Exclusive Interview with Arton Humolli – Photographer
Arton Humolli was born in 1981 in Prishtina – Republic of Kosovo. He belongs to the middle generation of photography artists who is one of the few Albanian photographers who has attracted international attention.
His photographic creativity extends simultaneously to several photographic themes and fields such as: fashion photography, portrait, nude and fine art photography.
His mastery in the use of lighting, especially the artificial one, stands out, as well as an added care in the technical perfection of the realization of the photography. It is precisely these values that were emphasized, the ones that attracted the attention of some foreign magazines which from time to time publish the photos of Arton Humolli.
We can bring it to focus the prestigious Parisian magazine PHOTO (founded in 1967) in which the photographer Humolli, had initially won a competition announced by its editorial board (“Le Plus Grand Concours Photo du Monde”, 2020) and then followed a presentation of our artist in one of the following issues of this photographic magazine.
When you look at Arton’s portraits, you really understands all the seriousness and feelings he has shed within the photographic frame as well as the great interest of different people (mainly from the art community) to stand in front of his camera and become the subject of the treatment of hi photograph.
This drive to the studio of the photographer Arton’s reminds us of a saying of the great American photographer Richard Avedon: “I often feel that people come to me to be photographed as they would go to a doctor or a fortune-teller–to find out how they are. So, they’re dependent on me. I have to engage them. Otherwise, there’s nothing to photograph. The concentration has to come from me and involve them. Sometimes the force of it grows so strong that sounds in the studio go unheard. Time stops. We share a brief, intense intimacy. But it’s unearned. It has no past… no future. And when the sitting is over – when the picture is done – there’s nothing left except the photograph…the photograph and a kind of embarrassment. They leave… and I don’t know them”.
Among Arton Humolli’s other photographic successes are dozens of participations in international group art exhibitions in which he was often awarded for his unique photographs. He had his personal exhibition “Body and Soul” at National Art Gallery in Tirana – Albania curated by Fahredin Spahija in 2015. Arton is the author and producer of the documentary “Journey from the Champion” supported by Kosovo Cinematographic Center (2018) In January 2022 Arton Humolli won the “Best Photography” award at New York Nil Gallery 5th edition.
NY Glam: Tell us a little about yourself. Where did you grow up?
I was born and raised in Prishtina capital of Republic of Kosovo.
I studied Massive Communication – Media Production
NY Glam: How long have you been a photographer?
I have been a photographer since year 2005
NY Glam: What type of photography are you interested in?
I usually photograph people. Fashion, portrait and fine art are my preferred genres.
NY Glam: How would you describe your style?
Art and beauty in one.
NY Glam: What do you consider the most important breaks in your career and why?
My work published in prestigious French “PHOTO’ magazine in 2008 (and on).
NY Glam: What are you currently working on?
I am working on my next exhibition and that’s all I can say for now J
NY Glam: What’s one of the most interesting shoots that you’ve done?
In my 17 years career as a photographer I had many interesting shoots. I would mention one in Mirusha waterfall. We had to climb hundred of meters with all the equipments. It was dangerous but also fun.
NY Glam: Who’s your favorite model you’ve done a shoot with and why?
I have many favorite models but to answer your question I will mention two: Dhurata Lipovica – Prishtina and Gresa Hoti – Milan. They are both professional and amazing on their own way. They always do their best to fit your ideas and concepts.
NY Glam: Do you have an all-time favorite camera/lens combination?
Since day one as a photographer I shoot Nikon, from FM3a, F4, D200, D4s, Z6…
Every combination with Nikon equipments works very well for me.
NY Glam: Describe your biggest accomplishment to date?
In this case I would mention three. 1. Winning the greatest photography contest in the world “Le Plus Grand Photo Concourse du Monde” – Paris, France. 3. My personal exhibition “Body and Soul” at National Art Gallery in Tirana – Albania. Winning the “Best Photography Award” at New York Nil Gallery.
NY Glam: Who would you like to photograph next?
There are many in fact, but I would start with again Dua Lipa then Rita Ora and why not Leonardo DiCaprio, Jennifer Lawrence, Michael Jordan… J
NY Glam: Who/what inspires you?
Everyday life, people on the streets, movies, music…
NY Glam: Have you traveled much for work? Do you have a favorite location?
Due to restrictions with Visas I haven’t traveled as much as I would like to.
United States and Japan would be the first to visit.
NY Glam: Favorite quote?
“You don’t take a photograph, you make it” by Ansel Adams.
NY Glam: What is your advice for aspiring photographers?
To go out there and shoot, analyze your work and others work as well. Do the same again and again and eventually you’ll find out what fits you most about photography, what genre and style you like and then continue do that with love.
NY Glam: What is next for you?
More work 🙂
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