He is from Budapest and has a name to remember if you feel like stopping the time and stepping away from the fast-paced and busy surroundings we live in. Akos Major is a landscape photographer who uses his photographs as a kind of meditation. Shooting both deserted and urban places with a unique perspective and a crisp intensity despite the overcast weather, he manages to conduct a sense of appeasement in us – like a real therapy. We caught up with Akos for quick chat before he gets too busy working on his first exhibitions.
![Island Truck by http://akosmajor.com/](https://cdn.cfye.com/app/uploads/2012/05/28110613/001_Island_1_LamdaC_2008-copy.jpg)
You are Hungarian, and currently live in Vienna, Austria. When and why did you move there?
We moved in October, last year. Vienna is not far from Budapest, and a little change is quite good sometimes, I think. Vienna is awesome. Budapest also, but I lived there 19 years, I felt it’s time to see something else.
What’s your background, what did you study?
I studied classic graphic design in the Secondary School of Arts, in Pécs, a unique town in Hungary. Then I went to the University of Arts and Design (MOME) in Budapest. I studied video art there, don’t ask me what it’s all about – then I got a degree of Visual Communications.
![Mont St Michel by http://akosmajor.com](https://cdn.cfye.com/app/uploads/2012/05/28110614/Mont-St-Michel-e1338285311244.jpg)
![VIC Vienna 2012 by http://akosmajor.com](https://cdn.cfye.com/app/uploads/2012/05/28110613/VIC-Vienna-2012-e1338285436553.jpg)
Is Photography your full time job, or a passion? Do you shoot commercial stuff?
No, I don’t. I work as freelance graphic designer, photography is a passion of mine. Love them both, different worlds.
Have you already exhibited anywhere?
Not yet. I never looked for the opportunity to exhibit. But it seems I can resist no longer, looks like there will be exhibitions this year.
![Pedalos by http://akosmajor.com](https://cdn.cfye.com/app/uploads/2012/05/28110612/005_Watescapes_1_LambdaC_2-copy.jpg)
Where do you see your future?
Can’t tell it right now, I have to see more. For example i’m longing to islands. Did you see ‘Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter… and Spring‘ from Ki-dik Kim? The monk’s floating temple is a kind of my dream home.
What is your favourite media, print or digital?
Both has its own way, i feel comfortable with each. A part of me needs the material, but we’re happened to be here now, so let’s see what we’ve got with digital media. I don’t read e-books for example, I feel uncomfortable with e-readers. I use a DSLR, but i’m going to buy a large format camera this summer. I’m excited.
![Paris 2012 by http://akosmajor.com/](https://cdn.cfye.com/app/uploads/2012/05/28110614/Paris-2012-e1338285075861.jpg)
What camera do you use, and how did you develop your style?
I use a Canon EOS 5d Mark2, for post-processing I use Photoshop – for me, it’s just more useful than Lightroom.
Your pictures bring me a sense of peace, sort of like time was on hold. Often surrounded by snow, it feels to me like everything has turned into silent when I look at your pictures. Is this what you are aiming for? How would you qualify your work?
I photograph what I see. Maybe i turn into the other direction with my cam, than some other photographers. Maybe I look for other weather conditions. I like to work slowly, in silent places, where I can get lost in the ambiance. My photographic work is the essence of what I see, how I feel when i’m around with my gear.
![by http://akosmajor.com/](https://cdn.cfye.com/app/uploads/2012/05/28110612/artlimited_img190683.jpg)
What inspires you?
Most of all music. I can’t really name one person as favourite photographer, but there are some, who’s work i’m into. Pros and amateurs, well-or lesser known artists.
![by http://akosmajor.com/](https://cdn.cfye.com/app/uploads/2012/05/28110611/IMG_2714bkicsi.jpg)
What is a typical day for you (if any!)
In the morning i’m checking my mails, discussing photographic topics with people, galleries, magazines and so. Replying to editorials. It takes time. Then comes a few hours with work and I get hungry. I love turkish food. Again, working a bit or selecting/processing my photos. I ride a lot with my bike. I usually shoot in the weekends or when i’m abroad, often in holidays. Everyday I wake up early, and i’m fine with this
Discover more of Akos Major’s Photographic work here: http://akosmajor.com/
![by http://akosmajor.com/](https://cdn.cfye.com/app/uploads/2012/05/28110612/artlimited_img192973.jpg)
![by http://akosmajor.com](https://cdn.cfye.com/app/uploads/2012/05/28110611/Akos-e1338363018341.jpg)