society tells you to like.
