Once in awhile, when we see some beautiful work of art, we ask ourselves, "If I could only ask a few questions..." Well, we did that. Monzuki came across Patrick Molnar's photography, and we enjoy the beautiful work of composition, color, story, and lighting. From his professional to his personal photography, they captured a moment that will last forever. Patrick answered a few of our questions, and we hope you will enjoy this posting by getting to know the person behind the camera.How did you discover photography?
My aunt Betsy got me into it. she is an amazing photographer and B&W printer in Cleveland, Ohio. Betsy Molnar.
How old were you when aunt Betsy introduced you to photography?
About 11.
What career path did you take to become a professional photography?
Basically hit art school at 18 and started assisting straight out of the gate. After that, for a super-talented fashion shooter named Liz Von Hoene. I stopped assisting at 25. Oh, and I married Liz' producer, and we now have the world's 2 most awesome kids.
Most photographer has a style or a technique they love to use in their work. What is Patrick Molnar's style and what makes your work different from other photographer?
I guess honest, real... real things you'd see in life. A lot of natural light, short depth of field and maybe a lil rough around the edges.
You are known for your split screen photographs, basically showing the same subject with two different point of views. Explain your concept behind your series of work.
Pretty simple. I was trying to show more pictures at once.
Who and what are your inspirations?
Personally, my Wife and children. My Dad. My Grandma. My Aunt. Professionally, Albert Watson is a gangster. I'd love to meet him sometime.
What kind of camera and lenses do you use? And how much post work is involved?
Mostly Canons and Hasselblad. Whatever will work best for whatever we are shooting. Not a lot of post work. Most times we'll put a color move on the images on set and leave it at that. If we are handling retouching, it is handled by Burn Photo.
What do you print your work on?
Epson Stylus Photo R2400 - Hahnemühle Photo Rag.
Where do you see yourself in the future of photography? Do you want to exhibit your work? Commission your work to art galleries? Build a stronger brand and business? or would you want to remain in commercial photography?
I'd probably stick with advertising/editorial. Some of the most creative stuff I see is assigned work. A lot of the "fine art" stuff I see is kinda... silly. How many ways can you shoot an anorexic/asexual girl standing in a field holding an antique shotgun with her left breast hanging out...? What I'm saying is, don't take it too seriously. You're making pictures, not saving lives. That said, I love pictures/photographs/paintings.
Monzuki would like to thank Patrick Molnar for his time. We hope this brings some enlightenment of Patrick's vision as a professional photographer, as well as some inspiration to your own creativity. Check out his website for additional photographs and updates.
In the meantime, feel free to send Monzuki an email and let us know what you think. Any comments about the blog (design, layout, artists) and how we could be a better blog are appreciated.
Have a nice day!
