Aneta, who won the ‘Unlike Portrait Awards’, lives in Haarlem!
I recently saw this portrait that left me speechless. The light, the colours, the model’s alabaster skin and piercing look. A portrait that looks like a painting, but it’s not. It is a photograph and it is real. And it was taken by the super-talented Czech photographer Aneta Jeremiášová, who won the first place in her genre (studio portrait) and the first place overall of the 2020 Unlike Portrait Awards. Yes, she absolutely deserved it! Let’s meet her and her wonderful work!
Aneta, who was born and raised in Czechia, lives in Haarlem since 2017. She creates elegant, yet simple portraits, incorporating the principles we have seen in art throughout modern history, portraits which have a timeless and delicate appeal to them. Her clients are everyday women and men, just like you and me. With her camera she is trying to erase the myth that one needs to be photogenic to look good. In fact, nine out of ten people are not photogenic. She says that it is her job to make you feel comfortable in front of the camera lens, shows you how to gently pose and guide you throughout the photo shoot.
I invite you to a session with me, it will change the way you see yourself. -Aneta Jeremiášová
Trust me, this is true, and you can see it for yourself on her website, where you can also see the before and after of some of her work.
Let’s get to know Aneta Jeremiášová better via the interview she gave to Unlike Awards after her win.
How did your interest in photography begin?
Already at a very early age I was mesmerized by works of Jindrich Streit and August Sander. This fascination lasts till this day. I followed painting courses and had camera in my hands only occasionally, though the calling was there.
When did you decide to become a professional photographer?
I think myself as the ‘enfant terrible’ en route to pro photography. In 2019, I had a head injury, the event and the following recovery made me think about my life and my corporate career. A decision was made and I bought my first Canon.
Do you prefer natural or studio light?
For casual portraits I like natural light, for contemporary portraits I prefer studio light. The reason is that I basically engineer and plan the portraits days before the actual photo-shoot and I want to have it all under control to achieve or exceed my original idea.
What do you prefer, shooting in a studio or outdoors?
I prefer shooting in a studio in Haarlem and outdoor back in Czechia due to diversity and familiarity of scenery.
Tell us a bit about the winning photograph.
The lightning in this photo was achieved by two small strobes, one at the model’s feet and another one over her head. A huge part of the success is the model (also a girl from Haarlem) with her interesting look and dreamy expression.
Can you tell us about the camera (system) and lenses you use?
Canon 6DMII, 85mm f1.8, 50mm f1.8 for portraits.
What is your favourite lens?
I haven’t found my favourite lens yet.
What software do you use to process your images?
Lightroom and Photoshop.
What makes a good day for you?
All days are good for me.
When it comes to working with people, can you share any tips to our readers?
I always make sure that everyone knows upfront what we are going to create and that everyone is excited about it.
When it comes to your career, what was your highest high and your lowest low?
Any kind of honest and sincere appreciation is my highest high, my lowest low was cooperation with unreliable professionals – but I guess we all have been there.
How was your experience with the Unlike Portrait Awards?
I am very happy to have won this award. I see it as an important step in my photographic journey and I feel encouraged as an artist. The competition was perfectly organised, it brought the opportunity to be exposed and to compare myself with other photographers from all over the world. As I was actively involved in charity for years, I appreciate the connection with Quina Care that provides medical care to those in need.
By joining the competition, photographers helped building a hospital in the middle of the Amazon rain forest, providing care to people in the most remote, poorest and unstable area of Ecuador.
You can contact Aneta for creating together your unique portrait or for buying pieces of her work via:
- Website: www.anetajeremiasova.com
- Instagram: @aneta_portraits