Urbanity Chic , Spotlight Interview – Petter Culka Photography

Petter Culka is a creative fashion and editorial photographer who splits his time between London and his native Slovakia. In between his other passions that include horse riding and rock climbing we were delighted when Petter agreed to complete a full feature interview with Urbanity Chic. Read on to find out what Petter enjoys photographing most, who he is inspired by and what motivates him to do what he does.

Petter Culka Photography

Q: How did you get into professional photography?

I would not call it professional photography, I would call it hobby that pays my living.

Q: What do you enjoy photographing most?

Whatever happens to be spontaneous and joyfull , with creative people and it brings beautiful outcome , I call it s a perfect shooting .

Q: How has the last 12 months been for you?

Waiting for the right opportunity..

Q: Who inspires you?

The biggest inspiration for me is ‘Mother nature’ creating something so beautiful and complicated is overwhelming. I love the moment of quietness when I am rock- climbing, or when I am out there on my own with my camera I feel like I could do anything, that I could reach the sky.

Petter Culka Photography

Q: Which modern day fashion designers or fashion icons do you look up to?

Alexander McQueen, Vivienne Westwood,

Q: What makes a good photographer in your opinion?

Empathy. Understanding everyone’ s position is very important for me in order to express myself precisely when giving instructions to my team.

Q: Do you prefer using film cameras or digital?

Now I am a big fan of digital cameras.

Q: Do you prefer to shoot on location or in the studio?

Its a hard one! I really like both, depending on the story and model.

Petter Culka Photography

Q: Do you have any interesting stories about a particular photo shoot you’d like to share?

I have always been very active during a shoot, meaning that I like to move as well, trying to find the right angle. Sometimes it is very funny if I am more tired that model after the shoot.

Q: Do you have a specific style of photography that makes you unique?

I am actually against the typical static model poses, I like to give a life to picture so I try to make a model move/dance in front of the camera… I think that is my style.

Q: Do you have a favourite photograph?

Well, I do have photos that are special for me for some reason, however for artists I think it is important to dislike your work after a time, as it means that you are moving forward.

Petter Culka Photography

Q: Who is your favourite photographer?

My grandpa. I also like those pictures with spirit and people smiling. Those are really honest and they all look beautiful ever without photoshop. Those are from the best photographers in my opinion.

Q: Is there anybody you would like to work with (either behind or in front of the camera)?

Alexander McQueen… God bless him…

Q: What does fashion mean to you?

Freedom of the min Being satisfied with yourself..

Q: How would you define your personal style?

Depends on my mood 🙂

Q: Where are you based?

Somewhere between London and Slovakia..

Q: What’s been the highlight of your career to date?

I think it’s still on its way..

Petter Culka Photography

Q: What are you hoping to achieve in the future?

To have Kate Moss in front of my camera but not as a paparazzi 🙂

Q: What do you do to relax?

Rock climbing….. I love adrenalin

Q: Where would your favourite holiday (vacation) be and why?

I am hoping to climb Mt. Everest next year. Fingers crossed…

Q: What songs are on your iPod at the moment?

You really don’t wanna know… :o) (Christina Aguilera) hehe

Q: Do you have any interesting hobbies?

Rock climbing and horse riding.

Petter Culka Photography

Q: If you could give a little piece of advice for aspiring photographers what would it be?

Never give up … just change your angle… it’s gonna look better..

Q: What motivates you to do what you do?

To have the next Kate Moss in front of my camera one day..

Q: Is there anything else you’d like to let our readers know about?

Don’t hesitate to contact me :o)

Editor’s Note: Petter Culka has the skills to create a really personal yet creatively appealing photograph that also has incredible commercial potential.

If you’d like to contact Petter Culka or see more of his portfolio just follow the links below:

facebook link: http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=72635642209&v=wall

web page link: petterculka.com