An interview with Photographer Roie Galitz from Israel.


*RoieG is Roie Galitz in real life, a young aspiring photographer from Israel who has come a long way. He lives and breathes photography and has his own website that had become one of the leading in the field of photography in Israel. He recently launched an English version of his website and I would like to invite to check it out and read the great articles he wrote about photography. To announce this launch in public I have asked Roie to join me for a little interview :


Roie, when did you start doing photography and why did you get into photography and how would you describe your evolution as a photographer?

Roie : Well, I got into photography in early 2003, it was pretty intense. I got drawn right into it when I got my first digital (worth while) camera. I loved the visual arts and I guess if I could paint, that's what I would do, but sadly no talent there.
Photography is my way to express myself visually and show others the beautiful world from my point of view.
My evolution? hmmm... if you could draw a graph, I guess it would have been very very steep in the beginning, because in the first few months I gained so much knowledge that I started writing photography articles six months after I got my first camera. afterwards, the graph continued its way up in a more subtle way.





What does photography mean to you? What is its most important aspect, which makes you want to go out and shoot?

Roie : Photography for me is a way to escape everyday life and enter a magical world where uncommon wildlife are 2 meters from you and incredible sunset perform for you, it's a way of sharing this wonderful perspective with others and give them joy and making them appreciate the world around us.
I love photography so much, that I can talk about it for hours (and believe me, I do). I started teaching photography in several leading schools in Israel and three years ago and last July I opened my photography school with dear friends and wonderful photographers such as Gilad Benari and Allon Kira.





Are there any subject matter do you prefer to photograph? Which are they ?

Roie : Like with any photographer, there are. I especially love photographing nature and wildlife, besides that I love street photography and portraits and sports. you can find in the galleries in my website some examples.






Roie, on your website you share not only your photography but also great articles and info. What made you decide to create a website like this ?

Roie : You see, I learned a lot of what I know these days from the internet and the community. I wanted to give something back in the form of the articles I am writing, I have a say "What comes from the internet, shall return to the internet". and that's the most beautiful thing about this amazing device called the world wide web.
My website started in Hebrew two years ago and just lately I finished working on the English version of the website. since it was launched, it is one of the leading photography websites in Israel.

On your website you mention that you teach in a photography school and you write and shoot for some nature photography magazines. Can you tell us a bit more about your job and career ?

Roie : I worked as a photographer in 2004, and got to do mainly catalogs. In that time I had a crisis as a photographer, since I photographed so many stuff I didn't want to for money, I didn't feel like going out and photographing for fun. That's when I decided that I can't let myself ruin the one thing I love to do so much, because it took me so long to find it.
So now I'm finishing my B.A. in business management and I'm working in insurance and finance full time so I don't need to be concerned on a monthly income from photography. I'm working hard on a career in another field so I can do in photography only what I love doing.
So in photography I'm writing and shooting for some nature magazines and shoot some interesting sporting events (sailing, surfing etc.) and of course there is my photography school that I created and enjoy it very much.





Did you have your photography showcased in exhibitions ?

Roie : Hmm… I did perform one solo exhibition and one as part of a group, but to be honest, I'm not promoting it really.
Why not? Because that kind of medium is very low intensity, compared to the internet where hundreds of thousands are exposed to my work each year.


Who or what are your inspirations ? What are your favorite Photographers?

Roie : Well, there are many wonderful and extremely talented photographers on the web. One guy you probably know is Gilad Benari, a good friend. But when I want to get inspired, I don't usually watch a single photographer, but rather browse forums such as DA for the most popular on different subjects or nature photography forums as naturescapes.net and others. Whenever my muse is too silent, I go around browsing until I get this burning sensation that makes me wanna go out and photograph right now, you all know what I'm talking about.

What is according to you the strength of photography over other types of art?

Roie : In my opinion, sight is the most amazing sense we have and "entertaining" that sense is the most enjoyable thing. Photography lets you share your vision and experience with others, it lets you take the viewer to where you've been and show him a world of wonders. They say one photo is worth 1,000 words, and it's true. In a photo you can trigger emotions such as love, compassions, sorrow, lust. Photos can change the course of a nation and they can change the heart of an individual. Each photo can hold immense power.





What do you think about online Art communities, such as deviantART, do you think they are good for artists to get exposure and improve their craft through feedback ? Are there some things you would like to say to newer photographers ?

Roie : I think that online communities are one the most beautiful things for creators. The exposure and recognition are a thousand steps away from where we would have been without it. Great photographers were born thanks to this medium and many more will come. The feedback and criticism are the most valuable tools any photographer, beginner or pro, could have. They are the motor that drives us to self improvement and better photography.
To the newer bunch of you, although the same advice apply to all, photography is in your soul, it's in your blood, every time you "click" you create something out of nowhere and every "click" is your way of sharing your love, passion and point of view. Think hard before you press that shutter, think if that's what you want to show to the world, then think if this is as good as the photo could be. Each photo can be improved by slight modifications, different composition, different background or even entirely different subject.
I urge you to learn, read, practice and implement. Read the articles on my website, since I written some of the best tips I can give (the others I teach in class rooms) and don’t forget to pass the knowledge onwards by commenting others and by linking so they could learn to.

I wish you all the best, and a little more.


Roie Galitz



Roie, thank you very much for your time and sharing your thoughts and a big thank you for making such a great website with all the helpful resources.



Roie Galitz on deviantART : *RoieG
Roie Galitz Website in English : www.galitz.co.il/en in Hebrew : www.galitz.co.il/







Thank you for reading,
yours ^hellfirediva