5 Questions for Bart Pogoda

1376050628_b After a brief respite, we’re back with the next installment of 5 Questions. In our last interview, Swiatek Wojtkowiak selected Bart Pogoda as our next interviewee.

Based in Warsaw, Bart has had the opportunity to travel and photograph some truly remarkable places around the world. Don’t miss his collections from South East Asia, India, Japan, and Europe.

1. Bart, we know it’s a tough question, but if you had to pick just one camera to shoot with from now until the end of time, what would that be?

Phnom Penh

Bart: I use digital and analog cameras and different formats. Recently on the road I used a medium format camera. Back home I shoot with Nikon DSLR system (D3, D200 and bunch of fixed lenses) when I’m on assignments for magazines. Sometimes it depends on my mood – for a short trip I can pick up my old Nikon F3 with broken 50 mm lens or digital point & shoot Canon G9 or classic Olympus Mju. Or…

Trying to answer to this question, I would say that medium format range finder Mamiya 7 II with 65mm lens is my favourite camera.

2. A (possibly) tough question… Tell us your favourite photos on Flickr, and why you like them. First, a favourite from your photostream?

Bogota

Bart: Taken in Bogota. I went with my friend to watch sunset from Monserrate – very typical touristy spot. On our way back down to the center, I took photo of my friend waiting for the cable car. I like atmosphere and a little bit cosmic look of the cable car station.

And from another Flickr member?

The Paint Soldier / Żołnierz Malowany

Bart: Kobas Laksa says his not a photographer. Maybe he’s right – he uses photography as a way to build new worlds.

3. What’s one tip that you would share with someone who’s just picking up a camera?

3784050409_b

Bart: I have couple ideas. Maybe it will help someone.

Shoot a lot with digital – A LOT – and in the same time learn how to choose. Be selective. You don’t want to end up with thousands of gigabytes of photos on you hard drive. Shoot analog sometimes – play with cameras, you don’t have to buy them – look around – you can also rent them. A photo camera is only the tool – use your eyes, legs and brain to freeze the reality to show some unreal. Come closer. CLOSER. Use a fixed aperture lens. Try a standard lens, like 50mm – this is a great lens to learn how to compose and use depth of field with.

When shooting digital forget about JPGs – only RAW.

Find your subject – try different things to find your own way to express in photography. And specialize yourself.

Shoot, read books, sleep, watch movies, browse the net, eat well, breathe, travel, make love and try to understand others.

4. When we interview peeps for employment here at Team Flickr, we always ask: “Kittens, babies, sunsets or flowers? Pick one.”

making of

Bart: Kittens of course. :)

5. Which Flickr member should we ask these 5 questions of next?

Bart: Brett Walker.

Heather: Thanks, Bart. We’ll be back soon with the next installment of 5 Questions when we interview Brett Walker.

Photos from bartpogoda, Kobas Laksa, and [brett walker].

Previously, 5 Questions for Kevin Meredith, Steph Goralnick, Olivia Wright, Eric Lafforgue, Maciej Dakowicz, and Swiatek Wojtkowiak.