Keep Calm and Take More Pictures: Interview With Branislav Ostojic

Branislav Ostojic has been in the stock photography business for 12 years. He picked up the art when he was just 10 years old and has never doubted his spot in the business. Although there have been slight ‘pauses’ in Branislav’s career path, his transition to digital photography was an obvious choice.

What is your creative process like?

When I first started selling my work on stock sites, my wife Aleksandra jumped into photography very quickly and it become a family business. Even our son 23 years old started to study photography on Academy in Belgrade and he is almost finished now. In regards to my creative process, first is discussing the theme we want to work with and the models we’d like to cast. We also have to consider where the shooting will take place, the costumes we will use and whether it will be a daytime or nighttime scenery. We also have studio equipment but we haven’t been working in the studio recently.

Who or what inspires you and where do you get your ideas for photoshoots?

It’s a general statement, but I would have to say everything is an inspiration. For example, looking at street style photographers, searching for interesting things everywhere I can. I think many things can trigger or inspire new and creative ideas.  

How do you choose which themes and trends work in?

I follow fashion websites and learn from magazines. I find photographs that inspire me on Twitter, Facebook and other websites. Another method is simply talking to my son who is much younger and knows a lot more about trends and has fresh ideas.

What do you think is the most important aspect of a successful stock photograph?

To work and persevere without long pauses in between. If you consider stock as your primary occupation, that is key.

Could you take us from start to finish of producing one of your best photographs?

A photographer sees about a million things 10 seconds before pressing the shutter button. That does not mean that you do so randomly, quite the contrary. Photo shoots must be planned in advance but you have to keep in mind that there can be changes to your initial plan while you’re on the shoot. The next stage is Photoshop and Lightroom which are the main tools for every digital photographer. The editing process is very delicate and closely connected to shooting. You must bring out the maximum out of an image because that was your primary goal when you started your photo shoot. We try to come very close to what you feel when you take the shot. Afterwards, you must think about keywords and check for quality (noise, sharpness etc).

How does social media influence your work and your career?

In one phrase – very much. All of as are on Facebook or Twitter or it’s best to say we’re on our mobile phones on a daily basis. One great example is how we find models. If they see you on social media they might contact you offering to model in your photo shoots.

How should one go about creating more original content for stock photography?

It is process of thinking before shooting and with a lot of imagination in between.

What’s been the biggest mistake you’ve had to learn from during your career?

Maybe it is sticking to one kind of photos, in our case it was fashion and beauty.

Your recent photographs are quite thematic, what is your message as a photographer?

To fulfil client needs. Observing what is in magazines, trending on internet and tapping into the client psyche.

How do you achieve a more dramatic effect during photo shoots?

If you are in the mood for directing photo it is good. Also technical parameters and lighting is very important.

Your #1 photography tip or words of wisdom:

Keep calm and always work.

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