Interview - Veronika Čechmánková

Author LINDA ZHENGOVÁ

Artist VERONIKA ČECHMÁNKOVÁ

Website veronikacechmankova.com

Instagram @veronikacechmankova

Veronika Čechmánková (Czechia) has graduated as a photography student from Film and TV School of the Academy of Performing Arts in Prague. She does not necessarily photograph subjects with clear intentions but rather captures what she recognizes to be important at a particular moment: “I think that randomness and spontaneity are instincts that should get triggered in you when you decide to become part of your third eye.”

Your images might be interpreted as snapshots mixing the world of both fashion and documentary. How do you see these realms supporting each other?

I have a close relationship with fashion thanks to my grandmother, who was a seamstress, and many of my friends studied fashion design. I’m also personally experienced switching between the front and back of the camera, as I have been working both as a model and as a photographer while shooting photo tests for modelling agencies in Italy and Czechia. But that is already a few years back and I did not want to have anything to do with this industry anymore. When I was applying to a university, I tried to distance myself completely from the fashion environment. I always felt it can strip you of your natural vision, making your eye essentially change and it’s upon you to decide if you allow that change to happen.

This mingling and distancing from fashion largely affects my photo edits. Very often, I depict moments with amateur models who are close to the methods I know from professional modelling agencies. Either way, I am attempting to show something real and alive – something that inherently belongs to reality.

What initially sparked your curiosity to make photographs?

I always knew I wanted to do something creative in my life. For many years, when I was going to an elementary school, I attended an art school club. When I found out that they also opened a photography club, I immediately applied. Photographing was something I was looking for at that moment; it was my quick pleasure and that feeling hasn’t changed. I enjoy observing my surroundings. When I get enthusiastic about something, whether it’s a plant, human or a falling shadow coming from a window, I feel the need to photograph as if I had no other choice.

When you look back at your images, what would you say is their purpose?

In the span of four years, I have always selected, printed and placed my images in a box. It was enough for me; I didn’t feel the need to do anything more with them. During this time, I additionally worked with objects, videos and installations. Approximately a year ago I felt the urge to get back to my photographs. Therefore, it is possible to understand my images as a form of a visual diary, but they can also be reflective of certain angles of one’s nature and personality or on the other hand, question our natural state.

You can meet Veronika's work and other 99 great photography talents on FRESH EYES book.