Inmag Interview - Rafał Saganowski · Articles · Inmag.info

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Inmag Interview - Rafał Saganowski

1. How long have you been into photography and how did it start?

I took photography as my hobby about eight years ago, but I had started taking photos earlier when I was 14 and I started to rollerblade. I tried to document my friends jumping stairs and curbs and so on.

Later on when I got more into aggressive inline I found mags like Ślizg, Extreme Games, Daily Bread with awesome pics – back than it got me so interested and I wanted to do the same. Every time I went skating I took my old Zenit, later Canon EOS 300. I actually stopped skating by myself, taking photos was on the first place. I begin to shoot nature, people and architecture.

Than about two years ago I got back to shooting rollerblading. During small talk with my friend Gustlik he told me about group of bladers from Ostrów Wlkp, I packed my camera and went to meet them. Shortly after I got familiar with the whole crew Mateusz Garbacz, Radzik, Bosman, Rudy, Żaba, Sarna. Again rollerblading photography seriously took my attention. I frequently made photo sessions with them and starting to invest in new photo equipment – two years in a row I went to work abroad to earn for new cameras.

2. What's your current camera setup?

Right now I'm using Nikon D300, before it was Nikon D70s, plus Sigma 10-20, 70-300 lens, two SB 800 flashes and triggers.

3. How is shooting photos with Radzik and why he is the only skater on your pics?

Radzik is not only skater that I work with. But his photos can be seen on the net most frequent ly. Mostly because I live pretty far away from any other bladers. From time to time I shot with Ogrom, Rudy or Bosman but working with Radzik is a real pleasure. We getting on really well, Radzik is so stubborn and ambitious, always tries to make it perfect, we won`t stop until he is not happy with the trick and I`m not happy with the shot.

4. How you see your future as rollerblading photographer?

Hmm..I dunno. It`s hard to say right now where it will take me. For now I know I want to do it since it gives me huge fun and I`m still learning stuff so my pics are improving. Only time will tell..

5. What is your biggest dream connected with photography?
Finding a job in one of the rollerblading mags.

6. There are more and more of your photos popping up online everywhere. Is there any which you like the most and why?
I think it will be Radzik`s Stale 180 which was published on Be-mag Global Connection. I have always wanted to shoot there and it finally happen. I liked the trick and the overall composition.

7. Do you have any cool story to tell which happened during taking photos?

Yes, it's always something. I think the most memorable one was when I took pics of some farmers who were doing some road blockade back in 2003. While I was shooting the farmers thought that I was working for the police so they surrounded me and tried to rip my camera off me – after 15 minutes of arguing I have to give them back the film. The most weird thing that the Police actually were there but they didn't do anything as usual. For you it may sound silly but for me it was rough that time. Besides this I have to cope with everyday street skating situations like yelling old people, priests or security guards..

8. Who is your favorite rolling photographer?

There are so many of them, I admire most but to be more specific I like photos of Drew Amato, Adam Kola, Dale Travers, John Haynes, Brandon Smith and Kuba Urbańczyk. I think photos of Wes Driver really stand out, his shots are flawless in every aspect. Perfect lighting, good frame and always nice trick.

9. What was your first skating pic you took?

To be honest I don't remember, probably it was some pic of my friends in recreational skates..

10. Do you skate or you just have a good eye for pictures?

Well, I don`t skate anymore although lately I got myself some Valos TV2 but I focus only on taking pictures – it`s easier.

11. Is skating your favorite thing to shoot ?

Yes, currently yes. As I told earlier it gives me huge satisfaction and I won't quit any time soon!