“I often have my camera with me, but don’t shoot a lot. I try to be selective and to see, instead of just staring into the viewfinder.”
Martin Brink
Martin Brink (born in 1984 in Helsingborg) is a Swedish photographer and artist. He’s mostly self-taught when it comes to photography, but has also spent some time working as an assistant. Martin Brink has participated in various international group exhibitions and has also published some E-Books of his work.
Interview with Martin Brink
Martin, what was your first camera and photographic experience?
I think it was a Minox 35 or an analogue Nikon SLR. Can’t remember my first photographic experience. I guess it just developed.
Why did you become a photographer?
I don’t have a good answer to that question, but it’s a way of expressing myself.
What does photography mean to you?
The above. Also to see and edit.
Which photographer has inspired you most and why?
There’s no single photographer who’s inspired me the most. There are many. I think it’s good to look at as many and different photographers as possible – and also at other art forms.
Your favorite photography quote?
Any quote by Garry Winogrand.
How would you describe your photographic style and way of working? How do you realize a shooting?
I often have my camera with me, but don’t shoot a lot. I try to be selective and to see, instead of just staring into the viewfinder. While editing, I usually see something gradually developing. Sometimes it takes years for ideas to develop and sometimes it’s over night.
What’s important in order to develop an own photographic style and how did you achieve it?
It’s important not to try to please others, be curious and not over think stuff.
What qualities does a good photographer need?
That’s hard to answer. I guess any ‘quality’ can potentially be valuable or damaging, depending on what you do.
What does a photo need to be a great photo in your eyes?
Surprise me. If I knew what they all needed, and they had that, they would be boring.
Where do you draw inspiration from for your photographic projects?
From what I see and think.
How do you keep up to date with new developments in photography, to keep on learning new things?
I try to learn what’ necessary for me. It’s impossible to keep up with everything.
What kind of photography equipment and photographic supplies do you use?
Different digital ones. In recent years it’s been everything from digital medium format to my mobile phone.
What’s your favorite website on photography?
Twitter, because that’s where I find all the best links to any photo or art related topics.
Which advice would you give someone who wants to become a professional photographer?
Give that up, but keep shooting.
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