Lenin-Marx statue conservatory, Semey, Kazakstan (from Kazakhstan 2030)- Michal Honkys©2010
Photography is the extension of my life rather than a trade for me. In my approach it is a means of communication. By knowing the subject and people I am never just a photographer, but rather a part of what I am trying to communicate to the audience. My experience has proved that this approach is the one that establishes trust and openness between me, the people and the environment in my photographs.
I was born in the Czech Republic in the mid-1970’s in the depth of the communist times. My childhood was remarkably happy - growing up in a mountain village, I could spend all days playing outside. I was also the only one in the family who could feed our chickens straight from my hands:-)
As a child I did not notice anything wrong with socialism - schools and clubs were free and summer camps cheap and great fun. I was just about to start college when the system collapsed. The first sips of the change were exciting for us, younger people but hard for the working class adults.
After finishing the College of Transport, I worked as a train dispatcher, but soon realized the danger of being comfortably enslaved at work for the rest of my life. I spent a year in the Middle East, seven month in South - East Asia, five month in East Africa and more than a year in Ireland before I moved to study English, and later photography in London.
In 2007 I gained Ba Hons Photography & Digital Imaging at Thames Valley University with First Class Degree and MA in photojournalism and documentary at London College of Communications in 2009 with distinction.
I started working on photo documentary projects and photo essays, taking a real direction in photography by working in large format. Through this, I have become a part of my images, able to slow down and explore the world in depth.
I’ve always had a hunger to see a more spiritual, real side of life. Rather than sitting powerless aback, my lovely family and I started exploring the limitations and endless possibilities around us. As we look for inspiration, we try to apply it in our own lives as well as share our journey with anyone willing to listen and look.
I live happily with Laura and daughter Arisha near a forest on the outskirts of London, cultivating our little edible garden and allotment, creating a platform for a more positive and joyful future.
I was born in the Czech Republic in the mid-1970’s in the depth of the communist times. My childhood was remarkably happy - growing up in a mountain village, I could spend all days playing outside. I was also the only one in the family who could feed our chickens straight from my hands:-)
As a child I did not notice anything wrong with socialism - schools and clubs were free and summer camps cheap and great fun. I was just about to start college when the system collapsed. The first sips of the change were exciting for us, younger people but hard for the working class adults.
After finishing the College of Transport, I worked as a train dispatcher, but soon realized the danger of being comfortably enslaved at work for the rest of my life. I spent a year in the Middle East, seven month in South - East Asia, five month in East Africa and more than a year in Ireland before I moved to study English, and later photography in London.
In 2007 I gained Ba Hons Photography & Digital Imaging at Thames Valley University with First Class Degree and MA in photojournalism and documentary at London College of Communications in 2009 with distinction.
I started working on photo documentary projects and photo essays, taking a real direction in photography by working in large format. Through this, I have become a part of my images, able to slow down and explore the world in depth.
I’ve always had a hunger to see a more spiritual, real side of life. Rather than sitting powerless aback, my lovely family and I started exploring the limitations and endless possibilities around us. As we look for inspiration, we try to apply it in our own lives as well as share our journey with anyone willing to listen and look.
I live happily with Laura and daughter Arisha near a forest on the outskirts of London, cultivating our little edible garden and allotment, creating a platform for a more positive and joyful future.
Michal Honkys / About me
Me, a bit younger, at our cottage, Pstruzi, Czech republic