Over the last few months I have been following freelance photographer Jakub Porzycki via his Instagram …and increasingly his noticing his image usage credits across world media – so I caught up with him last weekend to find out a little more about how he works worldwide packing in the F1 races and general news.
PAN: How did you become a photographer?
Jakub: I was always interested in what is happening around the world and wanted to be a part of it, so I realised that being a photojournalist would allow me to be right in the middle of the news circle. As a kid I followed photographers, newspapers and agencies, and while I was in high school I applied to become a contributor to the Polish photo agency Forum. That’s how I earned my first money from photography.
PAN: Do you specialist in any particular sport or news area?
Jakub: In recent years I’ve been focused mainly on Formula 1, covering around 14 races per season. At the same time, I also photograph general news, including NATO summits, last year’s papal conclave, protests and daily life, as well as local stories while in my hometown of Krakow, Poland. In short, I cover whatever the media may need.
PAN: Are you freelance or a staff photographer currently?
Jakub: After spending several years as a staff photographer at a Polish newspaper, I’m now a freelancer, working mainly as a stringer and contributor for news and photo agencies.
PAN: Who were you shooting for at the Monte Carlo GP?
Jakub: I was on assignment for Reuters.
PAN: Which camera kit do you use?
Jakub: Currently use two Canon R3 cameras along with a range of lenses from 16mm to 500mm.
PAN: What is your most essential piece of kit when traveling with cameras?
Jakub: As for bags, I usually use a regular backpack with a camera insert. It doesn’t look like professional photography gear, which is exactly what I like about it.
PAN: What are the three main challenges shooting a street circuit like Monaco?
Jakub: Monte Carlo is a unique place to photograph, but it can be quite tricky to move around the circuit. There’s no room for the shuttle buses usually using at other tracks, so we need to know all the paths, elevators, shortcuts and access gates to walk around.
PAN: What was your favourite image of the weekend?
Jakub: I would say Kimi Antonelli celebrating his fifth win in a row by jumping into Monaco Harbour. It’s something of a tradition for race winners at this circuit.
PAN: Where are you this week?
Jakub: I’m spending a few days relaxing in the south of France before heading straight to Barcelona for another Formula 1 race this weekend.
Catch Jakub’s usages in this weekend’s press …or follow him on his Instagram feed here @jakub_porzycki to enjoy his work.
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