Krzysztof Krolikowski, Polish photographer living in London.
In 2011, I made the decision to return to film photography after working digitally for years. There’s something deeply personal and original about working with film on location and traditional photographic process in the darkroom. I love the unpredictability, the surprises that come with each frame. No two hand-printed images are exactly alike, and that uniqueness is what draws me in.
When shooting with my large format camera, I often use tilt and shift movements, which create intentional areas of blur and distortion. It’s a deliberate technique that adds atmosphere and depth to the image. Graflex Portraits reflects where my return to film began. The Graflex was the first camera I used after leaving digital - a symbol of slowing down, embracing the process, and choosing presence over perfection.
A skilled photographer understands that a meaningful photograph is not just a visual representation but a glimpse into the deeper layers of reality, revealing the hidden truths and emotions that are present in the subjects being photographed. To achieve this level of depth and authenticity in photography, one must possess a keen observational eye, empathy, and a profound understanding of the subject matter.
It involves perceiving the subtleties, nuances, and underlying emotions that might not be immediately apparent to the casual observer. By capturing these latent qualities, a photographer can create images that resonate with viewers on a profound level, evoking emotions and encouraging contemplation. In essence, this statement emphasises the transformative power of photography.