Interview with Hungarian Documentary Photographer Zoltan Vancso

For Zoltan Vancso, just as every little coincidence can play an important role in producing
a picture, every chapter of my life was undoubtedly necessary from the standpoint of
developing himself as a photographer. Thanks for accepting our invite Zoltan.
Please read and inspire yourself.

When did you first discover your love for photography?

I was 14 years old when I began to use my father’s EXA camera and his photo-lab
equipment.

Why did you choose to pursue documentary and people photography

as opposed to other forms of photography?

At the beginning (in the first 15 years) it seemed to me naturally to take photos of
scenes with people once I’m also one among them. However, in the last 5 years,
as I’ve been changed, I’ve been turned to make (not ordinary) landscapes without
any people…

What are the characteristics that a good Documentary Photographer /

Photo Journalist needs to have?

Curiosity, humility, sense of humour, promptness and awareness.

Your idea between classic and contemporary photography?

I do not care about categories. For me, there are only consciously created
genuine, profound photographs and consciously or accidentally made bluff
without any profound content. It is decidable at one glance.

According to Zoltan, what makes a good picture?

I only expose when the matter (message) and the form (composition,
visual principles) have equal importance.

What is your most memorable story in photography?

I have countless little inside-experiences during my authorial life
without any big stories. I prefer to avoid agonistical treats because
they only have power to need the next one instead of remaining l
onger in the current one.

Please share few words about your books/publications?

I prefer to collect my works in a photo album or in a slideshow like
musicians who time after time try to publish a CD or plan a live tour.
Single images without converging form can easily run to waste.

You are conducting workshops. Few words about that?

The most important part of these workshops is focusing to the awareness
of the creation (independent of the genre) and I help to reach this state
of mind with different and uncommon methods (certain yoga and meditation
practicing).

Which photographers have inspired you?

• Henri Cartier-Bresson
• Josef Koudelka
• André Kertész
• Lenke Szilágyi
• Miklós Gulyás

What does Zoltan do when not behind the lens?

I often run and swim (with music!), wintertime goes to spinning and
regularly practices yoga and zazen (without music). Besides, I read a
lot and go to concerts (mostly classical and jazz).

What do you most appreciate in your friends?

They let me to be their friend.

What do you consider your greatest achievement?

My feature-length slideshows (so far six of them) and my workshops.

What is your idea of happiness?

Happiness depends on only us. And it is no important at all to always
be happy. If someone is able to “enjoy” unhappiness, he or she will be
able to value happiness, as well. Happiness is a state of grace. Actually
like unhappiness is it, too.

What is your favorite motto?

Only the one who walks ahead can allow himself the pleasure of being
grateful to the one who passes him. – Miklós Mészöly

Thanks again for providing 121 Clicks with this opportunity

to interview you. Any final thoughts for our readers?

Art does not guarantee any kind of salvation. That is beyond its realm
of authority. It can only seduce, illuminate. The air becomes clearer after it.
Not clear, just clearer. – Miklós Mészöly

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