How I landed here / Ako som sa sem dostal
The story of behind how easy and complicated is to be a photographer / Príbeh o tom, ako ľahko a naraz komplikované je stať sa fotografom
Since 1998
The journey began in 1998. The world was complicated, and I was poor and lost. I lacked the motivation to finish university and didn’t have the means to start a business. I only knew one thing: I wanted to do something in the creative industry—DJing and trying to be a self-made artist.
But an empty stomach and holes in my shoes forced me to find a regular job. And then it happened: I met a guy who told me he needed a photographer for his small business…”
The passion is great, reality is hard
The school photographer
I literally knew nothing about photography. I started at a school photography company, they put an old Canon AE-1 into my hands, and… I broke it. A hard and expensive lesson on how NOT to set up a tripod.
Life in rhythm
I’m not a musician, but I’ve lived with music my whole life. I started DJing in my teens, danced in a folk group, and played as an amateur actor. All of this connects me to photography: concerts, events, theaters. I love to document everything that happens from my own perspective.
A world in motion
The world was falling apart due to Covid, and it hit me and my business hard—just like everyone else. But it was an impulse to rethink things and figure out where to go next. That’s when I realized: the world is moving. And how do you capture movement in the best way? The answer was right there: MOVING PICTURES. Videography.
and the story continues
As I always say: anyone can be a photographer. Taking a picture today is as easy as 1-2-3. The real difference, however, lies in the purpose behind the image.“<it’s not a rocket science>”
A great photograph is a pin on the world map of our memories—a fixed point in time that will never happen again. My job isn’t just to make a ‘good’ picture; it’s to ensure that every image has a reason to exist.
Whether it’s a non-repeatable moment like a first kiss, a soulful portrait, or even a simple snapshot of a half-eaten wedding cake—any of these can become the most important photo of a lifetime. Because at the end of the day, a photograph only truly matters if it creates value for someone. It’s a document of a moment that, as the years pass, only becomes more precious.
tolyaasch
and now?
still learning after all those years…
Photography: A world in constant change
After years in the industry, I’ve experienced all the failures most of us go through. I used to think I knew everything. I thought new gear would make me a better photographer, and that following every trend would make me the best. If you think that’s all bullshit—you’re right. 🙂
No fancy gear, new techniques, or fleeting trends will truly make a picture better. Only one thing matters: doing my job to the best of my ability and listening intently to the people I work for.
I believe in authenticity. All those years of hard work, the rises and the falls, have taught me many lessons. But the most important thing I’ve learned is to be who I am—and above all, to be honest with myself.
The “Artist” Label
I don’t define myself as an artist. I truly believe that calling oneself an artist requires a level where even hard work isn’t enough. It’s a title I’m constantly chasing, but the more I follow this path, the more I realize how long the journey is.
When you look at my photos or play my videos, you see exactly how I see the world: no fakes, no acting. > Feel free to talk to me, ask questions, or share your thoughts. I strive to be as open-minded as possible. I don’t claim to know everything; instead, I see every new project as a chance to learn something new. I never stop growing, I never stop exploring… and I would be happy to meet you and work together.