Adolf Zika could have very well become an international athlete or a famed musician. Fortunately he decided to hold on to his camera and capture some of the most beautiful nudes and captivating portraits this world has seen. His retrospective book, ‘Luxurious Luminescence’ is an international bestseller and his documentary on Jan Saudek has won the prestigious Glass Eye Award at EuroFest. We spoke to the multitalented photographer to understand what motivates him and find out some more about his current projects.

How and when did the shutter bug bite you?
It was a coincidence actually. I never wanted to be a photographer. My brother was into photography and it was him who first enlarged photographs in our family. I was a top athlete and so my interests were different. I quit sports after I returned from Japan in 1991. What followed was a wild life until my brother took me to a large Harley Davidson motorcycle rally in 1993. I was a little bored and I borrowed a camera from a friend of mine and started taking pictures. When I returned home and had the photos developed, the laboratory staff thought the photos were taken by a professional. So I thought to myself that perhaps this was what I could do for a living now, instead of sports. 

You have won many a prestigious awards and accolades. What do these mean to you?
That’s difficult to say. But in the end the award I would always place at the top would be the one I received in 2000 from the Leica Academy at the World Photokina Exhibition in Cologne. I was among the six photographers chosen from around the world who were to represent the new spirit and style of Leica. As a result, I was a part of two worldwide Leica calendars.

What according to you makes an interesting photo calendar?
That’s an interesting question because photo calendars are one of the main sources of my income and not many people know that. Renowned brands often choose me to create their calendars. This is actually one of my few commercial activities because I don’t accept many commercial jobs. But to answer the question, a calendar is the most needless thing that I can imagine. Yet at the same time a daily glance at something which is aesthetic, funny, beautiful and creative can brighten up your whole year! It’s a supervalue- it’s a symbol of success. I always say that there is not a single rational reason to buy a Harley Davidson, but everyone wants it. This is similar.

I was greatly inspired by the American photographer of Czech origin, Antonin Kratochvil and furthermore by the late New Yorker, Richard Avedon.

What are your thoughts on Black-and-White photography?
Black-and-White photography is and will always be my main activity. It’s miles away from our realistic world but I want to continue to discover this world. I shoot colour art photography as well but I don’t use it to represent myself. I have hundreds of colour campaigns, calendars and advertising photos from the past but I don’t show it much. My artistic view is cleaner that way. I don’t want to affect my art with my commerce. 

What are your thoughts on your part retrospective book, ‘Luxurious Luminescence’?
This book has been out for three years now. It’s nearly sold out and it still brings me a lot of joy. Recently my new book titled, ‘One Year of My Life in 3285 Pictures’ was published which narrates one year of my colorful life. And next year, a book called ‘Happy End’ should be published which will include my photographic experiments with Polaroid 665 material.

You have also made a feature film dedicated to the photographer, Jan Saudek. How was that experience? How did it feel to chronicle the life of a photographer being a photographer yourself?
The film about Jan Saudek has a special place in my life. Jan is a person, whose character cannot be grasped. He’s enigmatic but most importantly he is one of those very few artists who truly sacrifice everything for their art. I worked on the film on and off for five years and I must say that several times I felt it’s going to end prematurely. Eventually it all ended well and I was able to assume the position of a humble observer who put together a mosaic about Jan without losing contact with his inner spirit. Last year, we won the Glass Eye Award for the Best Documentary Film at EuroFest in Montreal. Winning this prize for the film made me very happy.

What does Adolf do when not behind the lens?
I am not behind the lens as often as it may seem. I shoot larger things for roughly five times a year and work on my art for about two or three times a year. I dedicate the rest of time to my film and production company, my studio, my internet company and for screenplay writing and project preparations. I always have at least three or four things running simultaneously at any given point, probably to make sure I never get bored.

You had a lucrative career as a sportsman as well as a musician. Do you miss them now?
Not at the moment because I have again started active sports. I train children in Judo and my son has already been winning medals. I occasionally help my brother with his preparations for skateboard competitions (he represents the Czech Republic at Europe and World Championships) or I’m in the studio recording an album, as was the case only a few months ago. So I try to use the 24 hours in a day as much as possible.

I always have at least three or four things running simultaneously at any given point, probably to make sure I never get bored.

Which photographers have inspired you?
I was greatly inspired by the American photographer of Czech origin, Antonin Kratochvil and furthermore by the late New Yorker, Richard Avedon. I am also inspired by the work of Anton Corbijn, who I am still in touch with, and other greats like Ralph Gibson and Elliott Erwitt

Do you plan to be a full time film maker any time soon?
No I’m not planning that but after finishing a documentary film about the most famous automobile race in the world, the 24 Hours of Le Mans, I’m currently preparing my first full-length feature film.

What is your take on nude photography?I began my career as a reportage and documentary photographer and I was always drawn to this type of photography the most. But growing up in a high school where I was amongst very few boys and mainly surrounded by girls, I learned to communicate with women. I felt that my potential success lied there and when I reached the crossroad I decided to go in the direction of nude photography.

What are your thoughts on printing in photography?
I still enlarge my Black-and-White photographs using the classical method. Although it’s very expensive, it’s one of my principles. As for my colour photographs, I have those printed.

What printing equipment are you using currently?
In the dark room, my technician works with Durst equipment and Epson equipment for prints.

	Quick Three: Your Favourite Shoot- There are too many photographs I could include. It doesn’t seem fair to pick just one. Your Preferred Location- I cannot reveal the locations, but they include specific islands around the world. Your Ideal day - I wake up in the morning on an island where I’m on production. I shoot the whole day and later spend the evening talking for hours into the night with my crew.

Photos by Adolf Zika | Fotosocial