Lowska A Brandis
TIFA 2024 Interview with Lowska A Brandis
1st Place winner in People, Professional, “Never Let Me Go”
Q: What drew you to the specific genre of photography you specialize in? Was it a personal experience, a mentor, or something else that sparked your interest?
Our love for classic Renaissance art, especially Dutch masters like Rembrandt and Vermeer, is our greatest inspiration. Their portrayal of people—particularly their masterful use of light and the natural essence of their subjects—continues to amaze us.
We love working with kids; it’s a fast-paced, fun-filled process focused on capturing the perfect shot. Our passion for fashion drives us to present the modern child in a way that’s both artistic and stylish, blending timeless elegance with a cool, contemporary aesthetic.
Q: How do you approach a new photography project? Can you walk us through your creative process, from concept to execution?
When starting a new photography project, we follow a structured but creativ process.
We begin with a concept and inspiration, sometimes from models we admire. We collect artistic images to set the mood and direction. Then, we plan how to create the best possible shot.
Q: Your winning project stood out to the jury for its unique perspective. How do you ensure your work maintains originality and authenticity in a competitive field?
We trust our instincts and stay true to our creativity. For us, authenticity means creating what we believe in, not just what pleases others.
We draw inspiration from many sources but always add our own touch to make each idea unique. It’s all about balancing inspiration with fresh creativity.
We take time to refine our ideas through experimentation. By pushing boundaries during the process, we find new perspectives and solutions that are both creative and practical.
Q: As a photographer, how do you balance technical expertise with artistic vision? Do you lean more heavily on one, or do they work hand in hand for you?
As photographers, we see technical skills and artistic vision as working together to bring ideas to life. Technical knowledge, like understanding lighting, composition, or camera settings, gives us the tools to turn our creative ideas into real, polished results. The key is balance: letting creativity take the lead while using technical skills to support and improve it. For us, it’s a continuous conversation between the two, and we wouldn’t have it any other way.
Q: What role does post-processing play in your work? Do you consider it an extension of your creativity, or do you aim to keep your images as natural as possible?
Post-processing plays a crucial role in our work. We view it as an extension of our creativity, where we refine and enhance the images to bring our original vision to life. It’s not about making everything look perfect, but about adding those final touches that bring out the emotions, mood, and details we want to emphasize.
Q: How do you stay inspired and motivated in an ever-evolving industry? Are there any specific sources—books, films, or other art forms—that fuel your creativity?
To stay inspired and motivated in such a fast-changing industry, we look for fresh perspectives and experiences that challenge us to think outside the box. We find that constantly exploring different art forms helps fuel our creativity. Books, films, and even other forms of visual art like painting or sculpture offer a wealth of inspiration. For example, we draw a lot of influence from the Renaissance—its emphasis on human expression, light, and perspective deeply resonates with us and fuels our approach to photography.Also, staying curious and learning from both our peers and the world around us keeps our passion alive. Whether it’s through art exhibitions, travel, or simply engaging with other creative minds, the constant exchange of ideas keeps us grounded yet open to new possibilities.
Q: Winning this award is a significant accomplishment. How do you plan to leverage this recognition to further your career or make a greater impact in the photography world?
This recognition gives us a platform to share our work and message with a wider audience. It opens doors for exhibitions, collaborations, and media exposure.
More than that, it motivates us to create meaningful projects that highlight deep human connections and underrepresented voices. It also brings new opportunities—partnerships, commissions, and mentoring emerging photographers—to inspire and push creative boundaries.
Q: How do you approach connecting with your subjects, especially in projects that require a deep level of trust and intimacy, such as portraits or documentary work?
We work a lot with kids. Connecting with kids, especially for projects that require a deep level of trust and intimacy, involves a different, more gentle approach. Kids are often more open and genuine than adults, but they also need to feel comfortable and safe.
Kids often need time to warm up to a new person or situation. We make sure to be patient, giving them the space they need to feel comfortable. It’s important to show that We are genuinely interested in them, not just as models, but as individuals.
A relaxed environment is key. We aim to minimize any pressure or stress, making the process feel as natural as possible. This could mean taking breaks or allowing them to interact with their surroundings, which often results in more genuine moments.
We learn about their favorite activities or hobbies before the session, which helps us incorporate something they love into the shoot. Whether it’s their favorite toy, a pet, or a hobby, involving these elements creates a sense of familiarity and comfort.
Kids are naturally spontaneous and often give the best moments when they’re not posed or directed too much. We try to let the session flow organically, capturing their expressions and actions in the most authentic way.
Q: In what ways do you believe photography can influence societal change? Have you worked on projects that aim to raise awareness or advocate for a cause?
Photography has a powerful role in influencing societal change because it can capture moments, tell stories, and evoke emotions that words alone can’t. Images have the ability to break barriers, challenge perceptions, and shine a light on issues that might otherwise be overlooked. They can humanize struggles, amplify voices, and create connections that drive action.
We’ve recently been working on an artistic project with a boy with albinism, focusing on his unique vision of the world. Through intimate portraits and storytelling, we aim to highlight his personal experiences, challenges, and the beauty of his perspective. The project seeks to raise awareness and promote understanding of albinism, while capturing the powerful, often overlooked insights that come from living with a different view of the world. It’s an exploration of both individuality and the universal human experience.
Q: What advice would you give to photographers about finding their unique voice in a crowded industry? How can they stay true to their vision while appealing to a broader audience?
Photography is more than making things look beautiful—it’s about telling stories. Find subjects and moments that speak to you and use your camera to share those stories in an authentic way. People connect with work that has real meaning behind it.
