An interview with interior & architectural photographer Tomáš Slavík

“I jumped into photography in my early teenage years. I was into mountain bikes and races. During these events, I kept being fascinated by photographers and their gear, until I bought my first DSLR at age 14. The decision to study at high school became easy then. I then studied at the Graphic School of Prague in the photography department and later continued onto the Academy Arts and Architecture, but I voluntarily left this institution after a couple of years.”

Firstly, pictures of mud-covered cycling athletes managed to direct him into photography studies.

He studied at SPŠG Hellichova and later on the Academy of Arts, Architecture and Design in Prague. However, during second grade at university the desire to travel won over academic life.

He packed 22 film rolls and left to wander on other continents. He did not appear in school again, however he consider the environment crucial for his following work.

Currently, he's interested in all reflections and shades of glass, architecture and product design. In the final photograph, he find the most satisfying presence of space, order and purity.

In his spare time he's going back to the beginning - muddy bicycles.

Bikepacking expeditions in great distances or the neighbourhood he considers for personal mental source, following outcomes like presentations, books and print for his free creation.

Hi Tomáš, many thanks for taking the time to share with our community, I’m a true admirer of your work and was thrilled you very kindly agreed to give up your time for M.mode.

Can you tell us what has been keeping you occupied recently throughout 2021 and what your plans for 2022 and beyond?

Hi Pete, thank you for having me.

2021 was an interesting year with some proper ups and downs. Due to the construction sites delay caused by the pandemic, most of my work was postponed. So we used the freetime to start renovating the old house from 1913 and moved in later on. Most of the things we did on our own. Being a DYI builder gave me some new bright insight into architecture.

2022 is open to many ideas, but I still feel busy with the current year. I have some photography related travelling in my mind and I’m excited to spend some time ski touring in the Alps of Austria.

Wow, this all sounds very exciting and positive. I’ve always fancied a renovation project or even to build my own home, however I’m not sure that my DIY skills are up to requirements. I am handy with a paint brush though!

Could you tell us a bit more about your pasts, your education, ethos and how you both approach your work currently?

I jumped into photography in my early teenage years. I was into mountain bikes and races. During these events, I kept being fascinated by photographers and their gear, until I bought my first DSLR at age 14. The decision to study at high school became easy then. I then studied at the Graphic School of Prague in the photography department and later continued onto the Academy Arts and Architecture, but I voluntarily left this institution after a couple of years.

The following way was zigzag. I made my way through sport, event, fashion photography which I left behind into the current state of architecture and design photographer.

I’m becoming a slow photographer, who is trying to capture the space in its own essence and clear shapes. Most of the time trying to avoid all those forgotten blankets. When it fits the project I like to work with exaggeration or humour better.

I like to leave a location with the feeling I captured everything I could. When it’s possible I like to follow projects for years - from construction to final touches.

What a lovely way to work. I think we’re all craving a similar attitude - taking our time, really studying and appreciating a subject from all sides.

I feel in this fast paced society we find ourselves under pressure to perform and not completely enjoying the exercise as much as we should be. The images we produce have to draw emotion from the viewer and if we, the photographers aren’t emotionally engaged in our subject what hope do we have. Fingers crossed more clients allo us the time to practice in this way.

How do you go about getting work and what do you find is the best solution you've found?

Till now most of my work is based on references and it magnetised other work itself. 

If there is some spare time I directly approach architects or designers with certain ideas or projects.

Currently, I’m starting to care more about the afterlife of photography in the media. Part of it I do on my own, selected projects are covered by a PR agency.

Nice, interesting way in working with a PR agency, I’ve never thought of that.

Where do you see the future of photography heading, not only in our genre but as a whole?

I feel like a certain level of photography is reached by many - thanks Instagram.

Some departments are going to be or already have being replaced by technologies and CGI.

But I do believe the photography I personally admire is focusing on consistent work based on human sense and mistake. And yes - it takes years and is demanding to implement…

In this idealistic idea, will photography remain a mastercraft for centuries made only by a few?

That is an interesting outlook.

Yes, I think that with Instagram and other social platforms they have become diluted with the ‘preset’ generation of photographers whose only attitude is to create new content at a very fast pace - but for what?

Now I’m not saying that is a bad thing and congratulations to those who can keep up with the pace, but I fear that what I’m seeing on these platforms has become very one dimensional and everything is slowly blurring into one. I know it is incredibly alluring to post and see the numbers shoot up, but it takes time to create something unique and original.

I do feel these outlets have slightly become an echo chamber of themselves. As the new generations of cameras continue to produce such high quality images, with minimal effort, I’m very interested to see where we head. Ok, rant over…

What is the interior and architectural scene like where you live and is this where do you do most of your work?

Most of my work is based in the Czech Republic, with occasional assignments abroad. We’re a small country so the scene is equivalent. Many processes are based on personal connections. It has its cons and pros.

