Interview
Martina Mlcuchova
MMMlivephoto, Slovakia
Martina Mlcuchova is a freelance photographer from Slovakia whose journey began with a love for analog cameras. After years of shooting as a hobby, she left her day job to pursue photography full-time, capturing everything from events and festivals to architecture and cityscapes.
1 Congratulations on winning in the MUSE Photography Awards! Can you share a little about yourself, what inspired you to pursue photography, and how has your journey evolved since your first shot?
Thank you, it is my honor and pleasure. My name is Martina Mlcuchova. I am an independent freelance photographer from Slovakia. I focus on various fields of photography—mostly events, festivals, lifestyle, arts, interior and exterior, urban and architectural photography, and cityscapes. My journey to becoming a professional photographer was preceded by many years of hobby photography; I was fascinated by analog cameras since childhood. Only after years of pursuing photography as a hobby alongside my day job did I dare to step outside my comfort zone and leave the security of that job to freelance and earn a living through photography. It's a lifelong journey, and since making photography my profession, I've experienced daily uncertainty—but also incredible adventure and joy. I hope many more interesting adventures lie ahead.
2 Can you share the story or inspiration behind your award-winning piece? How does winning this award make you feel about your journey in photography?
This was my second time entering the competition, and I submitted 10 entries. Incredibly, all 10 received awards: 2× Platinum, 7× Gold, and 1× Silver. It feels quite surreal... I'm not sure what to make of it, but I'm deeply grateful.
3 How do you decide which photo to submit for a competition?
The selection process is always the most challenging. I aimed to choose diverse entries that reflect my body of work and represent my photographic style as much as possible. What characterizes my work is a frequent and enthusiastic use of experimental techniques—particularly double exposure, which I often execute live during the shoot. At the same time, I wanted to showcase a broader range of my portfolio, from dynamic action photography of events, festivals, concerts, and artists, to the calmer contrast of artistic objects, spaces, and architecture.
4 What first made you pick up a camera?
Perhaps it's the need to capture and preserve unrepeatable moments, to create something lasting from what has already passed.
5 What’s your favorite type of photography, and why do you love it?
I’m inspired by anyone who has the power to enchant, spark curiosity, and bring delight.
6 What’s your go-to camera setup, and why does it work best for your projects? What’s your favorite feature?
I'm currently working with a Nikon Z6III, and the 'multiple exposure' function is one I frequently access—often using it "blindly."
7 If someone looked at your work, what’s the one thing you’d want them to feel?
To evoke positive feelings, emotion, pleasure, and joy; to spark curiosity and a desire to revisit the scene—whether a place, space, event, person, or feeling—or to inspire a sense of “I wish I were there.”
8 What was the most challenging part of capturing your winning shot?
Because I have so many winning photos, it's tough to pick just one answer.
9 Who or what has been your biggest influence in photography?
My greatest influence in photography comes from my favorite music and artists!
10 What message would you share to inspire photographers to participate in photography awards, and what advice would you give to help them excel in the competition?
Just capture and give it a try—every submission seems to have a chance to win (just look at my winning entries)!
11 What’s one piece of advice for someone just starting in photography?
Just do it, do what you love, and keep taking photographs. Passion and practice are the keys to success.
12 What role do editing and post-processing play in your creative workflow?
Post-processing—selecting and editing—is my least favorite activity, but it’s also necessary.
13 How do you see technology, like AI, influencing the future of photography and your own approach?
Like any new technology, AI can be a force for good or ill. Its helpfulness depends on wise, sensitive, and responsible use driven by good intentions.
14 If you could photograph anything or anyone in the world, what would it be?
I'd like to photograph anyone, anything, anywhere in the world—anyone who trusts my work, appreciates my style, and gives me the chance to capture something beautiful, unique, and unrepeatable. I'd go to the "ends of the world" for that.
