May 16 : 2024
Paul Lukin
Paul Lukin's first place-winning image is a testament to the camera's ability to reveal often-hidden parts of our world. The quality of the image is exquisite and definitive, capturing the grittiness of the setting and the beauty of tone and texture in black and white photography.
by Lily Fierman
1:00 minutes read
"Feathered Warriors: A Moment of Suspense"
Q:
Can you please tell us more about making your winning image, “Feathered Warriors: A Moment of Suspense”?
A:
"Feathered Warriors: A Moment of Suspense" was captured in Bangkok, Thailand.
The story behind this image began about a week prior when I met a man raising fighting roosters during one of my typical shooting days. As I photographed him interacting with his birds, he told me about an arena where enthusiasts gather on weekends to bet and compete. Intrigued, I decided to visit.
I bought a ticket at the arena entrance and discreetly hid my camera. Once inside, I started exploring and capturing the energy and tension of the place. After taking numerous close-up shots of the fights and the vibrant crowd, I noticed a scaffolding near the cockpit. It struck me as a potential vantage point. I climbed up quietly, leaned towards the pit, and began shooting, balancing myself with one hand. Anticipating the perfect moment, I took about 30-40 shots from above before climbing back down and continuing my session.
I gravitate towards black and white photography because it feels more mysterious and timeless. It is more of an interpretation of reality than a reflection of reality.
Q:
Can you give viewers a sensory description of this environment? What were the smells, temperatures, or general conditions in the arena?
A:
Bangkok is notoriously hot and humid, and this day was no exception. The arena, a large modified hangar with an aluminum roof, was stifling. The air was thick with dust, and the arena was packed with people, most of whom were enthusiastically preparing their roosters for the fights and placing bets. The heat was intense, with only a few fans providing minimal relief, and the noise was overwhelming from the constant shouting and cheering.
Q:
Can you tell us more about your creative decisions and artistic process throughout your work?
A:
My work delves into the emotional and psychological aspects of the human condition, often reflecting my personal experiences and struggles. I aim to evoke feelings and suggest ideas, leaving space for the viewer to interpret their own meanings. Each photograph is a fragment of my own emotions, with subjects often serving as metaphors or symbols for the stories or feelings I wish to convey. Each of my photographs should be able to stand alone as a strong, impactful piece, while also fitting cohesively into a larger narrative.
Q:
Why do you think black and white is your chosen palette and photography your medium? What unites your subjects?
A:
I gravitate towards black and white photography because it feels more mysterious and timeless. It is more of an interpretation of reality than a reflection of reality. By stripping away color, the focus shifts to forms, contrasts, and the scene's essence, inviting the viewer to engage more and encouraging imagination and interpretation.
I have just been following my instinct for what I want to photograph, and that feeling is really the key that ties them together.
Q:
Who are some photographers, artists, that inspire you?
A:
Currently, I draw inspiration from various sources beyond photography—songs, lyrics, movies, poetry, and books. Artists like Linkin Park, Charles Bukowski, and old master painters influence my work. However, there are several photographers that I’ve been looking up to from a very beginning, including Henri Cartier-Bresson, Dorothea Lange, André Kertész, James Nachtwey, Sebastiao Salgado, Elliott Erwitt, and many more.
Q:
What photographers, artists, creatives, or otherwise would you love to have a chat with?
A:
There are many, but I’d love to chat with photographer Trent Parke. I've been fortunate to meet and talk with some of the great photographers of our era, like James Nachtwey, Sebastiao Salgado, Steve McCurry, and David Alan Harvey. Beyond photography, I'd be thrilled to chat with individuals like David Lynch, Buzz Aldrin, Roy Jones Jr., and Kip Thorne.
Q:
What are you working on next?
A:
At the moment I am spending time between shooting and working out how several projects from the past few years fit together into one broader body of work.
Q:
What is your dream subject?
A:
The quiet atmosphere of the night—a solitary figure exuding emotion in a moody, atmospheric scene, perhaps with bad weather, rain, and shadows. Photography's unique ability to freeze fleeting moments and evoke deep emotions fascinates me.
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