Hi Damian! Tell us about yourself in two sentences - who are you?
I am a professional photographer and have been since 2014, I consider myself a citizen of the world and an open minded person. I was born in Bulgaria. I really love to travel, and when traveling, my destination is not only the place I am going to, but also another way of seeing the world. My favourite types of photography are travel photography and portraiture, but I love experimenting a lot and I am always working on a couple of side projects. Getting myself out of my comfort zone is what forces me learn new things, enriches me and motivates me to progress.
QWhat's the weirdest situation you've found yourself in while taking a photograph?
AOh, there are so many. :) While chasing the Northern Lights, I unintentionally blocked a big truck on a long, narrow, steep, icy road in northern Norway. I once argued with Greek security on a church roof in Santorini, and I've even been punched while attending a folklore ritual with masked people in a small Bulgarian village. All instances ended happily, thankfully! :)
QWhat do you shoot on? What's your favourite set up?
AI love prime lenses, so very often I go out only with my favourite camera, Canon EOS 5D Mark III, one spare battery and my Canon EF 50mm f/1.4 USM, which is a very useful and light lens. Sometimes, however (e.g. during my last big trip to northern Norway to photograph the Aurora Borealis), I go heavy-weighted - a solid tripod is necessary for good landscape photography. While in Norway, I also had a Canon EF 16-35 f/2.8L II USM, Canon EF 135mm f/2L USM, 3 spare batteries, lens cleaning set, a remote radio trigger, a flash, an anti-condensation bag for the camera, and additionally, for the long nights, a thermos full of herbal tea, some sweets and a military grade pepper spray just in case we got attacked by a polar bear or another wild animal! :) It was such a relief that I didn't have to use that final item! :D
QWhat's your number one tip for an aspiring photographer?
ATry to express emotions or tell a story with your photos. In my opinion, this is what distinguishes a great artistic photo from a bunch of pixels. Sometimes it feels very difficult to be accomplished, but I'm learning every day.
