Todor Tilev
1. Can you introduce yourself and talk about how you got into photography?
I am a Multi-Award-Winning Photographer. I am a Bulgarian Photographer, who for the last 18 years have been living in Ireland. My pictures have been published worldwide.
For the last few years, I have won hundreds of Competitions and Awards on both National and International levels. His pictures have been featured in post cards, calendars, educational courses, websites, newspapers, TV, magazines and galleries.
I have been taking pictures for many years as a hobby. This changed in 2016 when my camera was stolen from my car. This was the point, where I decided to take Photography more seriously. I like being outside and that’s why I like Landscape and Nature Photography.
Through my pictures I want to show the beauty of the Nature. For me, this is very important, because the scenes need to be realistic and not be overdone in the post process. For many years, I used to take pictures only of Landscapes and avoided any other types of Photography. With the years going by, I started taking pictures of anything I like. I realized that there is no point to restrict myself just in one type of Photography. As a person who, for my whole life has been involved in Sports, I started using ‘Periodisation’ for my Photography. In other words, I started taking pictures according to the seasons. This really moved my Photography to a completely different level.
In the last few years, I started working on many Projects and I like it. This is an area which I will continue working on in the future. Some of my most popular Projects are: ‘Bulgarian Churches’, ‘Copper Crafts Master’, ‘The beauty of the waves’, ‘Lost’ ‘Light and Shadow’, ‘In the world of Ladybirds’ and ‘Wild Atlantic Drive’.
In the last few years, I am very interested in ‘Fine Art’ and ‘Conceptual’ types of Photography. They are relatively new and have a huge potential and many opportunities to express myself as a Photographer. I am constantly, wanting to try new things and develop myself as Photographer.
Time passes by, I realized that Photography became something important for me to get away from reality. Through Photography I heal my soul and spirit, and use it as ‘catharsis’. Photography helped me to overcome many of my fears, connect with Nature and discover the inner part of me.
2. Where did you study photography?
I did not study photography. I have been educating myself through books and magazines.
3. Do you remember your first shot? What was it?
To be honest I cannot remember it.
4. What equipment do you use?
I use Fujifilm. At the moment I use Fuji X-T3 and Fuji X-T20.
5. What do you hope to achieve?
To show the world the 'Beauty of Nature'.
6. What compliment inspired/touched you the most?
Calling me 'Master'.
7. What inspires your unique storytelling?
I am inspired by the 'Beauty of Nature'.
8. What THREE (3) words describe your photography style?
Natural, Unique and Artistic.
9. Congratulations! As the winner of the London Photography Awards, what does it mean for you and your team to receive this distinction?
I accept it as recognition for my work.
10. Can you explain a bit about the winning work you entered into the 2022 London Photography Awards, and why you chose to enter this project?
It is one of my favorite projects and it is very unique.
11. How has winning an award developed your career?
Gives me motivation to continue taking pictures.
12. Name 1-3 photographers who have inspired you.
I love the work of many Photographers, but in reality feel inspired by Nature not by Photographers.
13. What was the best piece of advice you were given starting out, by a mentor or your role model?
Everything is in the Eye.
14. What advice would you give someone who would like to become a photographer today?
Enjoy Nature and take pictures of it.
15. What is your key to success? Any parting words of wisdom?
To be different and the same time to be myself.
16. Anything else you would like to add to the interview?
I would like to see the winning images to be published in a book.
