“There is only one sun. We can’t all claim to only have one way to use the light, but we can REDEFINE how we choose to express it. “
Tell us about you, and what moves you to capture the images that you do?
I am a mother and an artist, creator of things and manager of chaos. I can’t imagine a day without good coffee or without photography – be it taking photos, admiring them at a gallery, or sifting through tons of albums stacked at home. The art of portrait has been my focus since photography school. I fell in love with fashion photography and chased in pursuit of beauty that came along with the feelings expressed on people’s faces. Human faces are in my opinion most intriguing and captivating. My journey as a photographer changed recently when I became a mother. I became more interested in showing natural, raw emotion. My son now is my main inspiration and my teacher. He makes me see the world in a fresh and exciting way. I am also very inspired by light itself and its endless possibilities during the creative process. Natural light is what I love most, because of the power and honesty that comes along with it.
What is it about motherhood that you love to capture?
Intimacy, pure love, closeness, connection.
Do you prep your mothers? We know it’s hard to sometimes get a genuine reaction?
We talk a lot before the session. It’s important to discuss the setting, clothes, and how the session will proceed. I help my clients pose during the shoot and make them feel comfortable. However, the most interesting and genuine pictures are those taken somewhere in the mix, when least expected.
What were the challenges for you in the beginning?
Definitely the lack of eager cooperation on the part of children. They do not like posing. They do not wait until I get the composition just perfect. They don’t work 5 hours straight during a shoot like a professional fashion model. Yet they are always natural and unposed. This is exactly what I love capturing.
What are the tips you would share with anyone trying to achieve this technique? (aim for at least 5, but any are welcome)
Always look for the best quality soft light. It is beautiful and flattering for your subjects. Light is the second most important aspect of the photo. Experiment with it. See how the mood of the picture changes as it shifts.
Make the color narrative cohesive and the setting minimalistic. For me, less is more.
Experiment with aperture. The magic starts happening around f1.4 Pictures gain an amazing, dreamlike quality. I find it very appropriate when taking pictures of children.
And most importantly, be vigilant to capture the decisive moment during the shoot. I believe that without emotion, there is no photo.
Can you name a photographer that inspires you?
I have always been in love with the intimate, beautifully lit portraits of Peter Lindberg. He is a true master photographer. I am also very much drawn to Paul Jung’s work, his minimalism and sophistication. As far as lifestyle photographers are concerned, I adore Nastia Vesna’s photography. The emotion and poetry of her work are amazing.
ABOUT THE ARTIST :
Kasia Holopiak is a portrait and lifestyle photographer based in Warsaw, Poland. Minimalism, elegance, and emotions are core to her portrait work.
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