Bartlomiej Kurela(interview)
An interview with the inspiring photographer based in Chicago, Bartlomiej Kurela and a first part of this sensual black and white series featuring beautiful Sarah Evans. Enjoy it and stay tuned for the second part.
Know more about Bartlomiej at www.bartlomiejkurela.com – instagram.com/bartlomiejkurela – facebook.com/KurelaBartlomiej
In a few words, tell us a little bit about yourself?
Born and raised in Krakow, Poland, Bartlomiej Kurela found his passion for the arts at an early age. By the time his family moved to Chicago in 2002, he had already experienced working in stage acting, modeling, playing oboe at the Music School in Krakow, and even playing with a professional Polish soccer team. In 2007, Bartlomiej decided to further pursue his interest in acting and attended the International Modeling and Talent Association (IMTA). He had the opportunity not only to learn in the classroom but also worked for the association gaining experience assisting with IMTA conventions, organizing fashion shows, training runway models, as well as conducting workshops for R.E.M.
Taking his modeling interest to the next level, Bartlomiej enrolled with HOP Modeling Agency where he had the chance to work with some amazing talent and attended and judged conventions like Pro Scout, Launch, and a Polish talent show, Revia Talentów. It was there that he found his true passion: photography. He enrolled at Wright College and specialized in black and white and digital photography. Employing his knack for creative experimentation, he was recognized by a professor for his unique vision of photography and graduated with his Associates of Arts in Photography in 2010. He has collaborated with the Polish News, like Fakty Chicago, doing photojournalism. All too familiar with the nuances of the local industry, Bartlomiej decided to branch out on his own to form his own photography business in order to highlight the hidden talent within Chicago and the surrounding vicinity. Even though he is working on his photography business, Bartlomiej still makes time for one of his first passions, acting.
How long have you been a photographer?
I started shooting probably 5 years ago but actually being happy with my work:) probably two years ago
How did you discover photography?
By accident, January 2010 my dad randomly decided that it would be a good idea to get a better camera that is a DSLR and we went and bought Canon 50d then i took few classes for photography in a local college and started playing with the art ever since:)
How was your first shooting? What did you shoot?
Well it first started with school projects then, nightlife and some glamour models, then met one gentleman that told me i should wipe my entire entire portfolio and work on building my book more towards Fashion… and thanks to George… I’m shooting what I’m shooting today
How would you describe your style?
Developing, because I’m still experimenting and learning new things probably until the day I die…. it is definitely influenced by life and people i have a pleasure of working with.
What does photography mean to you?
It is definitely a way of life, matter of perspective and solid representation of how i see the world.
What inspires you?
People, it’s all about their lives, stories and sense of humor.
What would you like to photograph?
Women, their natural beauty because there is nothing more beautiful than that, and little bit of the world.
A photographer you particularly admire?
Richard Avedon, Viktor Skrebneski, Sandro, and Herb Ritts because when you are looking at their work you can see pieces of themselves within their images.
What is happiness?
Ability to know that every day you wake up with a smile on your face not regretting a single decision.
If you could live anywhere, where would it be?
I must admit i love chicago, it definitely grew on me over the years and i can’t say i would want to live anywhere else for a longer time. i am planning on traveling the world in the next years and months but Chicago will be for ever my home. it is a place where things started, grew, and shaped me to what i am today.
What’s your next goal?
Building my portfolio, traveling the world, and never stop learning.
Model: Sarah Evans instagram.com/sartotherah