Different sides of the same lens

Photographer Lisa Varga defines herself behind the camera

Twenty-two-year-old Lisa Varga became fascinated with photography at a young age. Lisa Varga
Today, she shoots photos like the one above for the likes of Sandbox. Lisa Varga

Sometimes it takes a while for people to realize what they are meant to do. Such was the case for local fashion photographer Lisa Varga.

After a short modelling stint, it took several years for her to finally pick up a camera and capture the images she wanted to create, and she’s been behind the lens ever since.

Born in a small Manitoba town, the 22-year-old was fascinated by the prospect of developing film.

“I think I stole my mom’s camera if only to aid in the process,” Varga says via email. “Film will always hold the key to my heart, as there is nothing nearly as romantic or beautiful in existence. But for monetary reasons as well as efficiency, I pretty much solely shoot digital.”

In 2010 Varga graduated from the Prairie View School of Photography’s diploma course, and over the past year she has been building up her personal portfolio with shoots for many local publications and blogs, including Sandbox, Stylus, The Manitoban and The Uniter.

Simplicity is one of the keys for a successful shoot, Varga says.

“If I have a model that has achieved a decent level of comfort with me, who translates beautifully photographically, who is willing to take risks, I am so happy!”

The majority of her photos are of women, which she explains is because “guys are hard to get to sit in front of the camera”.

Varga also enjoys company on her shoots.

“A friend or two by my side, as well as some overcast skies, and things are looking pretty hot.”

Varga stresses to people just starting out that self identity is one of the most important traits for an amateur photographer to develop.

“It’s so important your work stands out from everyone else’s in today’s industry, as there is so much vanilla out there. Don’t be afraid to be bold or stand out, it will pay off significantly.

“Once you have defined who you are as an artist and your work is identifiable, people will come to you. And knowing who you are as an artist makes it easier to get the jobs you know are conducive to your vision and your product.”

Varga has a firm grasp on what she wants from the years to come, and aims to capture more high fashion shoots using multiple models.

“In a year I would love to have had multiple art shows. A side project I am working on will have been released, so that is exciting, and I’m sure portfolio development will still be a main focus.”

Looking further into the future she hopes to be supporting herself solely with her photography.

“If I can get a bit more national or even international momentum, that could seriously kill,” she says. “Will Winnipeg be home? That’s up (in the air). As long as I can afford to feed my sushi addiction and inspire others to document more photographically, I am set.”

Visit http://lisavarga.carbonmade.com.

Published in Volume 66, Number 4 of The Uniter (September 22, 2011)

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