by Mariusz Jeglinski (interview)
Meet Mariusz Jeglinski, an inspiring and talented photographer based in California and enjoy a preview of this stylish and sexy series starred by beautiful Jelena Salikova.
Know more about Mariusz at mariuszjeglinski.com– instagram.com/mariuszjeglinski
In a few words, tell us a little bit about yourself?
I’m a commercial and portrait photographer, living in Orange County, California. I love photographing people - shooting portraits is what really fascinates me. I photograph models, actors, as well as everyday people. After working with a few fashion photographers in LA for few years, I’m trying to give that “fashion flare” to my portraits as well. I’m also an avid backpacker and love shooting landscapes. I’m Polish.
How long have you been a photographer?
I’ve been shooting since the film days. I first put my hands on a camera in the late 90’s. I’ve been doing it professionally for the last 6-7 years.
How did you discover photography?
When I was a teenager, I was always the guy who was taking the pictures for his friends because they “looked better”. I could see better angles, was mindful of the composition, etc. That was at the time when all my friends, including myself, had only point-and-shoot film cameras. But even then I knew I wanted to take photos, I just couldn’t afford a real camera yet. I started to read photography books instead. The more I read the more I liked it and wanted to try things I learned.
After few books under my belt, I was able to borrow a Canon AE1 with a 50 mm lens, from a friend. I only had it for 2 days, but that was enough to suck me in. I was hooked! Got my first Minolta soon after, and cameras were with me ever since.
How was your first shooting? What did you shoot?
My first professional shoot was for an agency model. When I was working in the fashion industry assisting other photographers, I met and networked with other professionals - models, makeup artists, hair stylists, etc. We collaborated together, to get something everyone would like to have in their portfolios. All in all, everybody was happy. Including the agency :)
How would you describe your style?
I like raw and natural beauty. It doesn’t matter if you are a woman or a man. I love passion and when there’s character behind the photographs. A lot of times I have a photojournalistic approach. I like my photographs to be timeless. Not overdone, or over-polished.
What does photography mean to you?
Photography is my career, but also it is my passion. Something that never tires me down and makes me happy. It’s also an opportunity to meet new and interesting people. I was lucky to take a portrait of a 102-year-old; I also photographed models, who worked on runways of the biggest fashion houses in LA, New York, Paris or Milan; I’ve met and worked with social media icons, actors, celebrities, and many other fascinating people. Photography is something that brings me great joy.
What inspires you?
Sometimes it’s just a face of a passerby, the look, the smile. I try to find that something in people they often didn’t realize they had.
What would you like to photograph?
There is no specific goal or person at the moment, but I want to keep photographing people - take timeless photographs of them. Hopefully, some become classics like those rare shots of Stars of Hollywood’s golden era.
A photographer you particularly admire?
Old masters of portrait and fashion photography: Peter Lindbergh, Richard Avedon, Irving Penn, Herb Ritts, Annie Leibovitz, Mario Testino - to name a few.
What is happiness?
Doing what you like is freedom. Liking what you do is happiness. Also - having a loving person next to you along for the ride.
If you could live anywhere, where would it be?
I always wanted to try New Zealand, for a few years at least. I’m pretty happy in Southern California though - you can’t beat that ;)
What’s your next goal?
Get better - in everything, not just in photography - in life, in the business of photography, in creating new connections. At the same time in the art of it as well - take better photos, hone the skills, improve my work. I would like to leave a mark behind - if not on a global scale, then in lives of people I’ve met. Live my life happily and make those I’ve met and worked with happy in the process.
Credits:
Model: Jelena Salikova instagram.com/jelenasalikova
Silent Models NY|Wilhelmina LA
Hair and Makeup: Barbara Yniguez instagram.com/barbarawhodoesmakeup