I’m Slovak/Canadian photographer, born in 1965. I’ve studied photography and fine arts. Professionally, I started at a local daily newspaper at Medicine Hat, Alberta, while contributing to the Canadian Press. After that, I worked for the Winnipeg Sun, TASR and Reuters. Since 2003, I'm part of the staff at Agence France Presse (AFP) in Vienna, Austria as the regional chief photographer responsible for Austria, Slovakia, the Czech Republic and Slovenia. Between 2011–2014 I was based in Los Angeles, USA, and have now moved back to Vienna where I am currently based. I have been covering news, sports, politics, entertainment and documentary events.
What makes a great adventure & action sports image for you?
I like when an adventure and an action picture blend into one. I love the big landscapes or cityscapes, well composed and captured in a beautiful light, with a small human element reaching its peak action moment. I like the contrast between a huge nature/environment while showing a small human being, taking its part in the front of a gorgeous backdrop.
What is your relationship with photography?
When I was 6 years old, my father loaded a twin-lens reflex camera with a roll of 6x6 B&W film for me; and it instantly became love at the first sight. Ever since I can remember I was taking pictures. Photography has been always the largest part of my life. It has become my lifestyle. It is a brush and a pencil giving me a chance to express myself. It is my life time hobby.
A few tips and tricks for photographers?
You need to have a passion and a love for the photography. Take pictures daily. More you do it, better you get. Be patient. If the results are not great spend more time shooting. Master your gear but don’t use too much of it. Less is more. Experiment. Try to get a better idea of what you want to capture in your picture. What you want to say with your picture. Study other photographers' styles and try to find your own.