From Discovery to Passion: Vesela Stankova’s Extraordinary, Raw, Poetic, and Immersive Journey
In this exclusive interview with Pure Street Photography, she shares with all honesty her inspirations, challenges, and deep connection with black & white street photography.
Interview by Dimpy Bhalotia & Kamal Kumaar Rao
17/02/2025
(c) Vesela Stankova
(c) Vesela Stankova
We would love to know more about you! Who you are and where you're from? When did you start street photography?
Hello, my name is Vesela Stankova. I live in Sofia, Bulgaria! I have been doing photography for almost a year. This happened when I suddenly came across PSP's Instagram account. I had just finished a course on the basics of photography, but I was clear that this alone would not make me a photographer. However, what I learned made me observe and like the work of different photographers.
What inspired you to become a street photographer?
My original idea was not to become a street photographer, but just a photographer, which seemed to me, as I said, very easy. In the photography course, I got acquainted with the work of Henri Cartier-Bresson, perhaps he is the first photographer who made an impression on me with his street photographs with his so-called street style called "The Decisive Moment" and of course then Dimpy Bhalotia.
How would you describe your work in terms of style and/or approach?
I wouldn't say that I have acquired my own style. Rather, my style is improvisational. In the beginning, I very often saw the interesting picture in front of me, but I lacked the technical skill. That way I missed many interesting moments, so I subsequently decided to improvise, photograph what makes a strong impression on me at the moment on the street.
(c) Vesela Stankova
(c) Vesela Stankova
What is your photography routine like? Do you photograph every day?
Unfortunately, I don't have the opportunity to shoot every day, and that happens less and less, but whenever I have the opportunity, I do just that. Photography calms me down and brings me inner satisfaction.
What camera or mobile device do you use for photography? Do you shoot digitally, on film, or a mix of both?
I shoot with a Canon camera, mostly black and white photography. Of course, with my Xiaomi Lite 11 mobile phone, which is always in my pocket, so if I see an interesting scene I can capture it instantly.
What challenges do you face when photographing on the street?
This is a very good question. Especially I have a lot of contradictions in myself, when I want to photograph a certain person from the street, I always worry about how the person will accept this. Sometimes I miss very interesting scenes for this very reason. Personally, at the moment I tend to photograph people from a distance or rather from the back, although I have a few successful portraits. I remember on one trip how a street vendor made a strong impression on me and I wanted to photograph him. I decided to ask him, but at that moment my girlfriend took a picture of him and he got very angry, he wanted us to delete the picture, it was too disappointing and embarrassing for me.
Do you ever wonder what happens to the people in your photos?
During my travels, I meet many interesting people that I manage to photograph or have the desire to do so. I see people in unusual situations different from the way of life in my country, so I'm always interested in what they think, what they want to have, what their relatives are like and things like that.
(c) Vesela Stankova
(c) Vesela Stankova
In your opinion, what is the biggest misconception people have about street photography?
I think the biggest misconception people have is that a street photographer goes out on the street and just takes random pictures. Many people think that street photography is a piece of cake, and that is their biggest mistake. The street photography style is one of the hardest to master, I think. Along with many styles in street photography, you have to consider many other things besides light, shadow, perspective and many others, and finally the mood of those you photograph. it's really hard work.
What are your favourite elements to capture in a street photograph? (light, colour, composition, human interaction, etc.)
I like to shoot in black and white. Black and white photography brings a different charge to the viewer, it looks more authentic and more beautiful. Of course, there are also color photos in which the colors just need to be shown. As I mentioned, my photos are improvisational, so I shoot whatever I like. But, if I have to be honest, I like to photograph animals above all "cats" they are very interesting to photograph in different poses and situations. I observe that viewers also like street photos of animals, they clearly charge them with a positive charge. Of course, I also like the composition.
What is your take on social media influence on street photography?
Nowadays, social networks influence our whole life, we can't avoid that we live in such times. This, of course, also affects the photography. We see for ourselves how everything changes so quickly and becomes so accessible to everyone, this is a huge plus for promoting street photography. Social media helped me discover PSP, for example.
Are your prints available for purchase? If so, where can art buyers and collectors contact you to purchase them?
I'm still a newbie and don't have prints available to nail yet. Anyone who wishes can get acquainted with my work on my Instagram account - @vesisst_4 and if interested, I will be available for everyone.
(c) Vesela Stankova
(c) Vesela Stankova
What advice would you give to aspiring photographers?
It's hard to give advice when I'm still learning too. What I can say in conclusion is that everyone sees things, people, streets with different eyes, some look in color, others in black and white, so experiment and photograph what you like and excite at the given moment, don't be limited by frames and rules. P.S. "It's always better to have some picture of the moment than nothing".
A huge thank you to Vesela Stankova for sharing her incredible journey.
In Frame : Vesela Stankova