The work of a football photographer (and not only) involves many pitfalls. Capturing the right picture at the right time, being constantly on the alert so that something important doesn't slip away, doing your job with your heart and with 100% concentration. However, those who take these pitfalls as a routine and find photography fulfilling are all the more appreciated. We talked about this area and many other things with football photographer David Štěpina, with whom we cooperate within BU1 .
David, how did you actually get into photography?
De facto, completely by accident. My wife bought me a camera for Christmas and that was it (smile).
Do you remember the very first moment you picked up a camera?
I remember. It was when I was trying to take pictures of children at home and generally testing what the camera could do. Then, like a little boy, I waited for the first spring football matches. As a former amateur football player, I knew right away what I wanted to take pictures of and I was really drawn to football. I then photographed my first match in the Prague championship in Třeboradice.
What do you enjoy most about photography? What gives you the feeling that this is exactly it?
What I enjoy most is capturing that moment, whether it's joy or sadness, because I know that moment may never happen again. And in some cases, it truly is a memory of a lifetime.
Do you have a genre other than sports or a type of photography that you are most drawn to? Portraits, lifestyle or just sports?
Yes, I like to take pictures of animals or airplanes. But of course, whenever there's a family celebration, gathering, or something similar, I pick up the camera there too.
You are collaborating with the BU1 brand. How did this collaboration come about?
Actually, it was a complete coincidence (smile). During one of the matches, I mentioned the BU1 brand on my Instagram story, word got out and we've been working together ever since.
In addition to BU1, you also cooperate with the editorial staff of 90min. Was the cooperation similar there?
I joined the 90min editorial team at the very beginning of its founding. At that time, the editor was looking for photographers for his team. I responded to an ad on Instagram and have been working with them for about half a year now, photographing matches from the first and second football leagues in the Czech Republic, which the magazine specializes in.
What attracts you most about photographing football or sports in general? Is there a match or moment that you will never forget?
I will probably never forget my first Prague derby with S, because I have been to the derby several times as a fan, but standing at the pitch as a photographer is an incredible experience. It was one of my goals that I wanted to achieve before, and now it has come true.
What does your typical day look like when you go to photograph a sporting event?
My day looks like any other, it's nothing special, I often go to work before the photo shoot, take a trip or walk with the children, but I usually go to the stadium two hours before the match so that I can be there on time and have time to prepare everything.
Of the photos you've taken so far, is there one that means the most to you?
That's a tough question because every photo is unique and has its own charm. But if I had to choose one photo, it would be Christos Zafeiris from Slavia from the Prague derby S, which was played at Eden.
What is your approach to the people you photograph? Do you try to capture them naturally or do you rather direct them?
Rather naturally, for me, snapshots have their own magic, it's better than if a person stood like a ruler and was in the photo only according to some instructions.
Do you have any other projects besides sports?
In addition to sports, I also photograph weddings, one of this year's weddings is coming up this week. I also photograph commercials, on which I usually collaborate with Lukáš Řezníček. I also photographed commercials for, for example, BSBsalon.cz in Čelákovice and Lysá nad Labem, and I also photographed for the e-shop yerky.cz.
What do you think makes a good photographer these days? Is it technique, a sense of the moment, or something else?
I would say more of a feeling with an approach. It depends on how well a person can work with people, what their demeanor is, how the client understands them, the key is to be natural so that the client knows and sees that everything can be agreed upon. Once the client feels that you are not enjoying it, logically they will not enjoy it either and the whole event may not turn out well at all.
Does anyone from the Czech or international photography scene inspire you? Do you have any role models?
When I started, I took a lot of inspiration from wildlife photographer Patrik Stanek, whom I still follow to this day.
Where would you like to go next as a photographer? Do you have a goal or dream in mind?
I'm moving forward every day and with every photoshoot, but of course not every day is a celebration and I also have days when I don't get a few photos, but that's part of it, you learn from mistakes. And as for my dreams or goals, one day I would like to photograph the Champions League final or some big championship, whether world or European, where the Czech national team will compete. By the way, I just returned from probably my biggest event so far, which is the European Indoor Soccer Championship SOCCA in Moldova, where I was with the Czech national team as a photographer and social media manager. It was a huge experience and a great experience.
How can people contact you for a photoshoot? Where can they find you and what do you currently offer?
Potential clients can contact me either through my Instagram account @stepecphotography , where I also have my phone number, or by clicking on WhatsApp they can send me a message. I am planning to create a website in the near future, currently I am focusing on sports photography, advertising photoshoots, weddings or corporate parties.
Is there anything that has surprised you, positively or negatively, during your career as a photographer?
I have to say that in the few years I've been taking photos, I haven't encountered any outright embarrassment, the only thing that has happened to me a few times is that some clients haven't paid me for the work I've done, but that's just an occupational hazard.
And finally, what message would you give to people who are thinking about getting into photography but are afraid to start for various reasons?
What would I recommend to them? Don't be afraid of it. Every photo has its own charm, even if it's not perfect for others, because it might be perfect for you. Give it as much time as you can, don't be discouraged by negative comments. No one learned to take photos in two or three months, everything takes time, be patient. Photography is not work. Photography is passion, love, hobby and life.
David Štěpina is a prime example that when you do your hobby with your heart, it can take you to a high level. And we are happy to work with such people at BU1 , because the love for what we do drives us forward and drives us to success.
