Akos Major – Silent Landscapes

Akos Major – Silent Landscapes

By Anik Labreigne

He is from Budapest and has a name to remember if you feel like stopping the time and stepping away from the fast-paced and busy surroundings we live in. Akos Major is a landscape photographer who uses his photographs as a kind of meditation. Shooting both deserted and urban places with a unique perspective and a crisp intensity despite the overcast weather, he manages to conduct a sense of appeasement in us – like a real therapy. We caught up with Akos for quick chat before he gets too busy working on his first exhibitions.

Island Truck by http://akosmajor.com/
Island Truck by http://akosmajor.com/

You are Hungarian, and currently live in Vienna, Austria. When and why did you move there?

We moved in October, last year. Vienna is not far from Budapest, and a little change is quite good sometimes, I think. Vienna is awesome. Budapest also, but I lived there 19 years, I felt it’s time to see something else.

What’s your background, what did you study?

I studied classic graphic design in the Secondary School of Arts, in Pécs, a unique town in Hungary. Then I went to the University of Arts and Design (MOME) in Budapest. I studied video art there, don’t ask me what it’s all about – then I got a degree of Visual Communications.

Mont St Michel by http://akosmajor.com
Mont St Michel by http://akosmajor.com
VIC Vienna 2012 by http://akosmajor.com
VIC Vienna 2012 by http://akosmajor.com

Is Photography your full time job, or a passion? Do you shoot commercial stuff?

No, I don’t. I work as freelance graphic designer, photography is a passion of mine. Love them both, different worlds.

Have you already exhibited anywhere?

Not yet. I never looked for the opportunity to exhibit. But it seems I can resist no longer, looks like there will be exhibitions this year.

Pedalos by http://akosmajor.com
Pedalos by http://akosmajor.com

Where do you see your future?

Can’t tell it right now, I have to see more. For example i’m longing to islands. Did you see ‘Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter… and Spring‘ from Ki-dik Kim? The monk’s floating temple is a kind of my dream home.

What is your favourite media, print or digital?

Both has its own way, i feel comfortable with each. A part of me needs the material, but we’re happened to be here now, so let’s see what we’ve got with digital media. I don’t read e-books for example, I feel uncomfortable with e-readers. I use a DSLR, but i’m going to buy a large format camera this summer. I’m excited.

Paris 2012 by http://akosmajor.com/
Paris 2012 by http://akosmajor.com/

What camera do you use, and how did you develop your style?

I use a Canon EOS 5d Mark2, for post-processing I use Photoshop – for me, it’s just more useful than Lightroom.

Your pictures bring me a sense of peace, sort of like time was on hold. Often surrounded by snow, it feels to me like everything has turned into silent when I look at your pictures. Is this what you are aiming for? How would you qualify your work?

I photograph what I see. Maybe i turn into the other direction with my cam, than some other photographers. Maybe I look for other weather conditions. I like to work slowly, in silent places, where I can get lost in the ambiance. My photographic work is the essence of what I see, how I feel  when i’m around with my gear.

by http://akosmajor.com/
by http://akosmajor.com/

What inspires you?

Most of all music. I can’t really name one person as favourite photographer, but there are some, who’s work i’m into. Pros and amateurs, well-or lesser known artists.

by http://akosmajor.com/
by http://akosmajor.com/

What is a typical day for you (if any!)

In the morning i’m checking my mails, discussing photographic topics with people, galleries, magazines and so. Replying to editorials. It takes time. Then comes a few hours with work and I get hungry. I love turkish food. Again, working a bit or selecting/processing my photos. I ride a lot with my bike. I usually shoot in the weekends or when i’m abroad, often in holidays. Everyday I wake up early, and i’m fine with this

Discover more of Akos Major’s Photographic work here: http://akosmajor.com/

by http://akosmajor.com/
by http://akosmajor.com/
by http://akosmajor.com
by http://akosmajor.com

About Akos Major

Born in 1974, Hungarian photographer. Graduated in 2001 from Moholy-Nagy University of Arts and Design (MOME) in Budapest, Hungary with a degree of Visual communications. After working for ten years i...View profile