Combining Art and Business: Interview With Sylwia Krędzel
Sylwia Krędzel is a set and image designer but photography is her strong suit. Being just in her 30’s, she’s already running a dynamically growing company and believes stock photography is the perfect market.
She loves everything about her job, from concept to post-processing. Even the logistic challenges and constant experiments do not scare her off.
Sylwia’s experience, mindset, and photography approach sound super exciting and we’ve decided to ask Sylwia to share professional insights, personal thoughts and a recipe of a great interior shot.
Sylwia Krędzel on photography as a calling
When I look back, I see that I’ve always had a flash of enthusiasm and a lot of different hobbies but photography stuck to me and refused to go away.
In the beginning, I took various photos, mainly fashion and portraits. When I was preparing for studies, I discovered the world of analog photography and the medium format. Then, I studied photography at the National Film School in Lodz, Poland and graduated as a Master of Arts. There, I confronted my view with many clever and wise people, professors and students. It was a very stormy, formative and creative period. It was full of experiments but very critical.
One day, I looked at my photography portfolio and realized that there was less and less photography in it. I started to combine photography with other media, such as installations and graphic design. My approach to photography changed.
At present, I’m 30. I work as a set and image designer on a daily basis but photography is the skill I have. I am hard-working but a full-time job is not for me. My goal is a happy life on my own terms. My dream is to have a small photo agency and a room with beautiful studio props. I wish to work in a team of a few (but specific) people, who work with passion and respect each other.
On the combination of an artistic approach and business
My approach to photography is rational and useful but I am not satisfied with simple proven solutions and am constantly looking for new ones. It’s a combination of an artistic approach and business.
Stock photography is the perfect market for me.
When it comes to style, I like simple frames, aesthetic objects, and authenticity. I am curious about the world but my favourite things are spacious spaces with lots of daylight and symmetry. I also like authentic homes, in which the walls are painted with history and are full of unique objects and elements.
Shooting for stocks
There are many differences between stock photos and other interior photography. First of all, the number of photos varies. In the case with stocks, you obviously try to squeeze more images from one situation. The difficulty here is to balance quantity and quality.
From my experience, another difference is the usability of the photos. When you’re designing images for stock photography platforms, you must constantly wonder who and where will use it. Some photos may look amazing but they will not find any commercial use on stocks.
In addition, the consistency between the photos is not so important. In stock photography, I treat photos as separate creations. Meanwhile, in other types of interior photos, I think about images as a series. You should also take care of the diversity of frames.
On the recipe for a great interior shot
1. Composition
Don’t take pictures quickly. Set the frame and think about it. When you already have it, think about what can be improved. Smart composition is the key to success. It creates harmony and makes a picture visually pleasing.
2. Authenticity
Authenticity is an important criterion for good photography. When the photo is authentic, it looks like a cut piece of reality.
3. Light
Light creates the character and atmosphere of an image. Photography is light, as simple as that.
4. Uniqueness
You know, there’s a reason why Kate Moss is a top model. Man has a need for beauty. You should look for unique models for your photos. The unique character of the space or objects is the last component of a great shot.
On the challenges and obstacles in the way
However, I often encounter interiors that are not prepared for a photoshoot. Renovation outside the window or a protruding cable from the ceiling are very common. Often, people do not understand that Photoshop is not almighty.
Smart composition is the key to success.
Sometimes, some places happen to be not photogenic. For example, there is not enough space from the photographed object or light is unfavorable. For these reasons, I support the approach that you always have to prepare the interior for photos. It helps a lot.
On post-processing as an important element
I think that post-processing is a very important element of creating an image. The right post-processing can increase the effect, while the wrong one can totally fail a photo.
I don’t like when post-processing is palpable. It’s like a makeup: too much of it looks shoddily but it’s good to be neat and elegant. That is why post-processing should always be well-balanced.
I personally distinguish two stages of post-processing. The first one is photo retouching. At this stage, I remove imperfections in the pictures such as a hole in the wall or a protruding cable. The second stage is proper post-processing and it’s about adding atmosphere to a photo.
Inspiration is everywhere for Sylwia
I draw my inspiration from everything. I indulge visual social media platforms like Pinterest or Instagram, magazines, and mainly people’s lives. I like looking at things in my friends’ apartments. I get insights from small things. Even a tiny object can inspire me to create a large photo session.
“Sylwia, when you dream, close your eyes. Everything will come true, I know it”
