Please briefly tell us about your background. Who is Katarzyna Deptula?
I was born and raised in Poland and for all of my childhood, I had totally nothing to do with photography whatsoever. On the contrary – I was avoiding any opportunity for someone to take a snapshot of me. Which was not difficult then, as mobile phones were not a thing yet. As a late teenager, when I got my first mobile I started to appreciate photography and had all walls in my room covered with photos of me and my friends. But I started to do photography as an adult when I was living in England and had a really bad time. I needed something just for myself, some kind of leverage to stop working all the time and get out of the house. And this is why I bought my first camera.
What do you want to achieve through fashion?
When I was growing u Poland was not a very colorful country. Even now wearing something that is more alternative, more colorful, or shaped differently than clothes you can find in each and every shopping mall is not as popular as I would like it to be. When I shoot fashion I can capture those amazing pieces of clothing, make-up, and hairstyles and just feed my eyes and soul with it. I love to work with stylists and watch them matching the clothes the way I would never think is possible. And it looks amazing! A lot of times I style the photos myself, I have the whole wardrobe dedicated to that. To be honest, it’s much bigger than my private one, haha!
Looking back at so many years of incredible work, how do you feel the photography and fashion industry has changed or evolved?
I’m one of those people who are fascinated with the changes instead of afraid of them. I think that the fact you can educate yourself on the internet is absolutely amazing! When I was growing up, you had to have the darkroom to get your photos printed. I remember, when DSLR cameras appeared on the market – this was definitely too expensive for a regular person – if you had one, you probably were making money as a wedding photographer or something. Now everyone can learn, even if there is no photography school in the place you live. Which, as a person who was raised in a small village, I really appreciate! You don’t need to have a special Fashion TV channel, you can see the trends online. Everything is so achievable!
Who is the person that inspires you the most and why? What will be the suggestions to new
photographers?
If it comes to fashion, currently I just can’t get over Iris van Herpen's designs. They look as if they were alive! I wish I could photograph something like this one day. And as far as photography is concerned, I am more inspired by a group of people than a single person. I get my creative fuel from people with passion, people who achieved something because they were working hard and with the pinch of luck they are one of the best photographers. I am also inspired by strong women, who are going their own direction and achieving their goals, being mums, wives, and who knows what else at the same time! If I had to say one thing to the new photographer out there, I would say – always compare yourself to the better ones, never aim too low!
What's the most important thing you want your potential clients to know about you?
I am always open to new ideas and really love my job! I know probably everyone says so, but I really can not imagine myself doing anything else than photography! Also, I´d like to underline, that living in Iceland does not limit me and I would be more than hay to work with people and brands from other countries too. It's just a matter of exchanging few emails!
What's been the biggest highlight in your career so far?
My first publication ever has given me a big, BIG motivational kick! But honestly speaking, each and every photo shoot I do I try to get better than the previous one, even if it was just yesterday. So I am doing everything to make sure the newest photoshoot is my current biggest highlight.
What are the most difficult during your shoots?
I live in Iceland and definitely, the biggest struggle is the weather. Especially during the winter, the weather can change like crazy and everyone needs to be super flexible with the time and schedule. Also light changes quite quickly and often, which is not making the shoot easier. But more exciting for sure, haha!
What do you like about MALVIE Magazine?
Oh, I absolutely LOVE the webitorials! They are versatile, with every detail on point and so inspiring!
What exciting new projects should we expect from you in the future?
I am doing what I can to be more and more visible both online and locally so I hope I will get few exciting cooperations very soon. This means more amazing projects with interesting people in crazy beautiful places around Iceland!