Slovenian photographer Tadej Vaukman moves between documentary and everyday life, capturing people and situations as they unfold. In this conversation, he shares how his background shaped his approach, why he no longer chases the moment, and what continues to draw him behind the camera.
Tell us who you are and what you do.
Hey, what’s up! My name is Tadej, and I’m an artist moving between photography and everything in between.
What currently inspires you the most?
Damn, that has to be my son and my partner. We live in crazy times, and they’re the only ones keeping me sane at the moment. Love you!
What makes something a “go-to” piece for you?
That’s a pretty easy one. It has to be simple and durable. We’re talking about clothes, right? (laughs)
What does authenticity mean to you today?
I see authenticity as my inner voice. I know it sounds cheesy, but that’s the only way I can be real. We can wear the same jacket or even the same undies, that’s all fine by me.
What does it mean to you to shop in a physical store and help shape its community?
It’s actually really fun. I’ll never forget when you guys opened the store and we just kind of connected. That’s why I keep coming back. Sometimes just to hang out, and some days I actually buy something! (laughs)
When you look through the camera, what are you really searching for?
It depends. Back in the day, when I started around 20 years ago, I wasn’t really chasing anything. Just raw emotions and random everyday moments. Nowadays it’s quite the opposite. When my little Vinnie was born, I realized that all I ever wanted in life was peace. So yeah, that’s what I’m searching for.
Your photography feels very raw and honest. Why is that important to you?
Maybe that’s just my authenticity (laughs)? I guess I’m just built that way. We all come from different backgrounds, and my breaking point was when my parents got divorced when I was little. I experienced a lot of ugly things, but most of the time I was just a chill kid trying to get by. Things get raw sometimes. That’s just the way it is.
How does style or clothing influence the mood of a photograph?
Big pockets save a photographer’s day. I’m not kidding. GIVE ME BIG POCKETS!
“I don’t chase
the hype anymore.”
Do you think photography captures reality or shapes it?
That’s a tricky one. Especially answering this three beers in. I like to think I shape my own reality, but then again, I might end up shooting something completely random. Like that day in Istria when I was photographing a pile of chopped wood. That was pure reality. Just me and some sticks for a campfire.
What can photography reveal about people that words cannot?
Everything. And also vice versa. Photography and words, at least for me, are the most powerful tools we have. Let’s go!
Do you ever decide not to take a photo? Why?
Yep, all the time. My approach has changed a lot over the years. I don’t chase hype anymore. I’m working on peace of mind, learning how to slow things down. I’m all about that. On the other hand, I never skip taking a photo of a cat.
Credits
Photography: Arin Rapuš
