Zsuzsa Magyar

The inspiration behind “Circus of Dreams: Underwater Fly” came from my fascination with movement, dance and the surreal possibilities of photography. I wanted to create an image that would feel as though it belonged to another world — a moment suspended between reality and fantasy.

The underwater setting became an essential part of the concept. It transformed the dancers’ movements, making their bodies appear almost weightless and allowing me to explore shapes, symmetry and a sense of freedom that would be difficult to achieve on land. I was drawn to the contrast between the strength and precision of circus movement and the dreamlike, almost otherworldly atmosphere created by the water.

Winning Gold at the European Photography Awards is incredibly meaningful to me because this image represents the direction in which I want to grow as an artist. It is encouraging to see that a photograph driven by imagination, experimentation and storytelling can connect with an international jury.

More than simply recognising one image, this award gives me confidence to continue developing my own visual language and to be more courageous in creating images that exist somewhere between photography and fantasy.

I usually choose an image that stays with me emotionally, rather than simply the one that I consider technically perfect. I look for a strong atmosphere, a sense of story, and something that makes the viewer pause and feel something.

When submitting to a competition, I also try to look at the image from a more objective perspective: does it have a clear visual identity, does it stand on its own, and does it communicate something beyond what is immediately visible? I want my photographs to feel authentic to my style, but at the same time, I choose images that I believe can connect with people who see them for the first time.

What first made me pick up a camera was the desire to capture moments and emotions that I found beautiful or meaningful. At first, photography was simply a way of exploring the world around me and learning to see everyday things differently.

Over time, I realised that I was especially drawn to creating images with atmosphere, emotion and a sense of story. Photography gradually became much more than a hobby for me. It became a way of expressing myself and creating something that feels deeply personal.

My favourite type of photography is fine art portraiture. I love creating images that feel almost like a scene from a story rather than simply documenting a person.

What I enjoy most is the creative process behind it — choosing the location, light, colours, styling and atmosphere, and then working with the person in front of my camera to create something unique. I’m especially drawn to images that feel emotional, dreamlike and slightly magical.

For me, the most rewarding part is when a photograph can reveal something about a person while also creating a world of its own.

My go-to camera setup is my Canon R8 paired with the RF 24-105mm f/4 L IS USM lens. I love this combination because it gives me the flexibility to work in different environments, from carefully planned fine art portraits to more spontaneous outdoor shoots. The 24-105mm range allows me to move easily between wider environmental portraits and more intimate compositions without constantly changing lenses.

My favourite feature of the Canon R8 is its autofocus. It gives me a lot of confidence when photographing people, especially when there is movement involved, because I can focus more on the moment, composition and interaction rather than worrying about whether I have captured the subject sharply.

If someone looked at my work, I would want them to feel something — even if they can’t immediately put that feeling into words.

I want my photographs to create a sense of wonder, emotion and a little bit of escape from everyday life. Ideally, I want the viewer to pause for a moment and enter the world I have created, rather than simply look at the photograph and move on. If an image can make someone feel something deeply, even for just a few seconds, I feel that I have achieved what I wanted.

The most challenging part was bringing together all the elements I had imagined and capturing the right moment when everything came together naturally. The photograph was taken in a circus, where the lighting, movement and atmosphere were constantly changing. I had a very specific vision in mind, but I had to react quickly and adapt to what was happening in front of me.

Timing was especially important, as I had only a brief moment to capture the expression, movement and light in the way I envisioned them. The unpredictability of the circus made it challenging, but also made the final image much more exciting and meaningful to me.

I’m most inspired by places that already have a strong atmosphere and a sense of story. I’m drawn to forests, old buildings, theatres and especially places connected to performance, such as circuses and dance spaces.

I’m also very inspired by people who are willing to step into a different world in front of my camera. I love combining a person with an unusual environment and creating something that feels slightly outside of everyday reality. That combination of location, character and atmosphere is what often sparks an idea for me.

My biggest influences have come from the wider world of visual art rather than from one particular photographer. I’m inspired by painting, cinema, theatre and dance, especially the way they use light, colour, movement and composition to create emotion and atmosphere.

I’m also influenced by photographers whose work tells a story and creates a world rather than simply documenting a moment. Over time, I’ve learned to take inspiration from many different sources while developing my own visual language. I think that ongoing process of looking, experimenting and learning is one of the most exciting parts of photography for me.

I would encourage photographers to enter awards even if they don’t feel completely ready. Competitions can be a valuable way to challenge yourself, gain recognition and see your work from a different perspective. You never know how your image will connect with a judge or a viewer.

My advice would be to choose images that truly represent your own vision rather than simply trying to follow current trends. Pay attention to the story, emotion and overall impact of the image, but also be honest and selective when choosing your strongest work. And most importantly, don’t be discouraged if you don’t win. Every competition is an opportunity to learn, grow and become more confident in your own photographic voice.

My biggest piece of advice would be to photograph what genuinely interests you and not worry too much about what everyone else is doing. Experiment, make mistakes and keep learning. Your own style doesn’t appear overnight — it develops naturally through practice and experience.

I would also encourage beginners not to wait for perfect equipment or perfect conditions. A camera is simply a tool; what matters most is learning how to see. Keep photographing, stay curious, and give yourself time to develop your own visual voice.

Editing and post-processing play an important role in my creative workflow. For me, the photograph doesn’t necessarily end when I press the shutter — editing is where I can further shape the mood, colours and atmosphere that I had in mind when taking the image.

I try to keep the original feeling of the photograph while enhancing its emotional and artistic qualities. I enjoy experimenting with colour, light and subtle effects, especially when creating my fine art work. At the same time, I believe that the foundation has to be a strong photograph in the first place. Post-processing should support the story and vision of the image, rather than replace them.

I think technology, including AI, will continue to change photography in many exciting ways. It can be a valuable creative and practical tool, and I’m curious to see how photographers will use it to explore new ideas and possibilities.

At the same time, I believe that authentic photography will become even more valuable. For me, the connection with the person in front of my camera, the real location, the light and the moment itself are essential parts of the creative process. I don’t see technology as a replacement for that human experience, but rather as another tool that can support and expand a photographer’s creative vision.

I want to continue exploring new technology while keeping the human connection and my own artistic voice at the heart of my work.

If I could photograph anyone or anything in the world, I would love to create a fine art project with a world-class dancer or ballet company in a truly extraordinary location.

I’m fascinated by movement and the way dance can express emotions without words, so combining that with my love of atmosphere, storytelling and visual art would be a dream project. I would love to create a series of images that feels more like a cinematic or painterly world than a traditional dance photoshoot.