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94 CULTURAL STUFF

Q&AThe world as a canvas

PHOTOGRAPHY

ALL IMAGES @ MANOLO TY, HTTP://MANOLOTY.COM

BY HAYLEY SKIRKA

94

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We travel not to escape life, but for life not to escape us.” anonymous

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96 CULTURAL STUFF

Travelling the globe, Berlin-based photographer Manolo Ty captures the story of the places he visits through his mastery use od intricate light setups and varying colour palettes. The use of colour or for that matter, the lack of it, adds depth, meaning and mood to a photograph and it’s something Manolo appears to manipulate with

ease. Whether he’s shooting stunning landscapes, rugged coastlines or children bounding up and down mountains, the choreography of his shoots give a true sense of escapism, somehow transporting his audience to a different world. Currently in Lebanon working on a top-secret shoot, we caught up with him for a chat about his passion for photography and his endless love of travel.

How did you first get into photography and do you still remember the very first picture you took?I can’t remember the first picture I took as I already loved photography as a child. Back then, I didn’t have the means to do it professionally as developing was expensive and SLR cameras were way out of my reach, financially. I finally got into photography when I left home at the age of 21 to travel the world. I worked in a factory over the summer holidays and saved enough money to buy my first digital SLR…and I haven’t put it down since.Describe you photography in three words.Natural. Honesty. Beauty.What’s your equipment of choice?I was never a very technical person nor am I a fan of lots of equipment. I like to reduce everything to its minimum. So, 99 per cent of the time I just have my full frame digital SLR and one 50mm lens; nothing more, nothing less. Where does your inspiration come from?The sheer diversity of the world inspires me every day.What’s the hardest part of your profession? Uncertainty and self-doubt.

What’s your personal favourite image?I don’t really have one favourite as this changes over time depending on my mood. At the moment, I would say it is the ‘Among Monkeys’ series that I shot in India last year [see our opening image]. More of the images from this shoot are on display at Bloomingdales in The Dubai Mall and at VersusArt, also in Dubai.If there was one thing you would want people to know about you, what would it be?To tell people that very soon I will make a big impact on the world of international art.If you weren’t a photographer, what would you be doing?Sailing through some remote places around the world and using any means I can think of to help save the environment. What’s your dream shoot?Actually, I cannot tell you right now as I am already working on it! But you’ll see it as soon as it’s finished.

The sheer diversity of the world inspires me every day.”

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