Interview with Ondrej Blaho from Czech Republic

Pijnaken Eric | MUSE Photography Awards
Interview with PIJNAKEN ERIC from France
July 11, 2024
Vatesh Pasrija | TITAN Business Awards
Interview with Vatesh Pasrija from the United States
July 11, 2024

Ondrej Blaho

Ondrej Blaho is a self-taught photographer who has been actively photographing since 2017. Initially, he experimented with various genres, including macro photography and landscapes. However, he finds documentary, street photography, and abstract portraits the most compelling.

1Can you introduce yourself and talk about how you got into photography?
My name is Ondrej Blaho, and I'm 40 years old. I photograph, write novels, dive, and am blessed with three children and the love of my life!
2Where did you study photography?
I am a self-taught photographer. I have been actively photographing since 2017. At the beginning, I experimented with different genres including macro photography or landscapes, but I like documentary, street photography and abstract portraits the most.
3Do you remember your first shot? What was it?
I was about eight years old, and my aunt, a college photography teacher, was trying to explain to me the magic of long exposure in a picture of a stream in the middle of the forest to no avail.
4What equipment do you use?
Leica Q2/Q3, Sony A7IV and OM-D 5.
5What compliment inspired/touched you the most?
None yet but I am excited at the prospects of knowing that my photography has moved someone.
6What inspires your unique storytelling?
I like the raw black and white stories of Anton.
7What THREE (3) words describe your photography style?
Black and White, blurred and story.
8Congratulations! As the winner of the MUSE Photography Awards, what does it mean for you and your team to receive this distinction?
I am honestly proud that I managed to win in the given category and it certainly gives me a lot of energy to further develop my style.
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?
This short documentary series offers a behind-the-scenes look at a cabaret, or burlesque show. It features women from the Czech Republic, Poland, Slovakia, and Ukraine, showcasing their surprisingly lengthy preparations that begin about four hours before the performance. The series highlights the stark contrast between the luxurious auditorium and the cold, gritty backstage area.
10How has winning an award developed your career?
That remains to be seen but I am however, very well prepared for any development in my career!
11What advice would you give someone who would like to become a photographer today?
Start, don't be afraid, set a clear path to find your style, attend workshops, online seminars, but above all, constantly take photos.
12What is your key to success? Any parting words of wisdom?
Toughness.
13How do you stay in that space of being receptive to new information and knowledge?
Every month, I try to attend at least one online workshop and I also treat myself to a new book for my collection.

Winning Entries

The sadness under mask | 2024

The sadness under mask | Ondrej Blaho

Cabaret | 2024

Cabaret | Ondrej Blaho

Ondrej Blaho

Ondrej Blaho is a self-taught photographer who has been actively photographing since 2017. Initially, he experimented with various genres, including macro photography and landscapes. However, he finds documentary, street photography, and abstract portraits the most compelling.


Read more about this interview with PIJNAKEN ERIC from France, the Silver Winner of the 2024 MUSE Photography Awards.

Muse.World