Photographer Maja Slabe

—First and foremost – whom can you name as the best photographer in Ljubljana, Slovenia? :)

—Aljaž Hafner, JS Oblikovanje

—Are you photogenic?

—Not really.

—How did you get in the photography industry?

—We were both studying at the same Institute and academy of multimedia. Marko was a videographer and I was a photographer.

—What are the most important components of a good photo in your opinion?

—Good use of light, color, a captivating moment.

—Do you love traveling?

—Yes.

—What do you like most about your profession?

—Meeting new people, capturing a wonderful and magical moment for eternity.

—What do you like least about your profession?

—Wedding photography is pretty intense, with an element of getting the best shot you can on the first try and not really getting a second chance in some situations.

—What will be the future of photography?

—Mirrorless cameras and engagement shoots in dramatic locations

—What is special in the photography genre you specialise at?

—Couples and locations.

—How do you handle criticism?

—All constructive feedback is valuable because it gives you a chance to improve and learn

—Are there any trends in photography?

—Pre-wedding photoshoots, taking photos with a drone, first look, engagement shoots in dramatic locations.

—What should be the criteria for a customer to choose a photographer?

—The quality of a photographer’s portfolio, experience, personality, recommendations, professional-friendly attitude.

—What things are to be avoided when shooting?

—Missing a good shot due to not being ready, not using a tripod in low light or night photography, harsh light, forgetting the details.

—What details that usually pass unnoticed can a photographer notice?

—Crumpled dress, bad makeup, or hairstyle, details in the back of the subject that you photoshooting.

—What influences the value of a photo? What are its elements?

—Composition, the way you edit the colors of the photo, focus on a subject that you taking photos of.

—What person can be the symbol of the 21st century in your opinion?

—Anni Graham.

—Who do you want to shoot?

—Jai Long and Leelou.

—Do you have any professional taboos?

—No.

—Who would you like to shoot with?

—Anni Graham, Fer Juaristi.

—What do you worry about, and why?

—That one day I won't photo shooting anymore and I will go back to a normal job.

—What is the most impressive moment in your life?

—When I and Marko were photo shooting a wedding of our friend, and his mother that was really sick and had cancer.... Well, she was dancing with guests on that wheelchair, but one week later dyed. So we had the last photos of her smiling in the wheelchair.

—If you were a cartoon, book or movie character, who would you be and why?

—Miki Mouse, cus he is always happy.

—Who inspires you in your life and why?

—My parents. They are really good, positive, warm, understanding, and hard-working persons.

—How do you define success? How do you measure it?

—That you do something that you like for living, that you have enough bookings.

—Would you rather be liked or respected?

—Respected.

—What is the biggest mistake you have ever made at work?

—When I did not change camera settings.

—When you're going to travel, what do you take with you and why?

—Everything for camping. It is just my and Marko's way of life.

—Is there anything that you wish you hadn't bought among the gadgets that you own? Why?

—Hmmm, nothing really. I always think twice before buying something that I don't need.

—How do you educate yourself to take better pictures?

—Watching a lot of tutorials.

—Whose work has influenced you most as a photographer?

—Aljoša Petrič, Anni Graham, Fer Juaristi. They are taking amazing photos and telling good stories.

—What is the one thing you wish you knew when you started taking photos?

—How to pose.

—What do you want to say with your photographs?

—Free spirit, freedom, authentic moments, joy, endless love.

—What motivates you to continue taking pictures?

—New couples, locations, light.

—Should your parents have been more or less strict?

—More :)

—If you could go back in time, what would you do differently?

—Start with photography earlier.

—What about life on other planets?

—Not really. I like nature here. But I believe in living things in another universe.

—Who are your heroes?

—Dalai Lama, Anni Graham, Arne Hodalič.

—Who do you have no respect for?

—For the people that can not say a positive critique to other people

—What do you do in your spare time?

—Mountaineering, hiking, watching tutorials, running, eating,...

—What's the side of you that the public never sees?

—I have too much empathy.

—When are you completely satisfied with your work?

—When is everything perfect edited.

—Do you believe in the traditional roles for men and women?

—No.

—Do you make friends easily?

—Yes.

—Where would you like to live?

—Canada.

—What's the stupidest thing you've ever agreed to do?

—Ufff, when I was younger there was a lot of stupid things;)

—Is there life after marriage?

—Of course! Adventure is out there.

—Do you have a favorite joke? Tell us.

—I am not good at telling jokes.

—Do you like dogs or cats?

—Both, but I have a cat.

—Who or what do you hate?

—Nothing.

—The best thing in life is:

—My Marko, food, vine, love, family, friends, nature, mountains,...

—The most annoying thing in life is:

—Bills.

—Is there anything around you that you would like to change?

—To have a studio at home:)

—What would you like to change in yourself?

—To wake up earlier.

—What would you like to change in the world?

—Earth pollution, human rights in foreign countries.

—Can you give a few tips for photographers who are just starting out?

—Focus on a couple, capture moments, laugh, joy,...

—If aliens come to the Earth and you are the first person they meet, what will you tell them?

—Go back to Mars or don't eat me :)

—If you are called to shoot a movie, what genre will it be?

—Romantic.

—Tomorrow I will go and do...

—Yoga in the morning.