Interview with Krzysztof Kowal

This week’s Interview with the amazing Krzysztof, one of my all time favourite photographers. The way he captures light is immaculate.

You can find him on Instagram as: @qs.street

Enjoy the amazing Interview ;)

Can you tell us a bit about yourself?

Hi, my name is Krzysztof. I was born and still live in Poland, where I share my life with my wonderful wife, Ania, and our three children. One of our greatest passions as a family is traveling, especially through the southern parts of Europe. There’s something magical about the culture, architecture, and warmth of these regions that keeps calling us back. My absolute favorite place on earth is the southern part of Italy—everything about it, from the people to the landscapes, speaks to my soul.

Oh, and one thing to know about me—I do not like winter. At all.

How did your photography journey begin?

I’ve been fascinated by photography for as long as I can remember. It wasn’t a sudden revelation or a specific moment. In the beginning, I experimented a lot, trying different styles and techniques, but it took me a while to really understand what I was drawn to. I kept refining my approach until I matured in my craft and found my true path—street photography.

How do you develop your own unique style as a photographer, and what sets your work apart from others?

In the beginning, we often take inspiration from other artists, studying their work, imitating their techniques, and slowly developing our own preferences. Over time, however we start seeing the world through our own unique lens. If even one person looks at my work and recognises it as uniquely mine, that in itself is a success. I believe that the true judgment of my work lies with the viewers—art is always a dialogue, and I leave it to others to interpret what they see in my images.

How do you approach lighting in your photography, and what techniques do you find most effective?

Light is everything in photography—it’s what gives depth, emotion, and structure to an image. I don't force light into a composition; I work with it. Whether it's the golden glow of sunset, the harsh contrast of midday, or the neon reflections of a city at night, I adapt my approach to what the scene offers me. Instead of fighting difficult lighting conditions, I embrace them and use them to tell a story. The key is learning to observe—watching how light moves, how it interacts with surfaces, and how it changes throughout the day.

What do you think makes a photograph successful, and how do you measure the success of your own work?

Each image must be approached individually because every moment, every scene, is unique. The "rules" of photography can help guide you, but true creativity comes from knowing when to break them. As for measuring success in my own work—honestly, I feel like I’m still on that journey. Every new photo teaches me something. I don’t see success as a final destination but rather as an ongoing process of learning, improving, and refining my craft.

What has been your most rewarding experience as a photographer, and why?

The greatest reward photography has given me is the ability to step into another world. The moment I pick up my camera and start walking through the streets, something changes—I become an observer, a storyteller. It’s like stepping into a different version of myself. When I’m shooting, I lose track of time. I stop thinking about everyday things, and all that matters is what’s in front of me.

What gear do you use?

I keep my setup relatively simple, Sony A7 III , Tamron 70-180mm f/2.8 , Sony 85mm f/1.8, Sigma 16mm f/1.4.

What is your favorite editing software, and how much time do you spend editing?

I only use Photoshop for editing, which makes it my go-to tool for everything. Some photographers prefer Lightroom, but for me, Photoshop offers the level of control I need. Editing time varies depending on the complexity of the image—some take 45 minutes, others can take up to two hours or more. I don’t rush the process. I give each image the time it deserves.

What are your favourite locations to shoot, and what makes them special?

Naples, Italy. Without a doubt. Naples is raw, chaotic, and full of life—it’s a city that breathes art. There’s something so beautifully unfiltered about it, from the narrow streets lined with laundry to the energy of its markets. As Goethe famously said, "See Naples and then die." It’s a city that stays with you forever.

Do you have a favourite time of day to shoot?

Early morning or late afternoon—golden hour. The light is softer, shadows are longer, and everything just feels more cinematic.

What is one misconception people have about photography?

That it's all about having the best camera. Many people think upgrading their gear will make them a better photographer, but in reality, it’s how you see the world that matters. A great photographer can create a masterpiece with the simplest setup, while an expensive setup means absolutely nothing without vision & experience!

Any advice for beginners?