From Subtle Details to Pure Emotional Depth: Levente Rakos's Bold and Fearless Journey of Artistic Discovery and Creative Growth
An Exclusive Interview with Pure Street Photography
An intimate and insightful conversation where Levente reveals the essence of his creative journey — the importance of staying flexible and experimental, fearlessly adapting his style as he evolves. He reflects on the transformative power of finding your creative zone — where true artistry emerges effortlessly in the natural flow of the moment.
Interview by Dimpy Bhalotia and Kamal Kumaar Rao
13/03/2025
(c) Levente Rakos
(c) Levente Rakos
We would love to know more about you! Who you are and where you're from? When did you start street photography?
I'm Hungarian and I live and work in London at the moment, but I'm planning to move to Barcelona. I've always been interested in photography but I just only started photography seriously in 2023.
What inspired you to become a street photographer?
I'm a born observer. I also like to discover hidden details everywhere I go. I've been doing that since way before I started photography. I also like cities as living spaces. I like to discover differences and similarities between them. And last but not least, I like to observe people. Mostly that's why my approach is quite intrusive sometimes. I like to portray people in their natural, even vulnerable state, but focusing on the spontaneous beauty of the "mundane" life, which is everything but boring.
How would you describe your work in terms of style and/or approach?
My style is very flexible I would say, especially because I'm quite at the beginning of my photography career. My work was described as sad by a friend and that made me think. I can relate to that to some extent. I think the most beautiful things in life always hold a bit of pain in them. I think that I want the most, that I want to portray emotions, complex ones.
I learn a lot about technique nowadays, I'm experiential.
(c) Levente Rakos
(c) Levente Rakos
What is your photography routine like? Do you photograph every day?
Oh, I wish I could do photography every day. Unfortunately, since I work full time that's not always possible. And the weather is a factor too to consider, especially in winter and in London. I do as much photography as I can. That's not always street because I also like portraits and travel photography.
What camera or mobile device do you use for photography? Do you shoot digitally, on film, or a mix of both?
I started with a Canon 2000 D DSLR camera and I got some EF series prime lenses with that and a telephoto one. Then, not even a year ago, I changed to a Canon R6 mark II mirrorless one, that I love. I also equipped that one with an RF 28-70mm f2 lense which is a beast. For street photography I use my old prime lenses, 28mm, 50mm, 85mm with a mount adapter.
What challenges do you face when photographing on the street?
The biggest challenge is me. My mood and willingness is the only barrier in the way to get that good picture. Sometimes the opportunity comes and goes in seconds. Sometimes I just watch while I'm missing the opportunity. Other times I'm faster and sharper and I click, but most of the time the good picture is built on purpose. I try to focus on those occasions.
Do you ever wonder what happens to the people in your photos?
After I edit the photos, of course. This is part of the process. There is an own and separate universe in each of us that is so far away from each other. Photography can bring them closer.
(c) Levente Rakos
(c) Levente Rakos
In your opinion, what is the biggest misconception people have about street photography?
Street photography is breaking privacy barriers. That's a fact. Even breaking laws because of this I guess. How much it is intrusive or bothering or even insulting is down to the photographer's approach. For me, I like to stay unnoticed and to cause no nuisance, but it can change in the future. You have to be bold to produce memorable art.
What are your favourite elements to capture in a street photograph? (light, colour, composition, human interaction, etc.)
Human interactions for sure, but It changes to every situation. Sometimes you have great contrast to work with, sometimes there's movement to capture. Sometimes simply the subject is so interesting, in this case you work on how to separate that. Maybe something works in black and white, but not in coloured. Sometimes just the colours are enough to make a good picture. That's why street photography is so interesting, these circumstances can change any time.
What is your take on social media influence on street photography?
Street photography is mainstream nowadays I guess, but I may be wrong. Sometimes I see so much reach from pictures that I don't really consider having too much value, sometimes I find something hidden that I think is genius. I like to think of my work the same way. maybe hidden, but genius for some. Social media has its own rules anyways. The only thing is for us to adapt, but we shouldn't be too reliant on it either because that's a trap too.
Are your prints available for purchase? If so, where can art buyers and collectors contact you to purchase them?
At the moment I'm not selling any of my work. It's still too green for it. Later maybe.
(c) Levente Rakos
(c) Levente Rakos
What advice would you give to aspiring photographers?
Starting photography with a proper camera is so overwhelming. I'm happy that I know the basics now, I wouldn't do it again :) Honestly speaking, always be curious, have fun with it and find your zone. The best thing about photography, especially street photography, is when I am in the zone. Experiencing the natural flow of the creative energy.
Also don't skip learning the basics. Watch videos, read books about the triangle of exposure and the rules of the composition and more.
A huge thank you to Levente Rakos for sharing his incredible journey.
In Frame : Levente Rakos