Karen Iwachow, a young photographer who was born in Prague and has lived most of her life in Canada, was recently in India to explore her love for photography. She spills some beans on the beginning of her wonderful journey as a photographer and the story so far.

How and when did you start photography?
I remember when I was ten I was in a camera store with my mom who was buying a camera. I was watching her with my nose on the counter and looking up to all the different cameras on the shelf. She bought a Minolta film camera and I was so excited.

I remember getting back some prints from the lab and seeing double exposed photos, of course then I did not know they were called double exposed photos. The images had become an interesting collage of big waterfalls and leafy trees superimposed on ghostly images of my brother and I in our halloween costumes. I saw this and it amazed me, that's when it all started.

How has been the journey so far?
It's been an interesting ride so far; in college I completely skipped out on my portrait classes, not realising that it was actually my passion. I've travelled a fair bit and was shooting architecture and still life, all the while feeling something was missing. One day I was looking at Phil Poynter's work and it clicked, portraits! But I still haven’t forgotten my love for still life. So my journey so far has been me moving away from my passion and about discovering it again!

What in photography interests you the most?
I like to capture character and mood, whether be it from a person, place, or an object. Especially things that are there everyday but people seem to overlook.

Any particular photographers Indian and International who have inspired you or whose work you follow?
Nadav Kander has been a big influence and a great inspiration. Phil Poynter's portraits are also a true inspiration. I love the use of daylight in both Kander and Poynter’s work. Working with the ambience of the environment has so much more of an impact than creating it artificially. Bharat Sikka nails that style perfectly as well. His use of color is very stimulating.
 
How would you describe your style of photography?
I'm not sure how to describe my minimalist style without breaking the meaning of minimalism. I like things simple!

How has been your experience in India?
India is incredible. I love that ancient traditions are still tied within the modern world there. On my most recent visit I spent some time in Goa and met up with some magazines. 

How does your home town contribute to your art?
I was born is Prague, Czech Republic but lived most of my life in Canada. My Czech roots have an indelible influence on my work and have always been an inspiration for me. I have a great love for European art and its history. Josef Sudek was a world war one veteran who only had one arm. He photographed the everyday life scenes in Prague. His work was a great inspiration for me.

Have you had any formal education in photography?
I attended Humber College in Toronto for two years. I missed a month of my last semester to take on an opportunity to see India. In turn I felt I gleaned a greater understanding of the photo industry there, than what the program had to offer. I am still glad I went to college, it provided a grounding for what was to come next.

What does Karen enjoy other than being behind the lens?
I like rock climbing, preferably outdoor climbing. It's a great feeling being right up to the raw core of nature.

What are your thoughts on printing in photography?
Printing seems to be relegated to status of the obsolete, pushed out by the digital take-over. I think printing is a very important part of photography. A print has a bigger and better impact than seeing an image on screen. There is something more real about a hard copy print.

What printer are you using currently?
Currently I own an Epson 2200; it has been good to me. I printed my most recent portfolio on it.

A memorable shoot that you would like to share with us.
I was in a small village in the mid south of Czech Republic visiting some distant family I had never met before. After two hours of driving we pulled up in front of a classical Southern Czech cottage along a lake. As we approached the gate I noticed many small noses sticking out from under the fence sniffing fiercely. The entire front gate and fence around the front of the house was lined with these small poking noses. The gate opened and the ground was scattered with small dogs. We just had arrived at the feeding time of these cute pups. My great uncle, sitting on a bench in front of the house, would pick up a pup, pet him and tell him  “you're my favorite, yes you are" put him down and pick up another one, telling her the same thing. One by one the dogs took their petting turn. It was such a moment, yielding probably one of my favourite photos to date.

Quick Five

Your Favourite Camera
Pentax K1000

Your Favourite Printer
Epson 4000

Your Favourite Shoot
Has yet to come

Your Preferred Location
Outdoors

Your Ideal Day...
Always has chocolate

Photos by Karen Iwachow | Fotosocial