Sunday Edition: Paula Stopka and Niki Boon

PHOTOSNACK #214

Every Sunday, I reach out to photographers previously featured on PHOTOSNACK and ask them to send me their spontaneous thoughts, observations, reflections, or advice.

Today, I am sharing with you the messages I got from Paula Stopka and Niki Boon.

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Paula Stopka

Photographing during midday can be a big challenge.

When I first picked up a camera, I’d shy away from the harsh sunlight, thinking it would ruin my shots. But truth be told, I didn’t know how to work with it. Over time, I learned to embrace it and discovered how to use it to add mood to my photos. When the sun is high, especially in urban environments surrounded by buildings, it can cast very strong, sharp shadows, providing a great opportunity to capture creative pictures that can add a dramatic and moody feel.

This image was taken during midday, and because I always look for symmetry in my photographs, I asked my model to try to lean forward. It was quite a challenge and took a few attempts because I had to make sure I pressed the shutter button at the right time. Ultimately, we nailed it and were very happy with the final result!

Next time you’re out during midday, I challenge you to give it a try and experiment with harsh light and shadows.

Paula Stopka was featured in PHOTOSNACK #163.
You can follow her on Instagram here.

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Niki Boon

A piece of advice that I have been coming back to time and time again is 'Curiosity over passion,' and I have been working to listen to, embrace, and be led by my curiosity as much as possible ever since.

It has led me to pictures I would not have thought of making in places I would not have thought of going.

The photo above was taken from a point of view I do not usually think of in a part of our area I had never considered visiting before.

Niki Boon was featured in PHOTOSNACK #171.

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Sunday Editions connect you with photographers whose work you previously explored through PHOTOSNACK.

I want to reveal some authentic parts of the people behind the cameras.

I don’t ask them any specific questions. I ask them to share whatever pops into their mind when thinking about YOU - the readers of this newsletter.

It makes their responses genuine and personal.

I hope you enjoyed today’s Sunday Edition.

Until next time,
Tomasz