In the Czech Republic, we have a tragically long and complicated building approval law system which means bigger buildings can take up to a decade to build. That's pulled handbrake for architecture. Despite that, I think the architecture scene is blooming and the renomé of some studios will sooner or later overflow our tiny borders.

That can be frustrating. Lets hope you are at the front of the queue when people need a photographer.

As a photography community we love a bit of gear talk, could you tell us what equipment you have in your bag and enlighten those who aren't familiar a little bit more about your process and editing.

Currently, I use Canon and the full range of shift lenses. I’m thinking about giving Sony a chance, because of its extremely flexible and low noise raw files, although I don't like the body construction.

Most of the time I shoot tethered to the iPad.

Maybe Fujifilm GFX will make me happy one day when they release shift lenses? 

Sitting behind a computer is killing me, as much as I can do on location I do it. Every time I do the selection, grading and basic retouch on my own. When the weeks get busy, the last step is covered by a retoucher.

I hear you on the camera front. I feel so much is being dangled in front of us right now and temptation is high. I’ve mentioned many times on here do I give the new Nikon Z9 a try - although might be a while due to further delays - or the GFX systems.

I’ll probably stay put this yeat with the Nikon D850. The only thing that is tempting me is the video quality. I’m doing more video and need a camera that supports both high quality video along with photography.

Do you feel that you're happy with the work you produce?

Yes.

But, the personal shift is constant and a few months after I made my XXXX_final_final.tiff I would do some another correction

I’m learning to respect my past decisions.

I’ve recently been going back into the archives of shoots from 2, 3, 5 years ago and some of the imagery is quite frankly embarrassing. I think this can be a healthy way of seeing how much you have improved but also have far you have to go.

Do you have any advice for aspiring photographers to keep motivated and pushing yourself forward?

Imagine you’re an architect. To build the first house? It takes years. Be happy the photography is faster to see first results, but still it will take years to develop a certain consistent style.

How lovely, nicely put.

I think we should talk a bit about copyright.....How do you go about educating your clients about licensing and is there anything we can be doing better to inform our clients better?

Way of expressing the value of your photography for a client can be challenging. First I try to educate myself, be aware of what is my right.

At the proposal, I’m always trying not to use more law language that is needed. I’m specific about who is the holder of the licence, where and how photographs can be published and I mention no third party usage.

You should have some proper law forms prepared, especially when it comes to bigger international brands.

Where do you draw your inspiration from and how do you go about creating your stylised look?

Bit of a cliche, but the best inspiration comes from inside. The main source for me is spending time outdoors. Multi-day walks or bike-packing trips without cellular reception give a nice chance to reveal ideas, think and charge energy.

I think it is only a good thing to get away from things for a while. and clear the mind.

I remember when I was at uni, if I’d hit a bit of writer’s block or a wall of creativity I’d step back a for a few days. It was always in these moments when not even thinking or considering my work and idea would pop up.

Do you have a favourite thing you like to shoot and why?

After 15 years of photography, I like to capture architecture and design the most. I like the fact that you can work in your tempo, reveal your own style and manifest your unique point of view. Then there is the thrill when you observe the forecast day before the shoot and it's 50/50 sun or fog. The rushing adrenalin when the sun is falling behind the horizon and you’re sprinting around to catch the last ray of sun.

I’m kind of magnetised by things with utility design. When the shape, material is strictly under the control of function. I’m finding it in transport infrastructure - bridges, highways, underground stations or even ski lift operation buildings.

I’m a huge fan a minimal and simplistic design with leading lines and calming moods.

What would say the highlight of your career would be to this point?

This question is tough. There is no project standing above others. I enjoyed most of them.

Definitely the most nominated and awarded was Sports City Hall in Modřice (Architecture Gran Prix 2020) and Town Hall in Prague by Bod Architects. Both were photographed during the very first lockdown and both were very hard to cover due to their large area. These architecture pieces were full of sculpture-like spots, colours and vistas thru spaces

My wish or future highlights is architecture in the conditions of the sea, desert or ice.

Now that sounds very interesting and one we’ll all look forward to seeing. Do share with us some imagery when you’re under way.

Do you have any favourite photographers that inspire you and anyone you think we should be keeping an eye out for?

In recent year I liked the work of Rasmus Hjortshoj (studio COAST) for the Lego museum and the observation tower in Denmark.

Friends and coworkers of mine from Czech - Zdenek Porcal and Petr Dub ( Studio Flusser ) are definitely worth checking out.

Will do.

Lastly, what have you learnt and taken away from the past years events?

I realised much more about the interconnections of the global world we’re living in. The system which manifests itself as big and strong is in fact super fragile.

One bacillus and one stuck boat can do a lot. Surprisingly from my point of view, I’m glad it happened. I feel it is an opportunity to see the world a little more realistic, close some of the old, non- working structures and open new ones.

Well we wish you all the continued success within your work and portfolio

Many thanks for Tomáš for giving up his time to share and discuss his work and ideology with us.

To see more of Tomáš’ work click on the following links - Website - Instagram