Interview with Andika Oky Arisandi | Indonesia | Guest Photographer

RK : First of all, thank you for accepting our invitation for an interview. Please say something about you. How did you get interested in photography? Do you have an educational artistic background?

Andika : I am interested in photography because my childhood is very beautiful, I live in the countryside with lots of memories so the nuances that I remember I wanted to pour in a picture and it was photography, I did not have a formal educational background in photography.

RK : What are your favorite genres of Photography?

Andika : People and traveling.

RK : How much preparation do you put into taking a photograph or series of photographs? Do you have any preferences regarding cameras and format?

Andika : I photographed by riding a motorbike around the village, I did not prepare anything, only when I found a beautiful place, I will visit it next time and I sometimes prepare a model there.

RK : Can you talk a bit about your approach to the work? What did you want your images to capture?

Andika : I always want a photo that has an essence value that can make people love simplicity and remind them of the countryside where they came from in the past.

RK : What do you consider to be the axis of your work – technically and conceptually?

Andika : I always prioritize light, because for me beautiful light will make ordinary ordinary events extraordinary

RK : Do you believe the phrase ‘A picture is worth a thousand words?’

Andika : I really believe that.

RK : What photo are you most proud of?

Andika : Photos that get a lot of income, of course.

RK : What's the most exciting shoot you've ever been on?

Andika : The most exciting thing is when I visit Indonesia at the very end, precisely in Sabang, Aceh, because there is very natural and beautiful.

RK : Your portraits and human interest photos convey lots of depth and often reveal deeper stories. How do you decide which moments to capture?

Andika : Sometimes everyone just takes pictures of things they like, without seeing from the side of a story, and when I take pictures I will feel the nuances of what the photo is for.

RK : If you were told that you could only keep one camera and lens combination, what would it be?

Andika : 5d mark II, 70200 2.8L.

RK : What do you do besides photography?

K. I also teach in education but not formally.

RK : What’s next for you? What kind of projects would you like to explore in the future?

Andika : I want to explore the Middle East, I really want it but I have to wait for a sponsor.

RK : What's the best advice you can give to photographers looking to shoot photos professionally?

Andika : Feel a photo, make the photo tell with your hand, never be afraid to hit the rules in photography.

RK : How can photographers use social media to transition in to full time professional work?

Andika : Now social media is a way to showcase your work to the world, so you want it or not

keep up with the times.

RK : Have you ever been to India and anything you know about Indian Art & Culture?

Andika : I have never been to India, I hope that someday I will be there, I know it will be beautiful.

RK : We (Retro Kolkata) are trying to make a bridge between National and International Art & Culture By featuring some National & International personalities who already have made their own path in their respective fields and we think your story and tips might help the newcomers to build their career. Please say something about our initiative and any special message for your Indian followers.

Andika : This is a very good step from your work, I, as an Indonesian, really appreciate you for appreciating many world photographers.