May 17 : 2024
Olga Steinepreis
A simple moment of calm under a blanket of dappled light reminds us of the safety of youth and the bond of family.
by Lily Fierman
1:00 minutes read
Q:
Can you please tell us more about making your winning image, “Brothers”?
A:
A couple of months before the photo was taken, I was watching the shadows cast by the curtains in our living room and thought about how beautiful they were. I came up with the idea of shooting someone with them. I tried doing other takes before this one, but they didn't appeal to me.
I came across these shadows again on a sunny day in summer when my sons were playing there. So, I asked them to sit on the couch next to the window. I grabbed my camera and jumped onto the couch. As I was trying to shoot, they started laughing and wanted to continue their game. Then we made an agreement with the boys for 5 more shots, with them not laughing and just relaxing. Before I finished my 5th shot, they began laughing again and ran away, but after all, I got the shot I needed.
Q:
In the description of this image, you say, “After all, neither of them two recall a time before he had a brother.” Can you expand on this more? What led you to write this?
A:
In my description, I wanted to express the closeness between these two boys and how essential it is for them to have a brother. It's just a natural thing. My second son is 22 months younger than his elder brother. Both of them are unable to recall the time when they were not together. The old one was too young to recall this. Although they may argue, they miss each other when they separate for a short time.
Q:
Who are some photographers, artists, or creatives that inspire you?
A:
If we are talking about black and white photography, I would start with the classics like Richard Avedon, Duane Michals, and Peter Lindberg. I can continue this list for a long time. But I am also a huge fan of surrealists such as René Magritte and Giorgio de Chirico. I also find a lot of inspiration in the works of modern and young artists, by reading photographic magazines or shortlists of different competitions.
"Brothers Laughing"
My second son is 22 months younger than his elder brother. Both of them are unable to recall the time when they were not together.
Q:
Tell us about the creative decisions behind this image, such as the dappled light or the black and white palette.
A:
The first edit of this photo was done in color, and it resembled an underwater scene to me. But then, once I tried to make it black and white, I was impressed by how deep the picture became. There was nothing superfluous or distracting from the two faces. And the border has disappeared. When a boy's shoulder touches another's, they become one. I edited the lights and shadows once again and found that the result was perfect for me.
Q:
What photographers, artists, creatives, or otherwise would you love to have a chat with?
A:
I'll probably keep it a secret so that it will definitely come true someday.
Q:
What are you working on next?
A:
In the last months I've been working on my new project about motherhood. Also, I am currently studying online at the Academy of Documentary and Art Photography Fotografika and making small projects as my homework, where I try to expand the boundaries of my art.
Q:
What is your dream subject?
A:
I dream of creating a photo book based on one of my projects. Or rather, create a new project that could be designed and published as a photo book.
ARTIST
