Vasilis Kavousakis on Painting with the Petzval 85 Art Lens

Human stories are what make the world beautiful. Nothing is more moving than the connection between two people in love, and photography allows us to capture it in gorgeous snapshots, freezing it in time forever. When photographer Vasilis Kavousakis picked up an analogue camera for the very first time in 1995, he developed a love for people as his subjects. Now a professional wedding photographer, Vasilis makes it his mission to capture the beauty in every moment. We sent him a Petzval 85 Art Lens to take some portraits – and the results are absolutely breathtaking.

Hi Vasilis! Welcome to Lomography Magazine. First things first, how did you get into the wedding and portrait photography business?

Well, I entered the professional field of wedding and portrait photography in 2005. I have always had a preference for taking photographs of people, and especially at weddings during beautiful and happy moments.

For you, what are the most important elements you look for when composing a shot?

It is not always the same, as it depends on the subject and project. However, the basic elements for me are the light, composition, color, and background of my subject.

How did you find shooting with the Petzval 85 Art Lens? What made you choose this out of all the Lomography Art Lenses?

I have always liked lenses with character! So, my choice of this specific lens was a given. I chose it for two reasons: for the artistic look which gives an exotic look even to digital cameras, but mostly for the unique bokeh effect, which other contemporary lenses cannot render.

When was the first time you used the lens? What were your first impressions?

The first time I used the Petzval 85 Art Lens was in 2016, in a café with some friends. I was greatly impressed. You can imagine the others' impression when they saw a lens with a beautiful brass coating!

What are your favourite features on the Petzval 85 Art Lens?

The focusing was so easy, the use of apertures took me to another era and the bokeh was phenomenonal!

Inspire us! Can you give our readers any tips for shooting portraits with the Petzval 85 Art Lens?

Of course! I choose an even background, a wall with patterns or trees so that the lens will showcase its features. I always place the subject in the middle when composing a portrait. In a wedding, it creates a special romanticism which people love. In addition, it is very good at close shots.

To whom would you recommend this art lens?

I recommend it to portrait photographers, both analogue and digital, but also to wedding photographers who want to create a romantic look in their images.


Thanks for sharing your work with the Petzval 85 Art Lens, Vasilis! Head over to his website to see more of his gorgeous portraits.

2018-11-05 #gear

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