Anna Illes
1. Can you introduce yourself and talk about how you got into photography?
I'm Anna Illés, an architect and photographer from Budapest, Hungary. Composition, light and paying attention to small details were always part of my day-to-day life and at some point I just started to pour all that into photographs as well. I can't remember an exact date when I started to go down this path but I call myself a photographer since I won my first award in 2019.
2. Where did you study photography?
I wouldn't even say I studied photography rather just started to experiment with my camera and slowly I began to create in a more conscious way. Being an architect helped a lot too to understand the concept of composition and the influence of light in a photo. I also widened my perspective by getting to know lot of photographers who now I can call my friends and we always shared our experiences with each other.
3. Do you remember your first shot? What was it?
I wish I could remember my first shot but I'm afraid that was too long ago.
4. What equipment do you use?
I use a Nikon D810 with one of the following lenses: a 14-24mm f/2.8, a 24-70mm f/2.8 or a 70-200mm f/2.8.
5. What do you hope to achieve?
I hope to achieve that my photographs make people feel something when they look at them. I wish I could exhibit them one day in a well-known museum.
6. What compliment inspired/touched you the most?
Whenever someone says that my work inspired them to learn photography or create their own art always makes my heart truly happy. It's an incredible feeling to influence people's life in such a positive way.
7. What inspires your unique storytelling?
What inspires my storytelling is to show the world that surrounds us all from a perspective that was not yet presented. It can range from noticing and photographing small, even "ugly" details and turn them into something artistic or finding unique angles at well-known tourist sites in big cities.
8. What THREE (3) words describe your photography style?
Different, emotional, determind.
9. Congratulations! As the winner of the London Photography Awards, what does it mean for you and your team to receive this distinction?
It is a great honor to receive such a recognition. Sometimes it's difficult to stop for a moment and truly value what's behind winning an award like this. Filling this interview out is a great reminder to really think about that it means that several, very accomplished industry professionals thought in a unanimous way that my series has a spot among the top pieces of work. It gives me great confidence to continue working for my goals in the future.
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?
I shot Perfect Illusion long ago in 2018. It was created with a Nikon D3100, a camera that is far from being at a professional level. I cherish this work even up until today because it always reminds me that it doesn't matter what you have in your hand what matters is what you have in your mind and you just have to find creative ways to make it work. And there is always a way to make it work.
11. How has winning an award developed your career?
It gave me the confidence to present and price my work in a different and it lead to several new opportunities like being a judge myself as well in smaller competitions or working together with great, international brands.
12. Name 1-3 photographers who have inspired you.
Jaka Ivancic, Alen Tkalcec, Lucien Hervé.
13. What was the best piece of advice you were given starting out, by a mentor or your role model?
Just keep practicing and never be afraid to show your true self. Dare to be different.
14. What advice would you give someone who would like to become a photographer today?
Just keep practicing and never be afraid to show your true self. Dare to be different. Honestly it's the advice I received and what I like to pass on as well. It's important to get to know yourself really well so you can transfer the way you see the world around yourself into your art in a unique way. The rest will follow. And try not to be perfect all the time just let feelings flow through you and your photos.
15. What is your key to success? Any parting words of wisdom?
Just keep going and be open-minded so in this way you'll never miss a good opportunity for learning.
16. How do you stay in that space of being receptive to new information and knowledge?
Luckily I'm naturally a very curious person so non-stop learning was always part of my life.
