Daniel is a videographer and photographer based in Bratislava, Slovakia. He started his career as a photographer and later turned into filmmaker. Today, he runs cinematography courses through his project Filmarina.sk and creates content for well-known customers such as Red Bull.
Q&A
- How did you start with photo/video?
When I was 16 years old, I got my first mobile with a built in camera. At that time this was something special and therefore I wanted to use the mobile camera to its full potential, this is how I started. My hobby later turned into a profession and I focused mainly on photography, until Canon 5D MKII arrived. At this point, the technical advancement allowed DSLRs to create good quality video so my Canon 5D MKII introduced me to the world of filmmaking and I have been a cameraman since then. - How would you describe your style?
Perfectionism, emphasis on symmetry and aesthetics. However, I always adapt to the needs of given assignments. - What inspires you?
Music, graphic design, and also the work of great documentary photographers, like Magnum. - What is your dream shoot or project?
Any independent project, regardless of the genre, where I and my team would have the freedom in both technical and content aspects. In my commercial work many of the technical atributes are given and non-negotiable, like style of lighting and scripts, so a project where our hands would not be tied is a dream project. - What is your best advice to others that want to develop as photographers?
Work mainly on these two qualities: humbleness and self-reflection.
What is in your bag?
- What is the most important in your bag?
Exposure meter, colorimeter, a mobile phone with camera and fast internet connection. - What bag do you use?
This depends on the project. Most of the time I carry my personal things in a black Ikea backpack and my gear in standard hardcases like Pelicase. Sometimes I use my National Geographic backpack NG5738.
Discover more about Daniel Kontuľ
Instagram: @filmarina.sk
Facebook: filmarina.sk
YouTube: filmarina
Website: filmarina.sk