Rafal Kaniszewski's own vision on the world's beauty

by Yvette Depaepe
Published the 22nd of May 2023

Rafal Kaniszewski's wonderful landscape photographs all have that ethereal touch which makes them unique and magical. Nature is his greatest inspiration. Rafal always strives to capture the beauty of the world and seldom processes his images. He quotes: the less editing, the better'. I invite you today to discover more about this fine artist through this interview.

'Lavender fields'

'The breath of the far North'

Dear Rafal, first I would like to thank you for taking the time to answer this questionnaire! To begin, please introduce yourself shortly and tell us more about you, your hobbies or other projects you are involved in!

Hi my name is Rafal Kaniszewski, I'm from Poland but have been living in Norway for several years. My hobby and of course great passion is photography, but besides photography I like sports, music and good movies. There are a few projects I want to carry out, but these are just plans ;)

When and how did you start your photographic journey?

As far as I remember photography was always present in my life, however for the past few years it's integral part of it. I remember when I was little, my dad had a camera and a photographic darkroom. Later on, photography was relegated to the background through sport and football. It came back for good in 2010 and stayed that way.

For many of us photography is either a hobby or a way of life. How would you define your relationship with photography?

It’s so important that it has become an integral part of my life. Basically I interact with photography every day. Although it is not my profession from which I make money, it is a great passion that gives me a lot of fun and a break from everyday life.

What would be the most important experience so far that has influenced your steps in photography?

I think the moment I learned to see and not just look, was an essential experience, and that's when my photography journey started.

You have your very own style. Why are you so drawn by landscape photography?

Photography gives me the opportunity to keep the moment that will never happen again: light, atmosphere, mood, and emotions. It also gives a chance to show the world around, the magic of the early morning or the amazing view of the setting sun, and at the same time, my own interpretation of it. It is my safe place to which I can escape. I want to show the emotions and beauty captured in my photos to share with the viewers, to make them stop for a while, to think and even to dream.

What is more important to you, the mood,/story behind your images or the technical perfection?

Each of these things is important to make a good photograph, and I always try to show a place in a unique way, capturing the atmosphere, the atmosphere and the magic. Behind many of my photos there are the stories of the people I met along the way, and my own experiences and testimonies.

What generally is your relationship to your subject matter beyond being an observer?

In my opinion, photography is not just about observing the world and life around us through the camera's viewfinder. It's something more than what you see in the pictures. It is about experiences, people and friendship. All this makes photography a part of life, at least in my case.

Do you prepare carefully the locations where you are intending to photograph?

I always prepare everything before an extended outdoor shoot, so that I am not surprised on the location and do not waste valuable time. Due to my professional work, I can't afford to look for places to photograph during the trip. I have everything ready before I leave. Although there are times when I take my equipment and just go to a region and discover new locations.

What are the main features of a successful landscape photographer in your opinion?

Above all, patience, I think this quality is one of the most important in landscape photography. Of course, you also need to love what you do, to be sensitive to the beauty of nature around you.

Can you please tell us something more about your workflow from the idea to the final product?

When going to a place, I first check the maps, the situation of the land, what is where and how to get there. Then frames start to appear in my head. I always try to frame and use the rest of the settings on location and filters so that there is as little work as possible on the computer. I think the less the better, although sometimes you have to do a bit of work to process the images.

Where do you look to find inspiration and what inspires you the most?

Nature itself is an inspiration to me, being in the right place at the right time, then I have it all ;) Of course, I also browse photo portals, photos taken by other photographers, travel guide videos , blogs. Inspiration can be found everywhere.

Many are of the opinion that the gear is not very important when the passion for photography is strong. However, can you please share with us what gear you use (camera, lenses, lighting, tripod, etc.)?

Equipment I use:

Nikon D850

Nikon Z7 II

Nikkor 14-30 f/4

Nikkor 14-24mm f/2,8 G ED

Nikkor 24-70mm f/2,8 G ED

Nikkor 80-400mm f/4,5-5,6 AF-S ED

Nikkor 85mm f/1.8 D AF

LeoFoto LM-324C - tripod

Shimoda X50 - backpack

Lee filters, Haida filters

Who are your favourite photographers or mentors whose works have influenced you and your photography?

I enjoy the work of many photographers, ancient masters such as Ansel Adams to current photographers. I look at a lot of photographs by other artists, which gives me inspiration to continue working and learning new things. I think we have a lot of good photographers these days but we don't hear about all of them.

Now, since we have almost reached the end of this interview, I would kindly ask you to share with us your plans or photographic projects you would like to be involved in.

I would like to publish an album of my photos, maybe a book one day. A big dream of mine is to visit Patagonia. I am starting to run photography workshops, I want to share my knowledge and experience.

Is there anything else you wish to add and what do you think about 1X as a home base for your work?

I would like to thank my wife and children very much for their endless support in what I do and for their understanding.
And as for 1x I think it is one of the best places to share my creativity as well as a place to learn.

Thank you very much

Rafal :)