Can you introduce yourself briefly?
Hi, my name is Stefan Iliev and i’m from Bulgaria. I’m on 42. I love to be outdoor.
What were the milestones in your learning photography?
Like a kid the most amazing toy for me was my father’s camera – old, film, russian one and my passion start then. Like a young boy i have many broken cameras just to see what is inside, many snapped parties and fun moments with friends. The disadvantage of the film is thаt you dont see the result immediately and when i touch digital camera for a first time i understood that this give me a chance to work with light. When I bought my first camera in 2009 was like one endless holiday – shooting everything I saw. Аnd then I made my first treking in the Himalayas and realized how important it is to seal this great moments and places that others can not see and reach.
When did you get interested in paragliding photography and especially aerobatic paragliding?
Then naturally I carried this possibility in my other great passion – the flying and one day, thanks to my friendship with the best bulgarian acropilot – Veso Ovcharov I found myself in the temple of acroparagliding – Organya, where i met and became a friend with the best of the acro world. To shoot them in the air was not only a challenge but also a great privilege to watch the show from а first row. Then there was no any money in this sport and it was only enthusiasm but I was happy I could help some of them with my pictures, so they have their portfolio to present themselves to future sponsors.
Who are the photographers that inspire you?
From the pioneers in the photography the first name for me is Ansel Adams becouse he brings the nature in the photography. Nowdays i get inspired from a every photographer that can risk his own life to capture a scene we can not reach.
What equipment do you use?
I love to work with Nikon.
Do you have a memory of a shoot that you would like to share with us?
The photo that i remember is when i shot Felix Rodriguez making infinity tumbling over Olludeniz passing one meter from me – the sound of the glider was like from a shotgun.
Have you specific tips or advice for taking pictures of aerobatic paragliding?
The tips i can give – be fast. Sometimes things happen so quick in this sport and you dont have time to think about details like exposure, apperture, iso…but you have to be ready to shoot.
You’re a photographer primarily of outdoor activities. Can you tell us of the special relationship that you have with these activities?
So i’m mountaineering – because of the great view, relaxing and the clean air. I’m mountain biking – because that keeps me in a condition and that how i can travel for free and out of polution in the nature. And i love to fly – because this a dream came true and from above you have another point of view.
What are your plans or ideas for 2016?
Hope to have a chance to vizit Pakistan for a second time for another project.
The final word
Send you a good vibes for the 2nd APC. Hope to see you there.
Internet links, website or specific gallery:
my link to https://www.facebook.com/stefan.iliev.5249
