Spotlight on: Marta Wasielewska

We talk photography, food and following your passion with local photographer Marta Wasielewska.

What made you decide to start your career as a photography?

I have always had a passion for photography but when my sister and I started our company ‘Where We Meet’ I could clearly envisage how I could utilise my skills and passion for photography. The whole concept was something we both strongly believe in – bringing people together through a shared meal and creating a unique experience with amazing food and stunning locations. As I’ve always been surrounded by friends who were artists, it was important to connect with local artists through our work. I have a strong belief that beauty and creativity can and should be shared. When starting our company, we both knew that words will never be enough to describe the concept. We needed something more powerful that allows people to share a visual story and be a part of it. That’s when photography became not just a working tool but also an amazing passion that evolves every single day.

What have been the highs and lows so far?

Photography is a long and fascinating journey of self-discovery. Every time I look at my images, I see my personality and learn about the way I see the world. It’s a very precious lesson. It allows me to develop my own style and connect with people I work with more consciously. It teaches me to value my own time and work. But it comes with its own challenges. It requires lots of proactive approach towards the clients, active searching and self-promoting. And when you start, it takes time before you can actually see the fruits of your labour. But with perseverance and hard work you will realise it was all worth it.

Where do you find inspiration?

I love Pinterest and Instagram, but I’m enamoured with beautiful books and magazines, finding stories of people who share their passion. My favourites are ‘Kinfolk Table’, ‘Sunday Suppers’, ‘Gatherings’, ‘Makers of East London’, ‘In Clover’ magazine, ‘Cereal’ magazine and ‘Toc Toc Toc’ magazine.

A vast part of inspiration comes from connecting with others, either through workshops or collaboration. I’ve attended gatherings in London (a dinner at the stunning studio of Holly Wulff @RyeLondon and event @Papermilllondon) and Lisbon (@ASociedade), learnt a lot at Portuguese workshops (@MartaGreber) and attended Design Festival in Stockholm and London where I met talented people (@Tartaruga, @366concept, @Vola). And my last but definitely not least source of inspiration is travelling! There’s so much to gain by learning about other cultures, food and architecture. If I could, I would be on the plane every weekend.

How would you describe your style?

I call it ‘calm and simple’. I strongly believe that less is more and I try to show this philosophy through my images.

Best nugget of wisdom?

I will quote one great (and happy) song here: ‘Never give up on a good thing, remember what makes you happy’. Follow your dreams, your passion and you will find happiness!

How can people find out more?

My work can be found on the websites…

www.wherewemeet.co

www.martawasielewska.pl