– Tell us how you started your career in the field of public relations, especially in the military? What attracted you to this field? How did your time in the military shape you as a person?
– The time spent in the army shaped me as a person in many ways. Above all, it taught me discipline and responsibility, not only for myself, but also for others. The regime, the demands and a certain tension helped to strengthen psychological resilience and the ability to focus even in the most difficult moments. My time in the military also strengthened my ability to make decisions quickly and efficiently. I had to learn to act in unexpected situations and adapt to changing circumstances.
– What was the feeling when you photographed a military operation or a military exercise for the first time?
– The first trip to the forest together with the soldiers of the permanent mandatory initial military service caused a lot of stress and uncertainty: a lot of action, running back and forth. At the same time, it must not interfere with the operations of the soldiers. I was hoping it would be calmer and easier to get nice shots. However, you must understand that you will not be in all places at the same time.
– Last year, your photo took the 1st place in the “Military holidays and everyday life” category. What is the story behind this photo?
– This victory was particularly important for me. At that time, a sports competition organized on the occasion of the 31st anniversary of the establishment of the Dragoon Battalion took place. The photo captures the moment a team fights hard against another team in a tug-of-war. It was important for me to show that the army is not only about strict discipline, warfare or technology, but also about people and emotions. Each person in the frame has their own story, and it is these stories, combined into one, that create a powerful and strong emotion.
– What is the perfect photo?
– A perfect photo is not only visual beauty, aesthetics. A perfect photo has deep emotion and narrative value. It’s a picture where you see a story and feel an emotion. This is a photo that evokes joy, peace, maybe even sadness or thought. Sometimes it’s a shot that makes you stop and go “wow” in your mind. It speaks its own language and allows the viewer to experience the recorded moment as if he himself had been in that place, in that situation.
– What were the biggest challenges you had to face while shooting in a military environment?
– I remember the joint training of the Lithuanian Air Force Spartan aircraft and the fighter jets of our NATO allies, which was photographed after the opening of the Spartan ramp. You are attached, but around the endless sky, it even takes your breath away. The first time I did not take a single shot that I was proud of, but I will remember the emotion I experienced for a long time.
– How do your photos help us understand the realities of military life? Have you ever received feedback that surprised you?
– I think that my photos open the door to the world of the army, which may seem distant and unfamiliar to a civilian. Through photography, I try to show the daily life of the army as it is, full of challenges, hard training, formations, friendship, unity and meaningful moments. When I served in the Dragoon battalion, the mothers of soldiers of permanent mandatory initial military service often wrote that after seeing the photos, they feel calmer, because they see how their children live. In the Air Force, emotions are somewhat less, here you photograph more equipment, which is cold in itself, but if you find the right shooting angle, the aircraft can also smile at the lens.
– This is the third time you are participating in Tad Dambrauskas’ photo contest. How much and what did this competition give you?
– This competition allowed me to rediscover my creative potential, and constant challenges gave me the opportunity to improve as a photographer. Of course, that feeling when you find out that your efforts, work and dedication are seen and appreciated is priceless. It boosts my self-confidence and gives me even more motivation to continue what I’m doing and achieve even bigger goals.
– What advice would you give to those who are interested in military photography or who want to capture unique stories with a camera?
– I would advise you not to be afraid to make mistakes, because every mistake is a lesson that helps you understand how to do your job better. Sometimes mistakes can open up new opportunities or teach you to make unexpected decisions. It also teaches you to be patient. Patience is one of the essential qualities, especially when photographing the military or dynamic situations. The perfect shot doesn’t always come right away – sometimes you have to wait a long time for the right light, moment or emotion. It is necessary to look for authenticity. Authenticity is what creates a deep connection between the photograph and the viewer. It is not only a beautiful composition or a technically perfect shot that is important, but also real life. It can be a moment of warrior fatigue, emotions after training, facing challenges or just everyday life. Authenticity gives a photo not only appeal, but also meaning.
Tadas Dambrauskas’ photo contest “Lithuanian Army in Photography 2024” invites not only professionals, but also all people who like photography to participate. If your photos capture the soldiers of the Lithuanian army, their household, life, celebrations, military actions, exercises, military equipment or weapons – we invite you to participate! Photos for the competition can be submitted until September 6 (inclusive).
More information: isarciau.lt
2024-09-06 01:32:28