He is from Budapest and has a name to remember if you feel like stopping the time and stepping away from the fast-paced and busy surroundings we live in. Akos Major is a landscape photographer who uses his photographs as a kind of meditation. Shooting both deserted and urban places with a unique perspective and a crisp intensity despite the overcast weather, he manages to conduct a sense of appeasement in us – like a real therapy. We caught up with Akos for quick chat before he gets too busy working on his first exhibitions.
You are Hungarian, and currently live in Vienna, Austria. When and why did you move there?
We moved in October, last year. Vienna is not far from Budapest, and a little change is quite good sometimes, I think. Vienna is awesome. Budapest also, but I lived there 19 years, I felt it’s time to see something else.
What’s your background, what did you study?
I studied classic graphic design in the Secondary School of Arts, in Pécs, a unique town in Hungary. Then I went to the University of Arts and Design (MOME) in Budapest. I studied video art there, don’t ask me what it’s all about – then I got a degree of Visual Communications.
Is Photography your full time job, or a passion? Do you shoot commercial stuff?
No, I don’t. I work as freelance graphic designer, photography is a passion of mine. Love them both, different worlds.
Have you already exhibited anywhere?
Not yet. I never looked for the opportunity to exhibit. But it seems I can resist no longer, looks like there will be exhibitions this year.
Where do you see your future?
Can’t tell it right now, I have to see more. For example i’m longing to islands. Did you see ‘Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter… and Spring‘ from Ki-dik Kim? The monk’s floating temple is a kind of my dream home.
What is your favourite media, print or digital?
Both has its own way, i feel comfortable with each. A part of me needs the material, but we’re happened to be here now, so let’s see what we’ve got with digital media. I don’t read e-books for example, I feel uncomfortable with e-readers. I use a DSLR, but i’m going to buy a large format camera this summer. I’m excited.
What camera do you use, and how did you develop your style?
I use a Canon EOS 5d Mark2, for post-processing I use Photoshop – for me, it’s just more useful than Lightroom.
Your pictures bring me a sense of peace, sort of like time was on hold. Often surrounded by snow, it feels to me like everything has turned into silent when I look at your pictures. Is this what you are aiming for? How would you qualify your work?
I photograph what I see. Maybe i turn into the other direction with my cam, than some other photographers. Maybe I look for other weather conditions. I like to work slowly, in silent places, where I can get lost in the ambiance. My photographic work is the essence of what I see, how I feel when i’m around with my gear.
What inspires you?
Most of all music. I can’t really name one person as favourite photographer, but there are some, who’s work i’m into. Pros and amateurs, well-or lesser known artists.
What is a typical day for you (if any!)
In the morning i’m checking my mails, discussing photographic topics with people, galleries, magazines and so. Replying to editorials. It takes time. Then comes a few hours with work and I get hungry. I love turkish food. Again, working a bit or selecting/processing my photos. I ride a lot with my bike. I usually shoot in the weekends or when i’m abroad, often in holidays. Everyday I wake up early, and i’m fine with this
Discover more of Akos Major’s Photographic work here: http://akosmajor.com/