by Linas Vaitonis interview
Meet Linas Vaitonis, a talented and inspiring photographer based in Vilnius, Lithuania and enjoy this short selection of his outstanding work.
See more at www.linaswashere.com– behance.net/LinasWasHere
In a few words, tell us a little bit about yourself?
Hello everybody. My name is Linas Vaitonis. I’m an ecologist, publisher and photographer, so I guess I’m always trying to make myself busy. The things I like: friends, football, chess, cinema, travelling.
How long have you been a photographer?
I could say 5 years or so. I’m self taught and it always was a side thing. I’m still working as an ecologist right now but I’m trying to be involved in photography more and more.
How did you discover photography?
When I was 20, I took my mother’s Nikon and started to shoot. That’s really all there was to it.
How was your first shooting? What did you shoot?
I can’t recall the first shooting I snapped but I’m certain it wasn’t any good.
How would you describe your style?
It’s just my take on the world, my life happening around me. I think I could describe my work as retro avant-garde.
What does photography mean to you?
It’s a medium to code my own concept of the world and to turn this concept into images.
What inspires you?
I find inspiration from a variety of sources. Laughter turns me on. Speaking about photographers, Ryan McGinley was my first inspiration. Today there are too many to mention.
What would you like to photograph?
Millions of things, places and people. Bill Murray for example.
A photographer you particularly admire?
The same fellow american I’ve mentioned before. I think he is one of those photographers that has reinvented photography.
What is happiness?
I don’t know. It would be strange if you could have some sort of objective opinion about happiness. I am always very suspicious of people who can do that.
If you could live anywhere, where would it be?
Tokyo, Japan. But you know, it might turn out later that Tokyo isn’t that cool so I’d just move to some other place.
What’s your next goal?
I’d like to publish a book and to work abroad. To exhibit on the moon would also be great!