Interview with Erik Tomasak from Slovakia

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August 27, 2024
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Erik Tomasak

In recent years, Erik Tomasak has had the privilege of lecturing at prestigious universities, overcoming burnout, representing global photo brands as an ambassador, and discovering a new approach to portraiture—Portrait 2.0 (Quantum Portrait). This journey has brought him to the intersection of art and science.

1Can you introduce yourself and talk about how you got into photography?
In recent years, I've had the privilege to lecture at prestigious universities, overcoming burnout, representing global photo brands as an ambassador or discovered a new way of portraiture - Portrait 2.0 (Quantum Portrait). This journey has led me to the intersection of art and science.
2Where did you study photography?
I learnt photography at the University of Zilina and on my own!
3Do you remember your first shot? What was it?
It was a toy car in the forest which is funny thinking about it now!
4What equipment do you use?
I'm currently using a Canon R5.
5What compliment inspired/touched you the most?
When someone told me that I am an artist.
6What inspires your unique storytelling?
To become a part of the journey of those who are more successful and influential.
7What THREE (3) words describe your photography style?
Magic, OCD and high-end.
8Congratulations! As the winner of the MUSE Photography Awards, what does it mean for you and your team to receive this distinction?
This presents us with the next chapter. Winning in the 2024 MUSE Photography Awards has opened the world for me/us.
9Can you explain a bit about the winning work you entered into the 2024 MUSE Photography Awards, and why you chose to enter this project?

I combined my knowledge in a unique way and the result is a multidisciplinary discovery beyond photography. We have been working with various leading specialists for several years to understand and apply the method and the result. It is a new way to evoke and capture an authentic facial expression - emotion.

Portrait 2.0 differs from the classic portrait in facial expressions. Facial expressions can be dually divided into conscious and unconscious or subconscious. The moment the camera is pointed at a person, a conscious facial expression is activated. On the contrary, unconscious facial expressions hide a much greater facial expression potential, because the face engages muscles that we cannot control with conscious facial expressions. Human facial expressions are a key tool of non-verbal communication, and the face reveals a person's current emotions. The possibilities of the new mirrorless technology, knowledge of psychology and other fields, allowed us to control and capture an authentic facial expression for the first time.

This photography is then converted into the unique perspective of the human eye. Such a portrait can communicate a wide range of emotions. However, communication takes place on an emotional level. A person who looks at such a photo can feel the same emotion as in the photo. It is thanks to mirror neurons that allow us to learn and empathically feel the emotions of other people. Mirror neurons connect our visual perception with our emotional experience.

This breakthrough in facial communication opens doors to diverse applications in art, science, psychology, technology, education, marketing, and ethics. The essence of Magical Realism infuses Portrait 2.0, enriching the project with depth and uniqueness.

10How has winning an award developed your career?
It gave me a confidence boost and it was as if the the universe is inviting me to play a bigger role.
11Name 1-3 photographers who have inspired you.
Alhazen, John Cromwell Mather or Maria Svarbova.
12What advice would you give someone who would like to become a photographer today?
Do what gives you that feeling of freedom and recharges you. Keep doing it and never stop! If you want to understand the universe, think in terms of energy, frequency, and vibration.
13What is your key to success? Any parting words of wisdom?
Be better every day, in anything you do. Talk less and listen more. Then it's simple: think (bigger than you can imagine) – talk – act – let go, and repeat. With every press of the trigger, you become a better photographer.
14How do you stay in that space of being receptive to new information and knowledge?
Create your own space. Be alone as much as possible, whenever possible. Learn how to quiet your mind. Once you master this, you can turn your creativity on and off at will, without feeling overloaded. You need to create space for new ideas and things. Learn new skills, read, or better yet, listen to audiobooks. Step out of your comfort zone!
15Anything else you would like to add to the interview?
Photography continues to unveil new perspectives, shaping our understanding of the world and ourselves. This is my story - a testament to the transformative power of photography.

Winning Entry

Portrait 2.0 (Quantum portrait) | 2024

MPA-erik-tomasak-portrait-2.0-quantum-portrait

Erik Tomasak

In recent years, Erik Tomasak has had the privilege of lecturing at prestigious universities, overcoming burnout, representing global photo brands as an ambassador, and discovering a new approach to portraiture—Portrait 2.0 (Quantum Portrait). This journey has brought him to the intersection of art and science.


Read more about this interview with Ondrej Blaho from Czech Republic, the Gold Winner of the 2024 MUSE Photography Awards.

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