Djordje Bukvić is a Serbian Fashion Photographer. He has worked with all the major Fashion Magazines of the balkans and few of the International Magazines including Harper's Bazaar, Informer Weekly, Gladys, Bazar as well as being the youngest Serbian photographer featured by Vogue Italia.
You became famous as the youngest Serbian photographer whose work was featured in Vogue Italia. How would you like to be rembered?
When you are starting anything in life, you are developing gradually, step by step. For me Vogue Italia meant achieving and conquering a big step in my career. It was certainly very significant and crucial for my further engagement with fashion photography. Currently, most of the people recognize and remember me by those photos selected by Alessia Glaviano, photo editor of Vogue Italia. In few years I would like to be remembered as somebody whose pictures provoke emotions, even negative.
Is there a perfect shoot?
It doesn’t exist. Otherwise, photography would not be an art, just a simple calculation.
Which part of the shoot is the most difficult for you?
In addition to the organization, which is the most stressful part of the entire photo shoot, a difficult aspect is also trying to transmit and display the inner feeling to other members of the team. Few days before the shoot numerous ideas are developing and often crossing the visual border, therefore it’s very difficult to explain to the other members of the team exactly what I'm imagining.
Where is the border between artistic and fashion photography?
In my work, that border doesn’t exist. Fashion photography can be very artistic. I was trying to base my work on those bases and make it my signature.
Can you ever get used to beauty?
I do not know if I can, but certainly I don’t want to get used to beauty. Being used to beauty means experiencing it always in the same way. The concept of beauty nowadays is confronting long framed definitions and it doesn’t represent established norms any-longer.
How crucial are models on your shoots?
The Importance of the model on the shoots in my opinion is extraordinary. Each one of them is telling a different story in a distinctive manner and giving each picture life. As long as the model is showing emotions on the set, my job as a photographer is easier, and from that perspective, I don’t care if model came tired, happy or angry…
Most of your pictures have been made in the exterior. Except light, what are the advantages of exterior shoots in your opinion?
I love exterior photo-shoots, they are definitely my cup of tea. All my senses are stimulated, which wouldn't be the case in the studio or in closed environment. Exterior gives freedom not only to myself, but also to the models. I don’t want them to feel as moving objects in the studio. While shooting in nature, models are free to move, run, jump and they are not limited by predictable poses. We were shooting while it was snowing, raining and during harsh summers. Once, the whole team climbed to the top of the mountain in order to achieve “the great shoot”. I can tell you that those anecdotes are still being remembered by those who where with me.
How Instagram affected your journey?
When I started my journey with photography, Instagram didn’t exist, however Instagram has become a vital tool, but certainly not the only instrument to be used by young and experienced photographers.
The fact that the legendary Mario Testino, exclusively for his Instagram account, created a series of photographs called “Towel Series” featuring many top models and Hollywood stars is proving the importance of this social media.
Is Instagram helpful in the development of young photographers?
Thanks to social networks, sometimes I believe that amateurs are offering more than professionals as in fashion trends are changing rapidly and it became of major importance to have a vision and offer something special. New generations are quite brave in imposing their identity and vision. Having a spirit of amateurs using the habits of the professionals is a magic formula for best results.
Interview by Anika Bozic Al Sarraj