How did you get in touch with photography? Have you always been wanting to do it professionally?
My grandfather was a painter and my father a graphic artist, so I have been living in an artistic atmosphere since my early years, which determined my life in my opinion. There was no question that I am going to work in the artistic field, that's why I went to MOME, where I graduated as a designer. During my freshman year I also started photography but at that time it was just a hobby. Unfortunately, later on I had no time to focuse on it properly and a few years went by till, in 2005, I actually started doing it seriously.
What made you start photography again?
My sedentary job was the reason I started again. I was sitting a lot and really missed the outdoors. But I didn’t fancy hiking on its own, so I took my camera with me. This become a great motivation to go up the hilltop.
You are not a simple nature photographer, but a representative of the more extreme trend, called adventure photography. What does this mean to you, why do you do it this way?
Adventure photography is very complex, it requires hardness and strength, but also tenderness to capture the beauty of nature. Often the case, you have to sit 12 hours to finally see an eagle, but there are many times when you just wait and wait and don’t see anything. This is why nature photography taught me humility, for nature and the fauna. You have to respect nature’s rules, and rewrite your plan or accept that there is no picture if the eagle does not come. Of course I appreciate photography better if I have luck, and I'm going home with 1-2 good pictures on my memory card, but it is mostly about respecting your surrounding.
You've told me that photography has gradually grown from the hobby category to become your profession. Was there a trip that was especially memorable for you, after which you felt that capturing nature was more than a hobby, it has become your art?
Yes, my journey to Iceland was an outstanding experience. Walking in the totally untouched nature, on volcanic rocks, wandering next to huge waterfalls and Icelandic ponies who munch their grass peacefully. I felt extreme humility. We, urban creatures, have almost completely lost contact with nature, while the people living on Iceland still have the harmony with nature. This experience, the eagerness to have this connection, touched me very much, and I wanted to experience this unity again. That's how I started my journey, as a professional photographer.
Has your relationship with nature changed in some way as a result of nature photography?
Yes, clearly! I grew up in downtown Budapest, I'm a city girl, but many times I don't feel like it. Urban people in my opinion are completely separated from nature, looking down on it, and absolutely forgetting to appreciate its beauty. Since I am doing nature photography I have been incredibly humiliated by nature. I am gracious for these experiences, and I am trying show my love for nature through my pictures.
Many have heard mostly of male nature photographers. How does a woman exist in this more extreme category? Do you think that a female artist sees nature, and creates in a different way?
Adventure photography is not a feminine photography branch. Often 10-15 kg gear must be taken to a 2000m mountaintop, which is often a full-day march in wind or snow. Under such circumstances, it is difficult to compete with men. Partly physically, partly because they can travel alone more safely, and partly because it is easier for men to have a hobby and a family at the same time. In my opinion, as a woman, we cannot do this as easily.
What do you think is the difference between the vision of a female and male nature photographers?
I think the female vision is more subtle and sensitive than the men’s. I believe women look at the world with a different eye. For example I rode for 12 years, and I found that men command their will on the horse, while women often build a partnership and then start working with the horse. I think women also look at nature in such a compassionate way, and this can be experienced throughout their pictures.
What inspirations do you have? How do you get inspiration for your images?
Everything inspires me what is beautiful, so I have an easy job, I just have to go out to the nature. At the same time there are female photographers who always inspire me, for exampla the work of the Spanish photographer Marina Cano. National Geographic’s photographers are also very close to my heart, my great dream is to be featured once in the magazine. They have already shared one of my pictures on their Instagram, which I am very proud of.
What are your favorite moments? How does it feel when THE photo is done?
I'm in complete awe, these are fathomless moments. There is a constant desire in me after this feeling!
If I am at home, and I see that a nice sunset is happening, I must go out and try to find a good place to take photos of it. I also love eagles, mountains, waves, storm clouds passionately ... nature provides me with inexhaustible themes, which keeps coming on new ways.And even if it is difficult to get the equipment out or wait 12 hours, I won't give up, I will continue to climb high and take the harsh conditions for a really beautiful picture.
