by Editor Michel Romaggi  in collaboration with the author Kristina Zvinakeviciute 
Edited and published by Yvette Depaepe, the 22nd of January 2024

'January mood'

I really like the poetic way you photograph flowers, moss and mushrooms Kristina.
Why are you so drawn by this kind of photography?

I’m passionate about macro photography. Each plant, flower, or small creature has its unique appearance, mood, hidden beauty, and character. Meadows and parks serve as my workplace throughout the seasons, where I always discover something interesting and unexpected to capture, showcasing nature’s art to every passer-by. Significant publicity is required to draw attention to my subjects, just like billboards. I hope to draw people’s attention to nature through my work as we often overlook the beauty of nature in our hurried lives. With my photos, I aim to showcase the indescribable beauty of plants and give them the same level of attention as a captivating advertisement. Moreover, I hope to instil in people a desire not to harm nature but to protect it.

Can you tell us some more about  your workflow to realise 'January mood'?

I captured 'January Mood' in the late morning when the sun was low, creating dim light - a common occurrence in England. I positioned myself to capture the sunlight at an optimal angle, using clouds as natural diffusers. For equipment, I used a Nikon D810 camera with a 105mm f/2.8 macro lens and the ground as a stabilizer. Settings were set to a shutter speed of 1/60s, aperture of f/5.6, and ISO 1000 due to the dark, gloomy day. Post-processing was done in Photoshop, focusing on enhancing colours, shapes, and textures to accentuate the plant’s uniqueness without overwhelming the image.

Where do you usually take these pictures?

I live adjacent to a large park, which I affectionately refer to as “My Forest,” where I frequently seek out my creative subjects. Occasionally, I simply photograph in my back garden.

'Golden moss'

How do you get this special light in each of them?

Photography, derived from the Greek words for φως (phos) - “light” and γραφις (graphis) -“drawing”, emphasizes the importance of light in creating images. I meticulously observe how light falls, its angle, and its overall impact on the scene. Photography is about perception and capturing what is already present in nature.

'Meadow buttercup'

To end this tutorial, can you please tell us what photography means to you?

I am a visual artist based in Manchester, originally from Lithuania. I started as a fine artist and only later found myself interested in photography as my primary creative expression. Through macro photography, I aim to reveal the intricate details and fragility of nature’s beauty. I see myself as a conduit, communicating nature’s delicate rhythms through my art. I prefer to describe my photography as Nature Art, inviting viewers to pause and appreciate timeless moments amidst our fast-paced world.

'Autumn flower'