Reka Koti
Reka Koti
Photographer
Berlin, Milan, Budapest
www.rekakoti.com
instagram @rekakoti
facebook
WHAT DO YOU DO?
“I am a photographer who specializes in analogue portrait and fashion photography, traveling extensively.”
WHAT STEPS DID YOU TAKE TO GET TO WHERE YOU ARE NOW?
I am mostly self taught but had some great photography masters in my life who taught me the unwritten rules of image making. I learned the techniques of analogue photography from the older generation of the most well know Hungarian photo journalists and portrait photographers and in the meantime I practiced mostly lighting and retouching skills as an assistant of a well known fashion photographer. As I became more and more confident on working with models I started to experiment with lo-fi cameras shooting fashion campaign for emerging designers.
How do you stand out in your field?
I challenge myself by working with lo-fi cameras and solely analogue technique. I love to merge lomography into creating fashion editorials, portrait series or covers for bands.
WHAT ARE YOU WORKING ON RIGHT NOW?
Apart from my commissioned fashion photographs I'm developing an international portrait photography project on gender identity.
WHAT'S YOUR STYLE/PERSPECTIVE/TASTE? DO YOU HAVE A PROJECT THAT REPRESENTS THIS?
I like to experiment with colors and lights and my analog photos are often swathed in grain and blur. Usually I am quite conscious about what I want to achieve. I have the pictures already made in my mind so I find the right model, location and technique to create it in real life. I prefer natural light and elements. I also love that spontaneous, unexpected glance or movement that makes it interesting and real.
WE ARE ALL SLASHIES WITH MULTIPLE SKILLS, WHICH ONE DO YOU WISH YOU COULD DO MORE OFTEN?
I am satisfied with experimenting and working as a photographer.
WHAT IS FRUSTRATING YOU RIGHT NOW?
I would love to conquer distances to work more in different locations.
IF YOU COULD HIRE SOMEONE FOR $20/HR, WHAT WOULD YOU HAVE THEM DO TO MAKE YOUR DAY EASIER?
Take care with the management side of the profession.
LET'S BRING OUT THE TIME MACHINE. WHAT DO YOU WISH YOU COULD HAVE TOLD YOURSELF, WHEN, AND WHY?
I focus on the present so wouldn't really change anything in the past but I would tell to every young photographer to be courageous, self confident and to keep on experimenting and practicing.
IF YOU COULD TALK TO AN EXPERT TO GAIN MORE INSIGHT ON SOMETHING, WHAT WOULD IT BE ABOUT?
I am intrigued by the world of international art fairs dedicated to photography (like f.e. Paris Photo or UNSEEN Amsterdam) and I would like to have a deeper insight on the curatorial methods behind the selection of the participating galleries.
WHAT KIND OF OPPORTUNITIES/PROJECTS ARE YOU LOOKING FOR?
I am looking to work on all projects related to portrait and fashion photography. I am equally intrigued in working with emerging designers, artist, bands or private persons.
DESCRIBE YOUR IDEAL JOB/CLIENT/COLLABORATION.
I love to work with clients with who we feel mutually inspired by each other concepts by speaking a common visual language.
WHAT IS YOUR HOURLY RATE, RETAINER, OR SALARY RANGE?
It depends on the project but I always prefer to leave enough flexibility in pricing so its suitable for both partners.
HOW SHOULD SOMEONE APPROACH YOU ABOUT WORKING TOGETHER?
I am approachable by any of my frequently used social media platforms or through my website.
HOW DO YOU STAY CREATIVE?
I keep on being curious.
This member profile was originally published in August 2018.