I have no manager, nor do I have a marketing team, although I will say I was blessed with an incredible mom who helps me unconditionally. If you combine the law of attraction with persistent work, amazing things will happen. I’ m truly blessed and grateful to the people who have come into my life and have given me wonderful opportunities. It wouldn’ t be unnatural seeing me standing on my driveway at midnight, staring up at the sky and giving gratitude to the Universe
What do you think is important to make your business successful? Know who you are and represent that with every project you do.
What are your rules when engaging with clients on their photography campaigns? Although I’ m quite flexible, and respect the terms a client gives me before a shoot has begun, I am also very clear that I don’ t enjoy being micromanaged. My number one rule: abide by our contract.
What is realistic advice for kids today who want to make it as a professional photographer? What do they really need to know? Find your vision. Educate yourself in what YOU want to know. High school for me was basically 4 years of shit I didn’ t care about being shoved down my throat. The more you learn about your craft and the“ greats” who came before you, the more you can take control of your own personal vision. Be inspired by other artists, but never copy them directly. Find a technique, or combination of techniques that is personal to you. If you find another artist has gotten there before you, respect that, and push yourself even further to find something that’ s unique to you, and only you.
Why did you feel it was necessary for you to move to Los Angeles from Reno? Although the“ biggest little city” will always hold a place in my heart, my work has evolved and grown. Reno will always remain what it already is( although this is the reason why i will always love it). In order for me to keep evolving, I must swim to a bigger pond. Los Angeles is full of energy that is very different. Im a dreamer, so living in the“ city of dreams” seems like a novel idea, oui?
Where would you as a photographer dream of living that you feel would take your work to another level? I think living in Paris would be absolutely magical, but I will always live in my head moreso than any city.
What are the common business mistakes? Mistakes?……. Give me a few more years and Ill let you know ….. or better yet, hopefully I won’ t!
Creativity
Is Franz Szony your real name? Franz Szony is my actual birth-given name. I got lucky with the double Z. I couldn’ t make up a better name, and it feels perfectly fitting.
How do you begin your process? What inspires you? I always begin my process with sketches, eventually leading up to a final blueprint rendering of what the photograph will be. At the moment, the concept of“ tragic love” inspires me. Turning pain into beauty … and throwing in a punch of humor. I can feel this changing lately, and I’ m keeping myself open to the flow.
How would you describe the type of photography you do and why? I like to think of my photography in the terms of fashion. My fine art photography is my couture, and customer-commissions are my ready to wear. However sometimes these cross paths, and my customer commissions want the fine art, this is almost always in the form of advertisements. My fine art photography( like couture) is my vision completely; it represents the fantasy and the unattainable. It is also very expensive to create. For the paying costumer, they usually want a photograph better tailored to their vision with a more attainable budget.
At what stage are you with your career goals? I feel like I was just born, the very beginning.
What are your favorite type of photos; Studio or location, and why? Definitely in the studio. I like creating every element in the photograph. This way, there is no actual location of the photograph …… it only exists in the image itself.
The LA Fashion magazine | 83