Amazing idea, excelent processing, magic colors, simple composition. It is work of Slovakian photographer Jaroslav Beňo. His photos give you feel of calm.

--preface--

WHAT I LIKE:

Homecomings,  Hugs from my wife, Lazy mornings, People, Intelligent humour,  My parents, Redcurrant wine and My Aunt’s cheesecake, An Evening spent in light banter, Tučnáčkovaní (I am not going to translate this, but it doesn’t mean anything perverse or decadent), Order, Cooking, Spring, Autumn, Snow, Christmas, Sea (even in December)

WHAT I DON’T LIKE:
Departures, Bastards, Queuing, Stupidity and Small-mindedness, Ignorance behind a steering wheel, Being Late, Christmas decorations at the beginning of November. 

ABOUT LIGHT:
Book of Genesis, chapter 1: 3; And God said: ‘Let there be light!’ and there was light.

Light reflected from a cobbled road after rain

Big, old windows 

PLACES I LIKE:
Prague, Ostrava, Kosorin, Horsham, Dungeness

--interview--

GG: First time I saw your pictures, captivated me to their composition. I have agreeable feeling that I was part of the photograph. How did you create these photos? Have you clear vision how your images should look?
JB: I could almost consider that a compliment! A feeling of being part of the picture is exactly what I am trying to achieve. I mostly use a fixed objective lens and I compose with my ‘legs’. That’s why I am not a lucky, frequent shooter. It does happen that sometimes I only come back with a few shots. Sometimes I plan a picture at home….sketch it and later hunt for suitable place and an object.

GG: Who or what brought you to photography?
First it was just an interest in capturing family events. Efforts to key something more into a shot came much later. I find it difficult to explain; a picture has either got ‘it’ or not….

GG: Your photos are full of feelings, where do you draw your inspiration and ideas?
JB: The feelings you get from my pictures often reflect my moods. Both happy and sad, as is life. There is no master plan dictating that I will be taking such and such shots on a particular day. Let’s say it depends on how I slept

GG: I noticed that you prefer a square format photography. Could you tell us why?
JB: The preference for a square format came to me only gradually. I can orientate myself in it better.  I don’t get lost in it. I prefer to compose in it.  I find it clearer, even from the artistic aspect. After all it is only a a basic picture.  But I used to have a Corina 6x6 camera and it has probably stuck in my head from the age of 12 …and now also in my heart.

GG: What is the most important think for final impression in your oppinion?
JB: Space and simplicity. These give a picture its most important ingredients. After that it is only necessary to cut the picture simplify anything that doesn’t belong there.

GG: Is there someone or something that greatly affects your work?
JB: There is a quantum of photographers next to whom I could only shuffle my feet and be silent.  I simply luxuriate in their pictures; and it doesn’t matter if he picture is documentary or oozing art. I am sure I will miss someone, but for example: Bresson, Ervitt, Salgado, Sudek, Saudek, Hoflehner, Lamata, Watson and last but not least Martin Stranka. What I’m saying … I simply enjoy.

GG: Do you have still any other hobby?
JB: My other hobby is painting. Although recently I haven’t had a lot of time for it.  Still, taking pictures is bit faster after all!  I will definitely get back to it ….maybe when I am retired…if I ever retire!

And once upon a time I wrote poetry. Here the abstinence has lasted substantially longer….I almost worry that the muse has thrown in the towel….

If you can say that observing life, for example in the street, is a hobby then yes…. that is my other interest. Public voyeurism

GG: Are you a romantic soul? From your pictures I guess so.
JB: And if I am a romantic soul? I think so. I am certainly an eternal optimist. I always look for the positive aspect of being.  There is really a lot of suffering around us. So I have somehow armed myself…also with humour.

GG: What's your favourite item of clothing and why?
JB: Interesting question!  Well, I like comfortable shoes. While my feet are in warmth I am content. On expeditions to the cold sea this is especially important.  Well, I also like wearing hats. I probably own about 10. And another thing…I am founded on smells. If they talk about that special chemistry between people…..that is certainly true for me. So everyday I probably put on my “Človečina” (literally “the smell of the human”)…and to me my wife smells the most beautiful.

GG: When did you last shed a tear?
JB: I cried loads at the funeral of a very dear friend of mine. The same age as me. But the last tears I remember very clearly.  It was the 26^th September 2009 at our wedding. These were, however, completely  different tears. The trigger mechanism for these tears was my father’s congratulations…. 

GG: If you could own any piece of art in the world, what would it be?
JB: Oof!  This is some question!  One should bring home something like Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel or Pietà….gosh, there is so much beauty around us…and in the world generally.  But if I ponder….I could possibly imagine on an empty wall at home the Art Nouveau The Kiss by Gustav Klimt. There is everything in it.  Devotion and passion….emotion.

GG: Have you got some target or it take it´s natural course?
JB: I have not got any specific goal. The answer is already in your question; what will be, will be. I don’t force the issue J

 GG: thank you for nice interview