Interview With Incredible Documentary Photographer Matja Krivic

We caught up with the photographer Matjaž Krivic and asked him about his life and work. Born in Slovenia, Krivic has travelled the globe extensively over the past 22 years and captured the beauty and immensity of life in every corner of the world.

When did you first pick up a camera?

MK: It was not until my first travel that I have discovered the love for photography. I was 16 and wanted to see the world. Soon I have discovered that I am surrounded with so much beauty on my travels that I wanted to capture those moments to show them to my friends and family. I realised that my photos are good and that I loved taking them, so photography became my passion and later my profession. I have never had a teacher or attended any photography classes. All my knowledge came from ‘the field’… I learned it all out there.

You’ve travelled the globe taking photos. What inspired you to go abroad?

How do you choose your destinations?

MK: The more I travel, the more I see and find out, and it all leads to more places I want to go and take photographs of. It is a never-ending story.

Your subjects are incredibly varied. Is there a theme to your work?

MK: I search for moments that portray some beauty and emotion — often filled with silence and grandeur. Whether it is a face, a motion, a mountain, bridge, or temple. I have never looked at photography as an industry, but purely as my passion and pleasure. As a professional, it is vital to me to keep the enthusiasm of an amateur. I photograph genuine, pristine moments, never posed or fixed. Total respect for any individual or group is at the essence — my work is about capturing a true and natural beauty.

And a message?

MK: I am trying to create a story that speaks of the indestructible spirit and the eternal search of inspiration that enables survival. It is a story of individuals and social groups who, putting aside the racket and general urban angst, keep searching for the core of existence in a different space and a different time. It is a story of survival through play, prayer, tradition and rituals.

Who are the people you photograph?

MK: My photographs disclose an individual who is more important than the sacred found in these places, an individual who lives within a community of people that he or she accompanies or defies.

What, in your opinion, makes a good portrait photograph?

MK: I believe that a good portrait photograph is the one that tells a story. And the most important part of portrait photography is to build an intimate relationship with your subject.

What do you shoot with?

MK: I use different equipment for different projects. Earth Temples is all done on Hasselblad X Pan, a panoramic film camera. Tribe – Somewhere under the Rainbow my longest personal project (more than 20 years) is also done on slide film with Leica M6. And my recent documentary projects are done on digital camera, Canon 5d Mk4!

Where are you going next?

MK: Me and a journalist are finishing our latest project about mining for rare earth elements around the world, so we are going to Germany, Portugal and then we finalise it all in China.

You can see more of Matjaž’s work on his website www.krivic.com.

landscape with balloons floating in the air

KEEN TO EXPLORE THE WORLD?

Connect with like-minded people on our premium trips curated by local insiders and with care for the world

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.