INTERVIEW
August 5, 2020
LIVING IN THE MOMENT
Photography by Tomas Cihak
Interview by Melanie Meggs
Tomas Cihak captures the beauty in the ordinary, mundane moments of life. He is a Czech born photographer, now based in Bristol, United Kingdom, whose vision for photography is to evoke emotion and feeling; a sentiment of warmth, happiness, and nostalgia, but also a reminder of sadness and emptiness. His aim is to live in the moment and remember it in his photos. But what really sets Tomas apart from other photographers is his unique approach to his art. He isn't just looking for the perfect shot, he's looking to inspire meaningful reflection in the viewer. This is what makes Tomas Cihak a truly intriguing photographer: a man who wants to make an emotional connection with his audience through the lens of his camera.
“I have the desire to capture warm, positive and old-school looking photographs that can evoke and embody feelings and sentiments of happiness, nostalgia and the good old days' vibe.”
IN CONVERSATION WITH TOMAS CIHAK
THE PICTORIAL LIST: Tomas, when did you start getting interested in photography?
TOMAS CIHAK: I started to think about actually trying to take photographs with a proper camera about two years ago. However, it wasn't until about two months ago that I actually started going out and taking photographs.
TPL: What is your favourite quote or words that resonates with you the most?
TC: One that has stuck with me for years is “It is what it is 'til it ain't” sung by Mac Miller in a song called “What's the use?”.
I am not exactly sure why, but I believe it has something to do with the fact that I am mainly emotionally driven, and I don't like big changes in my personal life. I suppose then the line "it is what it is 'till it ain't” reminds me of the fact that nothing in life lasts forever, that it's OK and that I just have to live in the moment and appreciate what I have while it lasts.
TPL: Where do you find your inspiration to photograph?
TC: I suppose my inspiration comes from the fact that certain types of images can evoke in me feelings and emotions of nostalgia, happiness and/or sadness. I find that absolutely mesmerizing and I want to be able to take such photographs as well.
TPL: Do you have any favourite artists or photographers you would like to share with us, and the reason for their significance?
TC: I wouldn't say that I have a particular favourite photographer that has influenced my style but rather the ability of certain photographs to evoke variety of feelings and to communicate emotions.
TPL: Since you have only just begun your photography journey, how would you describe your style and what else would you like to explore in the future?
TC: I believe the core of my photography will remain the same even in the long run...the desire to capture warm, positive and old-school looking photographs that can evoke and embody feelings and sentiments of happiness, nostalgia and the good old days' vibe.
However, there are some other styles and types of photography that I also want to explore in the future, such as a bit more intimate form of photography or shooting in a studio and working with fashion models etc.
TPL: Where is your favourite place(s) to photograph?
TC: So far, I have only been photographing on the streets of Bristol, but I would love to go and take photographs in places such as Prague, Manchester, Lisbon, Edinburgh and Berlin.
TPL: Do you think equipment is important in achieving your vision in your photography? What would you say to someone else just starting out?
TC: I suppose it might become more important in the future depending on what kind of photographs I will want to take and how, and of what quality.
Having said that, I don't think I need any special or expensive equipment to do what I do right now. I believe one doesn't need to have a super fancy camera to be able to just go out, explore, have a good time and take decent photographs.
To someone who is just starting out or thinking about starting, I'd say, your equipment doesn't really matter. I myself shoot with an older inexpensive compact camera, and I couldn't be happier. Just go out and take photos on anything you have that shoots. If you fall deeper for photography and would want to take it to a higher level, then start thinking a bit more about getting a better camera.
TPL: Are there any special projects you are currently working on?
TC: I am currently working on a platform called "Laid Back Visuals" which I hope one day will become a sort of feature magazine for like-minded photographers with a similar style to mine on Instagram.
I find it somewhat frustrating to see that the majority of street photography platforms out there tend to mainly focus on abstract, high contrast and fancy looking street photographs.
There are so many talented people out there who understand and portray street photography in a similar fashion as I do but it feels as if there aren't enough platforms to showcase such work. So, I would like to change that.
TPL: “If I wasn't photographing what would I be doing?
TC: If I wasn't photographing in my spare time, I'd most likely just watch movies all the time...I love movies.”
Tomas Cihak is a unique and captivating photographer whose work has the power to evoke emotion and feeling in the viewer. His combination of artistic ability and real life experiences, as well as his drive to connect with others through his photos, make him stand out from the crowd. If you're looking to explore the beauty of the ordinary, Tomas Cihak is the photographer you need to follow. Connect with him through Instagram to keep up to date with his work and get inspired by his unique perspective on the world.
