Janis Litavnieks

By Courtney in Photographers on

Original photographer of various genres

Janis Litavnieks is an innovative photographer who has a portfolio spanning over 2,000 images. The unique images cover a broad spectrum of categories from fashion to landscapes to sports. Janis is always on the lookout for models and individuals seeking photo sessions.

For more information on Janis' photography, please visit this website.

At what point did you realize that you had the talent to be a photographer and decide to pursue it has a career?

I would not say that I have any special talent to be a photographer, simply once I understood that it could be not only my hobby but also a way of earning money. To make it something more than a hobby I have to improve my"talent".

The moment I understood that it could become my career did not come at once. At first I simply tried to sell my photos in image stocks, and then I understood that I want it to be my work, because my photos were bought.

You take photographs in a number of settings (indoors/outdoors, in water, in the air, etc.). Which setting poses the most challenge to you as a photographer?

I like taking photographs in technically complicated circumstances, I like regulating camera settings myself, not only pushing the button automatically. I like the process itself. I try to use all the technical resources maximally. At present I am trying myself as a videographer.

You often collaborate with make-up specialist Inese Bernane. How and when did this collaboration originate and why do you find it useful?

From the very beginning Inese Bernane has been my supporter; she has helped with her ideas, criticism, and has been my assistant. In the course of time it became clear that it is impossible to take photos of people without a make-up specialist, so she attended a make-up course and started to help me as a make-up specialist.

In your opinion, how has the use of internet marketing (through your website) helped your career as a professional photographer?

I think that nowadays it very difficult to push one’s way without an internet especially in such small town as mine. I think that hardly any photographer does not use the possibilities of internet to sell his/her photos or to find the potential clients (Hardly any photographer could afford him/herself not to use the possibilities of internet). I am very glad that we have such internet with the help of which I can show and sell my photos all over the world.

The photography world often has a debate of Canon vs. Nikon cameras; you choose Canon. Why did you make this camera choice and do you have a favorite lens?

I have not ever tried to compare these two brands or any other; I think if I had chosen Nikon, nothing would have been changed, however Canon is more widespread, I can buy second-hand lenses in the internet, there is a Canon service in my town, if something happens, I know that it will be repaired… (I have to mention the fact that the first camera I started to work with (and it wasn’t mine) was Canon Powershot G3.)

I do not have a favorite lens, because each is meant for some special aim or its achieving, of course I like if the lens is as much as possible sensitive to light, then I do not have any limits and I can use this option.

I have not had any tilt-shift lens, but I think of buying one. In any of lenses I like that they give new possibilities while photographing the objects, but of course you can do with a standard lens only your possibilities will be limited. Sometimes I am thinking about changing Canon to Hasselblad, time will show, but I am completely satisfied with Canon.

You like to create 3D images of your photographs, tell us how you go about doing this and why you started doing it.

I like that I can create a dimensional photo, not only a traditional photo we are accustomed to. It was my wish to try something new for me and technically difficult. Hardly any photographer is keen on stereo photos (3D photos), but the roots of them were looked for long ago.

At present I do not create 3D images (it is not so popular, and not everyone can see a 3D image without special glasses), but when I have time and a wish, I will make a 3D photo exhibition.

Do you feel that it is important for aspiring photographers to receive formal training in their craft or do you think anyone can become a self taught professional?

Of course it depends on a person; there are many self-educated people who achieved a lot. (There are so many various examples all around as in photographers sphere as well in others; let's look at Quentin Tarantino as movies director - totally autodidact, self-educated - who can measure – is good, or not so good as directors, educated in formal schools?)

I think that there are people who wouldn’t be able to understand all the photographing nuances without a special training program, I also think that it is impossible to catch all the nuances and know everything about all photographing trends. Anyway to improve the knowledge in any of photographing trends one has to educate him/herself or in some other way, it depends on a person.

The fact is - no formal education in industry, the outstanding and the best - can give excellence for photographer, if passion to excellence is not hidden in soul and mind of this aspiring photographer's. And, if you feel this desire, you also will be able to find the way through the necessary education, all the technical things.

What steps do you think an aspiring photographer should take to launch into the industry?

I can not say what should be done step by step. But I think that you have to love your work, to study and learn all the possible things which are connected with your work (I am sure, that a good photographer should know a lot in many areas);to practice, to learn from other photographers and their works, to let your works be evaluated and criticized by the public. It gives the possibility to move forward.

Tell us about one of the most interesting photography assignments you have had and how did it come about?

The most interesting event for me was a flight with a hot air balloon above my town. I have immortalized this flight in photos and video, it was unforgettable with a great possibility to take photos from a different view point and even the reflection of my air balloon in the lake.

Have you ever reached a point where you got tired of photography and just felt like putting your camera away? How to you ensure you don't or won't again have this feeling?

I have had such moment, but rather rarely. In such moments you have to look at what has already been done, support of friends also helps. These moments make us think what has to be done in a different way, not to make the same mistakes; one has to learn from his/her mistakes.

Do you have any advice that you could share with aspiring photographers?

Just remember - you have to do what you really want, then you will try, again and again, will be asleep at night, dreaming how that shadow should fall down from that blossom.... Of course, also some technical things really matter, but you will find your own way, if you believe in it.

As in an old Armenian saying: very good polished jewel never will scatter long time in mud.

Just try, and try hard!

Are there any mistakes that you made as a young artist that you would tell others about so they did not make the same mistakes?

If you are on 100 meters high tower, do not throw down the lens - it may break.