Paul Kwiatkowski
Where are you from and how did you get into photography?
The backdoor. I used to produce short form documentaries about photojournalists’ long-term assignments. It’s been a gift to work with so many ballsy, talented photographers.
How would you describe your work?
Refined crude.
Your work is very raw and free spirited, how do you approach your photo shoots and what is it typically like on set with you?
I generally like to work alongside red wine and a steady rotation of Pantera.
Easy breezy, fun and sleazy.
You photograph quite a few different types of things, from fashion to portraits from your travels. Tell us about where you have travel and what projects you have worked on there.
Last place I went to was Haiti. I went there to document a rarely seen Vodou pilgrimage. Being allowed to access and witness something so sacred and cloistered was an unforgettable experience.
You are into painting and multimedia how did you get into that and how has it affected your photography?
I got into those mediums first. I think multimedia work got me focused on narratives while painting got me into process and experimentation. Those aspects of photography are what I value most.
Since your work has a very unique feel to it do you feel it's harder to incorporate into commercial photography and paying jobs?
Yeah but at the moment I’m not interested in trying for a commercial style. That’s what I love about high fashion, is that it’s always seen through the eyes of visionaries. Most successful fashion photographers have an aesthetic that is initially seen as challenging. Fashion embraces that.
What type of equipment do you typically use?
Whatever is cheap and gets the job done. I’m really not a tech guy at all. Just the mention of new equipment or computer programs gives me a migraine.
Do you prefer film or digital? Why?
At the moment I'm into film. I think there is something really exciting about the developing process. Even when it doesn't come out as expected I love seeing fragments of the medium like grain/noise surface in the images.
Who are some photographers that inspire you?
Naturally I gleam a lot from my mentors like Larry Clarke, Boogie, Miron Zownir, Boris Mikhailov although lately I’ve been really into a lot of contemporary guys like Todd Hido, Hugh Lippe, Anthony Karen and Emma Summerton
What would be a dream shoot for you?
I dream to one day photograph a strip poker style séance with a schizophrenic model, a red head with gap teeth and male model with tourettes. I'd also love to photograph Béatrice Dalle.
Are there any projects you are currently working on?
I’m working on a new novel called Summer Chills.
Website: www.summerchills.com