Public Republic

Interview of Yana Radilova with the young photographer Dimana Zhelyazkova

Dimana Zhelyazkova is a Bulgarian teenager, almost 19 years-old. Ever since she was a little girl, she has had an interest in painting; but few years ago she discovered photography and now she “paints” mainly through the camera. Just a week ago she graduated from high-school and now she is about to start a whole new life. Dimana hopes that she will find out what the future holds with the help of her camera. Being an amateur photographer and icon painter, she has one simple dream – to become a professional one day.

Let me congratulate you on your fascinating photos! What makes you grab the camera and take such inspiring pictures?

Well, I don’t know what it is. It’s just something inside me. When I see something or someone I just tell myself: “Wow, this will become a great picture”, and then…I just take the shot.

How did you become interested in photography?

It happened naturally, so to say. When I bought my compact camera, I started taking pictures of almost everything. Later, when I went on a holiday in the mountain, I realized that I could use my camera for creating some form of art, and that was how it all started.

I am glad there are many young people who have the same hobby. Is photography modern now?

Maybe yes maybe no. I can’t tell for sure. But I believe that young people regard photography as their hobby because it is the art form, closest to their everyday life.

Do you follow the example of any professional photographers?

I admit that I don’t do this. I learn from photographers in one way or another by looking at their photos, but I also try to find my own way of taking pictures. I want to create my own style, without following someone else’s steps.

What is your main source of inspiration?

I can answer this question immediately. It’s nature. The beauty of nature has a magical power over me I can tell for sure that my best shots are made in nature.

What messages do you send through your photos?

I believe that everyone can find a different message when they look at my pictures. It depends on the viewer’s feelings in the moment of seeing the photo. But if I should define the message I send through my pictures it would be “Believe in the beauty of things.”

Why are you so interested in photographing the details? You are keen on flowerets, sunbeams, droplets, pages…

Well, I’m not very tall and so I consider the small details as my siblings, and I pay them special attention. But if I have to be serious…I don’t know. Maybe it’s because they are a perfect example of the idea that “the prettiest things come in small packages”.

Would you rather be a fashion or a nature photographer?

Should I even have to answer this question? Of course I would rather be a nature photographer.

What is your biggest dream at the moment?

Hmmm, my biggest dream. It’s hard for me to give an accurate answer. I believe that all dreams are big and important, but maybe my biggest dream right now is to be admitted at the university, where I want to study.

Have you communicated with other young photographers?

I have talked and hanged out with other amateur young photographers, but I still haven’t got the chance to communicate with some young professional. Yet, I hope that soon this will happen, too.

Finish this sentence: Photography is not…, but….!

Photography is not about showing people what you saw, but about showing people what they don’t see!

Follow Dimana on Flickr: http://www.flickr.com/photos/dio_0