Editorial, ArtistTeddy MarksApril 08, 2022Interview, Artist, Lukas Dvorak, Timeless Works, 13, XIII, Fine Art Book, Book, Coffee Table Book

Lukáš Dvořák

Editorial, ArtistTeddy MarksApril 08, 2022Interview, Artist, Lukas Dvorak, Timeless Works, 13, XIII, Fine Art Book, Book, Coffee Table Book

TIMELESS WORKS

Lukáš Dvořák

ph.: Lukáš Dvořák
t: Teddy Marks

Lukáš Dvořák is one of the most famous Czech photographers of his generation. On the one hand, he stages the beauty of his models in front of breathtaking backdrops in rough and wild landscapes; on the other hand, he portrays the mostly strong-character women in timeless elegance in a seemingly everyday setting, but always with a special twist and at times with a wink. We recently sat down together and briefly chatted about his current book "XIII" (also available here in our MARLEY Shop) and his working methods and plans.

Dear Lukáš, how did you start your day today?

Hi Teddy, I started my day very early today at 6.00, so it’s kind of long day today :)

Your extraordinary photos create timeless works of art that allow stories to appear around the photo in the viewer's mind. How do you prepare for these photo sessions and do you plan your sets exactly in advance, or do you sometimes create something spontaneous?

In recent years I have prepared everything in advance and I think that my work is becoming more and more complex. There were days when I just photographed models and got some random pictures from the sessions, but after years that wasn't enough for me. I want to create something original, so I decided to focus more on a creative way of photography.

Some photographers spend years looking for the right model for their project because they have a very specific type in mind. What about you? Do you sometimes get inspired by a model for a project?

Finding the right model is very difficult when doing nude photography, especially in this day and age when many models don't want to take pictures because they are afraid that the pictures will be seen on Instagram. So finding a good model is a long process. Most of the time I prepare a project and then look for a suitable model for it. But sometimes I also get inspired by a model and create a project especially for her.

“I want to create something original.”

According to which criteria do you choose your models for your projects?

It's hard to say. First of all, I like smart models, I can't photograph non-smart ones. The girl must be somehow original, specific, she must have a story to tell.

What fascinates you about good photos in general, and what must a good photo have to make you feel happy?

Every photo is different, so I can't say what the right spice is for a great photo. But there are some things that apply to great pictures in general: originality, own signature, dynamic, timelessness, experience.

What made you decide to deal with photography intensively and ultimately professionally?

I think everything was already on my path with me. I started doing it and I enjoyed it, so it automatically led to the moment when it became my profession.

What does nude photography mean to you today? How do you approach the topic?

With me it's a bit different than with other nude photographers. I don't photograph nudes because I want to see nudity, I photograph each image as fine art. As I've said over the last few years, I'm all about creating something new, creative and more complex. Nudity is natural to me. It is well connected to nature and timeless. Girls who are able to take their clothes off are at peace with themselves, and that's something special about them. It is a freedom.

“Nudity is natural to me. It is well connected to nature and timeless.”

Lukáš Dvořák “XIII”

Fine Art Book, 220 pages, 36 x 27 cm
Now in our MARLEY Shop:

LUKAS DVORAK - XIII

MARLEY SHOP

How did it come to your love and dedication to shoot your photos almost only in nature and outdoors?

It's kind of natural for me. Sometimes I like the studio, but it's just a background without emotions. Nature and the outdoors give me a lot of possibilities, atmosphere and emotions.

Especially when looking at the photographs in your current book "XIII", one can see that most of your photographs were taken exclusively in nature and outdoors. What is the biggest challenge for you when shooting nudes outdoors and what is your specific intention?

The cost :) Nude photography is an expensive hobby. Any travel, accommodation, payment is very expensive. With creative images, I have to pay for many things like assistance, cars and so on. If I have more money, I can travel more and pay for great models without thinking. Time is money. You can spend a lot of time with that too, just photographing and traveling. That's the biggest challenge for me.