A conversation with Dennis Swiatkowski
Growing up between The Netherlands and South Africa, from an early age, Dennis Swiatkowski, discovered his admiration for sunny, tropical climates. This love later translated over to his images showcasing warm tones and a dreamy aesthetic. Swiatkowski’s photography style is summed up as a curated combination of sun-kissed models, sunset beaches, cityscapes at dusk, mountain ranges, grassland and forests.
With spreads in Glamour and Elle and work for Nike and Tommy Hilfiger, this budding photographer captures the essence of travel and escapism. Read on to discover how Swiatkowski captures beauty in the world through his lens.
When did you know you wanted to be a photographer?
I don't have the classic story of finding a camera in my grandfather's attic and realizing my calling at the age of 14. Photography always intrigued me and both my grandfather and father were avid amateur photographers back in their time (60s - 80s). They exposed and developed their films themselves, that magic of chemical solutions forming a picture on a piece of paper due to pure analog processing was amazing. It piqued my interest, but equally as much so did writing, film, painting and other forms of art.
I didn't become a photographer until I was about 26 years old. Before that I studied advertising. I quickly realized upon graduating that I first and foremost would like to really chase my passions and follow my heart. That passion is creating different things. Photography quickly captured my interest as a tool to easily capture moments that one could direct and aesthetically play with in how it is captured. Ever since I have been doing it and slowly improving and polishing my technique and results.
How would you describe your photography style?
I would say my photography style for personal work is orchestrated spontaneity.
What makes an image "great" or "strong" to you?
A strong image is an image that is provoking a new response from its viewer. Whether it is a good, negative, indifferent or neutral reaction doesn't matter to me. At least it did something different. I have a particular style, but I really love entirely different photography styles as well and sometimes I am smitten with new work I discover. It serves as inspiration and trust in the beauty of this world.
How do you prepare for a shoot?
First of all I need to have an idea, a concept in my mind. Then I assemble the team. With a right mix of people incredible things can happen. I always play music on a set (unless it's not possible due to strong noises outside). It usually makes a model more comfortable. The same I do by joking, often taking myself not too serious and it puts people at ease and it is so much easier then to work and create beautiful images. At least for me, that is how it works.
What inspired you to do Chasing Dreams? How was the title of the book decided on?
There are multiple reasons for the title. When I first began this journey as a photographer I had a dream to release my own book at some stage. Over the next years I shot so much personal work and therefore accumulated many pictures that I was quite chuffed with and it slowly started becoming that book. The title also refers to my penchant for seeing beauty in this world at all times. In the small and large things that we see around us. I really love to explore new lands, meet new people and see new things. That to me is like chasing a dream to explore the unknown and be mesmerized by the natural beauty this world has got to offer.
As far as the curation of the book can you explain that process? How did you decide what photographs you would use in Chasing Dreams?
The first rough selection was done by myself. Having shot so much work over those years, I had to go through thousands of images to make sure I am selecting the best ones. From that large batch of pictures, the curation of the book was done by my publisher Curt Holtz and designer Hugo Alte. In consultation of course with myself as well in the later stage.
How long did the editing process take?
I would say from the moment we first were in touch about doing the book together until the release of it, it took about a year and a half.
What people, places, things have influenced your work?
Photographers like Slims Aarons, Helmut Newton, Herb Ritts and other iconic talent from those times are by far the biggest inspiration to me for the work I do. Places that inspire me are mostly warm, tropical areas, but I am also mesmerized by Arctic climates and terrains. That raw beauty and nature is just irresistible. Furthermore, all kinds of art inspires me and my work; painting; film; music; books; sculptures.
Can you tell us about any upcoming projects and do you have any plans to do another book?
I am currently working on two main projects: a new exhibition and a new book or perhaps more of a zine (which I do want to be a hard cover as well). Both are more or less connected to each other, but I expect the exhibition to happen sooner than the book. The project revolves around my love for the sea.
I hope to travel around this year again as much as I did in the past few years. Exploring new places and returning to old places and creating new stuff everywhere I go.
