Pablo Charnas:Simplicity allows emotion to speak without interference.

Your work often feels rooted in a quiet sense of observation. When you speak about “the process of looking,” what does that mean to you in practice when you’re behind the camera?For me, looking is expressed through mindful observation during the shoot. It encompasses the entire preparation process for the photo shoot and the photographic project. In portraiture, I convey this through a positive, engaging atmosphere with the subject and the entire team throughout the shoot.

You mention a strong connection to sunrise light. What is it about that specific moment of the day that continues to draw you back creatively?For me, sunrise is the most beautiful moment I can see in the morning. I love photographing in the morning because of the light, as well as the peace that can be captured in morning shots. The sunrise light is special and unique.

Your compositions are minimal and stripped back, yet emotionally resonant. How do you decide what to remove from a frame in order to strengthen what remains?Minimalism is simplicity. Simple and powerful compositions have the power to resonate with the viewer.

Having studied at the Cracow Academy of Photography, how did your education shape your visual discipline and approach to fashion and portrait work?My thesis at the Academy of Photography was a project about night photography. Dark Night depicts places on the outskirts of the city, photographed with longer exposures and shaped by weather conditions. After this project, I began exploring portraiture and fashion, which marked a new chapter in my work.

There is a subtle balance between softness and structure in your images. How do you approach directing your subjects within such a minimal visual space?It often depends on the type of light used. In my work, I use both soft and hard light. I like to experiment with different objects, such as prisms or mirrors, to enhance the light and shape the image.

Your color palette feels intentional and refined. How do you build and control color within your images while maintaining that sense of natural simplicity?My understanding of color is based on Johannes Itten’s The Art of Colour. I apply this knowledge during the styling process, selecting wardrobe and background tones that complement the overall visual effect.

In your portraits, there is often a sense of stillness rather than performance. How do you guide your subjects to exist within the frame rather than pose for it?I am an introverted, calm, and patient person. During a photoshoot, I like to talk with the model and get to know them through the lens. Conversation helps them open up, allowing their personality and natural beauty to emerge rather than forcing a pose.

You describe never losing your sense of wonder. How do you protect that mindset while working professionally and navigating expectations?A sense of wonder is a way of being for me, although it is not always easy to maintain. I focus on staying calm and positive. I smile every day and find joy in small things. Wonder comes from noticing something ordinary and recognizing its quiet beauty.

Minimalism can be both freeing and restrictive. Have there been moments where you felt challenged by your own aesthetic approach?Sometimes images don’t go as planned. I treat those moments as lessons, allowing me to improve and refine my approach in future projects.

When working in fashion photography, how do you balance editorial storytelling with your preference for simplicity and reduction?I prefer my photoshoots to be well thought out and structured. Equally important is the process of selecting strong images after the shoot, ensuring that the final story remains clear and cohesive.

Your images feel very personal despite their clean structure. What role does intuition play in your decision-making during a shoot?Planning is essential—from preparation to execution—but intuition also plays an important role. Allowing space for spontaneity can bring unexpected results. I enjoy experimenting with light, as it has a powerful influence on the final image.

Looking ahead, how do you see your visual language evolving while staying true to the philosophy that defines your work today?I see my future through continuous personal and photographic development. I’m interested in exploring new inspirations through personal projects, particularly by working further with color and refining studio lighting techniques.

Photographer: Pablo Charnas @pablo.charnas

Model: Angelika Badalyan @angela.badalyan