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Marko Dimitrijevic & Amos Nachoum

Marko Dimitrijevic

Interview with Marko Dimitrijevic
BIFA 2024 Winner, 1st Place, Non-Professional BookBig”

Q: Can you tell us a bit about your background and what inspired you to embark on a career in photography? Was there a specific moment when you realized this was your calling?

I taught himself photography in the field, as a teenager he would spend days capturing images of the creatures inhabiting my backyard in Switzerland. I have spent most of my life photographing the beauty of the world and documenting the lives of endangered species

Q: What was the inspiration behind your winning project? How did the idea come to you, and what message were you aiming to convey through your work?

Our book BIG encompasses our best wildlife photographic work we have produced over the last 30 years, and we believe it is a different and possibly unique book in several respects. First, it focuses on a large variety of big animals on land and in the oceans. Second, it is the work of two photographers rather than one. Third, unlike most photo books it is organized by emotions. 

Our goal with BIG is not just to showcase our images. We want to share the emotions we experienced watching some of these endangered big animals to help protect them before they disappear

Q: Every great story comes with its challenges. What were some of the hurdles you faced while capturing your award-winning project, and how did you overcome them?

Because a book , even a BIG book, has a limit on the number of pages we had a massive job of selecting the 150 images that ended up in the book. 

Q: What motivated you to enter the Budapest International Foto Awards? What does winning 1st place in your category mean to you personally and professionally?

BIFA is a prestigious competition and a 1st place award is a wonderful appreciation of our work by the expert panel of judges. 

Q: Could you share some insights into the equipment and techniques you used to create your winning images? Is there a particular tool or method you always rely on?

I have a small memento that my wife created for me it says “When I am asked what photo equipment I use I tell the  my eyes”. It is funny but also true. Over the past 30 years I have used different brands of cameras. I’d say  use the 100-400 zoom more than anything else topside and the 24-70 underwater. 

Q: Looking back on your journey, what has been the highlight of your career so far? How does this award compare to other milestones you’ve achieved?

For me being able to observe the beauty of wildlife on our planet is what brings me joy, sometimes I am able to get an award winning image from a trip but I always have fantastic memories.

Q: What advice would you offer to emerging photographers hoping to make their mark in the industry? Are there any lessons you’ve learned that you wish you’d known earlier?

Do what you like doing and pursue it relentlessly.

Q: Photography is often described as a universal language. How do you approach storytelling in your work, and how do you connect emotionally with your audience?

I try to bring  the beauty of wildlife to my followers and share the feelings I got when I saw the animals in the wild. 

Q: If you could work on any photography project in the world, unrestricted by budget or location, what would it be and why?

I would love to film and photograph the animals that live in the deep underwater thermal vents. It is a completely alien world that has been seldom photographed and could yield fantastic images.

Q: What’s next for you after this incredible achievement? Are there any upcoming projects or goals that you’re particularly excited about?

I would love to make another book.