Martina Mlcuchova Talks Photography, Passion, and Life Behind the Lens

Thank you, it is my honor and pleasure. My name is Martina Mlcuchova. I am an independent freelance photographer from Slovakia. I focus on various fields of photography—mostly events, festivals, lifestyle, arts, interior and exterior, urban and architectural photography, and cityscapes.

My journey to becoming a professional photographer was preceded by many years of hobby photography; I was fascinated by analog cameras since childhood.

Only after years of pursuing photography as a hobby alongside my day job did I dare to step outside my comfort zone and leave the security of that job to freelance and earn a living through photography.

It's a lifelong journey, and since making photography my profession, I've experienced daily uncertainty—but also incredible adventure and joy. I hope many more interesting adventures lie ahead.

This was my second time entering the competition, and I submitted 10 entries. Incredibly, all 10 received awards: 2× Platinum, 7× Gold, and 1× Silver. It feels quite surreal... I'm not sure what to make of it, but I'm deeply grateful.

The selection process is always the most challenging. I aimed to choose diverse entries that reflect my body of work and represent my photographic style as much as possible. What characterizes my work is a frequent and enthusiastic use of experimental techniques—particularly double exposure, which I often execute live during the shoot.

At the same time, I wanted to showcase a broader range of my portfolio, from dynamic action photography of events, festivals, concerts, and artists, to the calmer contrast of artistic objects, spaces, and architecture.

Perhaps it's the need to capture and preserve unrepeatable moments, to create something lasting from what has already passed.

I’m inspired by anyone who has the power to enchant, spark curiosity, and bring delight.

I'm currently working with a Nikon Z6III, and the 'multiple exposure' function is one I frequently access—often using it "blindly."

To evoke positive feelings, emotion, pleasure, and joy; to spark curiosity and a desire to revisit the scene—whether a place, space, event, person, or feeling—or to inspire a sense of “I wish I were there.”

Because I have so many winning photos, it's tough to pick just one answer.

My greatest influence in photography comes from my favorite music and artists!

Just capture and give it a try—every submission seems to have a chance to win (just look at my winning entries)!

Just do it, do what you love, and keep taking photographs. Passion and practice are the keys to success.

Post-processing—selecting and editing—is my least favorite activity, but it’s also necessary.

Like any new technology, AI can be a force for good or ill. Its helpfulness depends on wise, sensitive, and responsible use driven by good intentions.

I'd like to photograph anyone, anything, anywhere in the world—anyone who trusts my work, appreciates my style, and gives me the chance to capture something beautiful, unique, and unrepeatable. I'd go to the "ends of the world" for that.