Today we are going to feature a photographer that I met through Facebook. I would have never imagined to meet so many great people on facebook and Twittter, it really has been amazing some of the talented and creative artists I have met through Social Media over the past year. Today I am going to introduce you to some very cool and creative work from photographer Jaroslaw Grudzinski. I ran across Jaroslaw’s work on our Facebook page when he had posted this moonlight image of a snowy bench. The photograph caught my eye right away, the tone of the image and dramatic moonlight really peaked my curiosity and I was intrigued. I reached out to Jaroslaw to get some information about his work and he shared a little more about his photographic process and this series below. Enjoy some great work and be inspired.

Photographer’s Spotlight on Jaroslaw Grudzinski. See more of his work on his Facebook page.

Where did the idea come from for this series of work?

The idea for the moonlight series was born on one of those winter nights when darkness falls early and the evenings are cold and gloomy. I was just playing with Photoshop and created something I liked so much, I decided to try again… and again, and again. These images are not meant to present reality. They show a world of dreams. Most of them were taken with a wide-angle lens at sunset, so if the moon was really there, it would be tiny. Underexposure and high dynamic range are key elements here. They help to make the day to night conversion look believable. Simple pasting of the moon into the image is also not enough. It needs to be blended with the sky and often partly hidden behind clouds and trees for a better effect.

Who are you …
A teacher and a photographer in my spare time.

The reason you love what you do ….
Photography helps me relax and gives me the opportunity to show others the world the way I see it. It can be an escape into dreamland when reality gets too monotonous.

Who do you get your inspiration from …
First of all – Mother Nature. Then, lots of brilliant photographers whose creations I’ve seen on the internet or in magazines, but can’t remember the names.

How did you get started in photography …
I started when I was a kid, but that was not serious shooting. I’ve always had a hobby – usually collecting something. About 5 years ago I bought my first digital point & shoot camera and got hooked straightaway. What made taking photos different from other hobbies was the chance to share and discuss my photos online with people from all over the world. Then I saw a commercial of an online stock agency. I decided to have go, and that’s how it all got serious for me – the stock income allowed me to spend some more money on photo equipment and do what I love doing.

What does photography mean to you …
It’s a way to express myself – not by depicting the world as it is, but by giving me the chance to show others how I see it.

Your photography specialty …
Landscapes – that’s what I love the most. Unfortunatley, I have less and less time for that.

Who is your photo idol …
Joe McNally – his books changed my attitude to lighting and capturing the moment.

Favorite photography product …
Nikkor 24-70 f/2.8 – It’s always with me – fast, sharp, never let me down and it’s a great lens for a variety of subjects.



Favorite movie …
The Boondock Saints and 300

Last rental you watched …
Arn: The Knight Templar

where can you be found on days off …
Hanging out in local pubs with friends, or hunting for a photo opportunity.

what superhero would you be …
Thorgal – popular in Europe, probably not on the other side of the ocean.

if I am typically craving something it is ….
I love good food and I’m always open to new things. Traditional Polish food is always a winner for me, but I also love Italian, Vietnamese and Turkish cuisine, as well as a good burger… and these should go together with a pint of good beer.

what is your most fav photo you have recently taken …
I’ve been a happy father for almost a year, so my favourite photos are those new ones of my son, of course.





See more of his work on his Facebook page
View more of our Photographers Spotlights here: Digital Photo Buzz Photographers Spotlight