With not one but two images in the making it to the semi-finalist stage of the Image Quest 2019 in the Masterpiece by EyeEm category, we wanted to find out a little more about the person behind the lens. Filip’s images take intriguing concepts to extraordinary locations and produce beautiful results that perfectly match the description of the category.
Read the interview to discover more!
Now you’re a semi-finalist, describe what the ‘Masterpiece by EyeEm’ Category means to you…
Absolutely humbled to be selected! Especially considering the volume of images submitted this time around… Masterpiece by EyeEm was the category that first attracted me to the contest, so it feels even better!
How would you describe yourself as a photographer?
I like to see myself as a silent observer, pushing the limits with a simple, raw and honest approach. But it’s up to the spectator to pin me!
Talk us through the process for both shots – did you find the location first, then have the idea? Or the other way around?
It really can go both ways; from having a concept/location and try to make it come to life. Or just go with the flow. Both shots that got selected were on the spontaneous side of things and not premeditated.
Living in the Swiss alps, the winters are long and you have to get creative. We had been dabbling with the idea to skateboard on ice for a few years, but it never really happened … Eventually, my good friend Ivo (pictured) found a way to make it work and off we were. Pure fun run & gun session on the cold, frozen lakes in the middle of the Swiss alps.
We were on a trip with the Doodah crew (a Swiss shop). Timmy had been playing with this spot for a while, did a few sweepers on the edge and then went straight to the signature frontside flip. You can feel when everything aligns and something special happens. That frontside flip was simply perfect: the skating, the spot, the light and the execution. Definitely one to remember.
Who are your biggest influences in photography?
It might sound cliché, but life is my biggest influence. Family, people, culture, travel, music, art and the mash of it all makes my persona and ultimately my photography what it is. I admire photographers with a clear vision and uncompromising approach - Boogie, Brian Gaberman, Ben Thouard, Anton Corbijn, Stephen Vanasco, my good friend Sergio Villalba… there are so many people putting out great work…
Any athlete you would love to shoot with?
I love to work with athletes who have a good sense and understanding for photography and the big picture of concepts. When the athlete and photographer are in sync, the magic happens. It would be amazing to shoot with Brandon Semenuk or Mark Suciu!
When not shooting sports, what type of photography are you most into?
Besides sports, it would have to be people. I really enjoy shooting portraits and getting to know new people and their stories. I love to shoot my kids; it’s pure & unfiltered life! But really it can be anything from travel, outdoors, commercial assignments or editorials… if it feels right, I’ll shoot!
How did you discover Red Bull Illume?
I have been following Red Bull Illume since the early beginnings. It always is a huge source of inspiration and reflection of the current state of adventure and action sports photography.
Where can our readers find you in the coming months?
Real life - after a summer full of adventures I am wrapping up the last projects and will be spending some quality time with my family back home in the Swiss Alps. Winter is just around the corner and I got some interesting projects lined up. On the digital side of things, feel free to browse:
www.filipzuan.com / IG: @filipzuan