Meet Arpad Kossar

Meet Arpad Kossar, a fashion photographer whose work is shaped by the landscapes and culture of Eastern Europe, his childhood home. Arpad's photography captures the raw beauty of both urban and natural settings from his homeland, blending the bold lines of brutalist architecture with the nuanced tones that characterize the region. Each image reflects a heritage, clearly marked with the influences of his environment. Arpad Kossar chooses film over digital, a preference that sets his work apart in an era overwhelmed by instant digital results. His use of film and darkroom techniques gives his images a noticeable depth and texture that stand out visually. Each image goes beyond simply capturing moments, delivering stories filled with genuine emotion and authenticity.

Courtesy of the artist, Arpad Kossar © All rights belong to their respective owners. No copyright infringement intended.

How do the landscapes and urban scenes of Eastern Europe, where you grew up, inform your fashion photography? Can you discuss how this heritage shapes the narratives and aesthetics of your work?

Even before I got into photography, I was fascinated by brutalist architecture, which is so prevalent in Eastern Europe. It felt natural to incorporate it into my work. In Slovakia, these locations are quite popular to shoot at—not just for me, but for other photographers, fashion brands, and designers as well. I think we’re all drawn to what inspires us or we grew up surrounded with. The only project so far where I truly aimed to showcase my Eastern European heritage was my final work at university. I studied abroad for three years, and during that time, I realized just how unique my country is and how much I miss it. To be honest, I’m interested not just in Eastern European architecture but in anything that feels typical of a country. I want to explore and reflect that in the work I’m currently working on.

Courtesy of the artist, Arpad Kossar © All rights belong to their respective owners. No copyright infringement intended.

In an era dominated by digital, you've chosen to stick with analog photography and darkroom printing. What draws you to these traditional methods, and how do they contribute to the visual style of your work?

Since I was a kid, I’ve always been drawn to different types of visual art. I’ve loved colors, textures, and shapes in artworks and graphic designs. Later, when I got into photography, I saw a photo shot on film, and I knew I wanted my photos to have that same look. That’s when I started shooting on film. Darkroom printing, for me, is an entirely different experience. There’s a unique quality to it that I believe can’t be replicated with a digital camera or a scan. Since I started printing my own photos, my work has changed significantly. I’ve developed a printing process that feels authentic to me and I believe it has helped me develop my visual style.

Courtesy of the artist, Arpad Kossar © All rights belong to their respective owners. No copyright infringement intended.

Color manipulation is a crucial aspect of your photography. Could you explain your approach to selecting and adjusting colors in the darkroom?

Choosing the color palette in my work is an intuitive process. I aim to create a look that complements the scene, mood, or whatever feels right at the moment. It’s hard to put into words—I print it the way I feel it.

Courtesy of the artist, Arpad Kossar © All rights belong to their respective owners. No copyright infringement intended.

Given the collaborative nature of fashion photography, how do you ensure that your vision aligns with the inputs from designers, models, and stylists?

It really depends on the project we’re working on. Some projects give me complete creative freedom, allowing me to shoot exactly how I envision it. On others, the process is more structured, with guidelines I need to follow to align with the vision of the creative team. Sometimes, we collaborate as a group, brainstorming ideas and working together to develop the final “look” for the photos. I love working in a team—I trust the people I collaborate with, and I think this mutual trust helps us create a shoot where everyone is satisfied with the outcome.

Courtesy of the artist, Arpad Kossar © All rights belong to their respective owners. No copyright infringement intended.

Which artists or art movements inspire your work, and how do they manifest in your photography?

As I mentioned earlier, I’ve been drawn to visual arts from a young age. I’ve always loved colors, shapes, textures, and typography, which have been constant sources of inspiration for me. I’m particularly drawn to minimalism and “clean” scenes, so I’d say this art movement has a strong influence on my work. When it comes to artists or photographers, it’s hard to pinpoint specific names that inspire me. I think my influences come from a mix of photographers across different genres and eras, and they shape my work in ways I don’t always consciously realize. If I had to name a few, though, I’d definitely mention William Eggleston and Joel Meyerowitz—I’m really drawn to their work, even though they’re not fashion photographers, haha.

Courtesy of the artist, Arpad Kossar © All rights belong to their respective owners. No copyright infringement intended.

Looking ahead, what new themes or experimental techniques are you excited to delve into?

When it comes to a theme, it’s really unpredictable for me. I love observing things, brainstorming, and working through my thoughts and ideas to develop a project around them. In terms of technique, over the past year or so, I’ve started shooting much more in the studio with studio lighting. It’s definitely something I enjoy, and I’m eager to learn more about it, experiment with different lighting setups, and explore new possibilities. Thank you!

Courtesy of the artist, Arpad Kossar © All rights belong to their respective owners. No copyright infringement intended.