Interview with Ieva Gaile, a Lawyer and Photographer

I'm Ieva Gaile, a 28-year-old lawyer from Vilnius, Lithuania. As a child, I had my sights set on becoming an architect. Life took a different turn when I pursued law instead, yet that innate desire to mold and capture the essence of space never truly faded away.

During the quarantine, I found myself wandering the empty streets of my city, where I began to explore photography more seriously using just my iPhone. This newfound exploration allowed me to revive my childhood passion through my camera lens, focusing on architectural details and street scenes that reflect both structure and spontaneity.

I’m a self-taught photographer, and I firmly believe that the essence of capturing the world around us is more about innate perception than formal education. Sure, I picked up some foundational skills in composition and the principles of light and shadow during my time in specialised art classes in high school, but honestly, it’s the raw observation of my environment that fuels my creativity. The details, the aesthetics - they’re all part of a natural instinct that doesn’t necessarily require a classroom to flourish.

It was during my teenage years when I received an SLR camera as a birthday gift. While I can't recall the exact subject of the first shot, it was likely a picture of my family members or pets.

I currently rely on my iPhone 15 Pro Max. It allows me to maintain a high level of mobility and effortlessly capture spontaneous moments as they unfold around me without the bulk of traditional camera gear.

I aspire to share my perspective with as many people as possible, allowing them to experience the world through my lens.

I don’t have a single standout compliment. I find inspiration in the positive feedback from individuals who impress me, regardless of their field, not just in photography.

My perspective is deeply rooted in my upbringing and professional background. Growing up in a family of two philosophers, I was immersed in a world of ideas and critical thinking. This philosophical environment nurtured my ability to perceive the broader concepts behind specific instances, allowing me to approach life - and consequently, photography - with a lens that transcends mere surface details. Also, my legal training has significantly shaped my artistic expression. The discipline and precision required in law have seeped into my photographic style, resulting in images that exhibit a strict logical composition.

Structured, bold, and authentic.

Thank you! Every award is a source of inspiration. It serves as a validation that the journey I’ve embarked upon is indeed the right one, affirming that my perspective on the world resonates with others.

My focus on architecture naturally aligned with several categories in the competition, making it an ideal platform for my work. The selection process was quite a challenge, as I have a wealth of architectural photographs, but ultimately, I felt that these two particular pieces represented my vision and style most effectively at this moment.

Every award sharpens my name and elevates my visibility. It also fuels my passion, proving I’m not just wandering aimlessly but rather forging a path that resonates with others.

Although I admire the work of many photographers, my major sources of inspiration come from artists outside the field of photography. Wes Anderson stands out for my architectural shots; his signature symmetry and balanced compositions resonate deeply with my style. Then there’s Edward Hopper. Hopper's skill in portraying individuals in vast, empty spaces creates a sense of quietness that I aim to convey in my own work.

“Go your own way, regardless of what others say.”

Start with what you have. Don’t wait for the perfect gear - your phone is a powerful tool. Experiment relentlessly. Shoot everything that catches your eye - architecture, candid moments, or even the mundane. Learn the rules, then break them. Master composition and lighting, but don’t shy away from bending the norms to carve out your own style. Taste has no friends. Let critics be critics while you focus on honing your art.

As a lawyer, I have the luxury of viewing photography through a unique lens - one that isn’t clouded by commercial pressures. This detachment fuels my creativity, allowing me to explore architecture and street life without constraints. My advice? Embrace the outsider perspective, it can lead to uncharted creative territories.

I immerse myself in exhibitions, interviews, and a diverse range of books, but I steer clear of just following trends. Staying updated is important, yet I prioritise inspiration that stems from genuine curiosity over what’s merely popular.