A Touch of Darkness
Photographer: Radka Staňková
1. What significant life experiences or events have influenced and shaped your artistic vision?
Growing up in a family that owned a photography equipment business, I was constantly surrounded by cameras and technical discussions about the gear. Ironically, this made me want nothing to do with photography.
It wasn’t until my senior year of high school that I discovered photography was more than just street photography, weddings, or technical specifications. There is nothing wrong with but it just wasn't anything that would draw my interest.
I found out about fashion photography due to my high school teacher. That moment was pivotal in shaping my vision and passion for photography as an art form.
2. Collaboration often sparks fresh creativity. Can you share an example of a collaboration that led to an unexpected and exciting artistic outcome?
Believe it or not, this latex photoshoot you see here was one of my most exciting collaborations. I discovered Natalie on Instagram some time ago, and the concept for this shoot had been in my mind for a while before I finally reached out to her.
The collaboration allowed me to bring this idea to life in a way that exceeded my expectations. The outcome felt unique, and to my delight, one of the photos was later included in the Prague Photo Festival. It was a rewarding experience that reminded me how collaboration can transform a vision.
3. Walk us through a specific project that challenged your creative boundaries. How did you approach it, and what did you learn from the experience?
One of my most challenging projects involved mounting a camera on a toilet stool in an underground club, capturing 10 photos of everyday scenarios tied to that space. Most of the people in the photos were close friends, and having about 15 people on location was a big step for me.
I usually prefer minimalistic, curated photography, but this project taught me that sometimes it's better to let people be themselves and not micromanage every detail. I often feel frustrated when things don’t go as planned, but this unorganized shoot exceeded my expectations, reminding me that spontaneity can lead to unexpected and powerful results.
4. In the ever-evolving art world, what do you believe sets your work apart and makes it unique or groundbreaking?
My background in graphic design has had a strong influence on my artistic vision, shaping my preference for minimalism, clean lines, and the deliberate use of negative space. These principles are evident in much of my earlier photography work.
Recently, I’ve shifted toward documentary photography, drawn to its raw nature—what I call a “dirtier” approach compared to the polished aesthetics of commercial work. This new direction allows me to explore imperfection and authenticity while still incorporating elements of my design background.
This balance between clean structure and raw storytelling has become a defining part of my evolving style, allowing me to express a broader range of creativity in my work.
5. As you reflect on your journey, are there any specific goals or milestones you've set for your artistic career in the coming years?
I don’t like to fixate on specific goals, as I find that the most rewarding moments in my journey come unexpectedly. However, I do hope to continue growing in commercial photography, particularly within the fashion industry, while also diving deeper into raw, underground documentation.
I’m also interested in exploring historical photography techniques, which would allow me to experiment with different methods and bring a unique touch to my work. Ultimately, I want to stay open to new opportunities and let my artistic path evolve naturally, embracing both commercial and alternative directions.
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In a world that so often shuns individuality, how do we navigate the struggle for acceptance without losing ourselves?
This piece challenges the viewer to confront their own assumptions about identity, strength, and the courage it takes to stand unapologetically in authenticity.
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Creative Director/Photographer/Retoucher: Radka Staňková
Model/Makeup Artist: Natallie