AN INTERVIEW WITH ENIKŐ BARNA

Enikő Barna won 1st Prize in our recent Black & White competition with an image that stopped judge Larry Louie in his tracks – depicting the idea that, as he put it, “one does not need to travel to exotic places to create an outstanding image. Instead, it only need take great observation and a creative mind.” It’s a beautifully composed image, that reveals more the longer you spend with it.

Keen to know more about her approach, her inspirations and of course this striking image, we put some questions to her…

Enikő, congratulations on winning our Black & White competition! Where do we find you in the world? Please introduce yourself in a few words…

I’m a Hungarian photographer living in Budapest. I studied media and moving image at university, and although I’m still occasionally active in video production, photography has taken the lead in my life over the past ten years. Today I mostly work in editorial, fashion, and documentary photography.

Can you tell us a little more about your winning shot and the circumstances behind it? How did you get the unique compositional point of view that judge Larry Louie referred to?

The photo was taken in a small Hungarian village called Tiszavalk, during the village’s annual festival. This village is my mother’s birthplace, and it’s also the most important place in the world for me – I spent much of my childhood there, and it still feels like home.

I lost my mother the year before this photo was taken, and when I saw this parent-child “nest” moment in the midst of the celebration, I was overwhelmed with emotion and the painful feeling of missing her deeply. Although you can’t see it in the image, there was quite a crowd around me, which limited my space. In that bustling atmosphere, I knew I had to move quickly, and luckily I managed to position myself in the perfect spot for the composition in a split second.

To me, this image symbolizes a sense of belonging and the unconditional love that brings safety and peace. I’m deeply grateful I was able to capture it.

We note that you regularly shoot in both black & white and color. Why black & white for this one? And more generally, is it a decision you make conciously as you work?

Black and white can change or influence the emotional impact of an image and it leaves more room for imagination. While sometimes I shoot in black and white from the start, often it’s not a conscious decision during the shoot. There are cases where, during editing, I feel that the message I want to convey comes across more powerfully without color. That was the case with this photograph as well.

THE GIRL AND HER UNICORN

Where did you love of photography come from?

I was already interested in photography as a child – there’s even a photo of me at around three years old playing with a camera. Later I went in a different direction, but about ten years ago, a friend asked me to take their portrait. At the end of that session, I just knew: this is what I want to do.

Your work is pretty eclectic – a lot of fashion photography, but some conceptual work too, and then street photography like this winning image. How would you describe your style and approach?

I don’t think I have a clearly defined or distinctive style. Most often, it’s the atmosphere of the moment that shapes the outcome, rather than conscious planning. The same goes for choosing my subjects – it’s mostly intuitive.

But looking back at my works, one thing is clear: the human being is almost always at the center of my photographs.

And I understand you run a photography studio in Budapest. How did that come about, and what does it entail beyond the photography itself?

I wanted to create a little workplace where I could work without interruption. After a long search, I found a location that used to be an antiquarian bookstore – it fit perfectly with my plans, so I bought it and turned it into a studio. Now other photographers regularly rent it as well, which keeps the space filled with creative energy.

Can you share a particular favourite shot? Perhaps a recent one you’re especially proud of? Can you talk us through it?

Right now, I think I’m most proud of my winning image. But the truth is, because of my perfectionism and critical mindset, I’m rarely fully satisfied with my work. I always find something that convinces me it’s not good enough, or it could be better.

There is one photo I hold especially close — it’s one I took of my sister as she rides a carousel [see below]. She’s always loved amusement parks — the moment she steps into one, it’s as if she becomes a child again, filled with pure happiness and excitement. When I look at this photo, I can still see her bright, joyful expression so clearly in my mind.

TRACES OF RED

Who’s your photography hero (or heroine)? And who or what inspires you beyond photography?

I don’t really have specific role models in photography, but I think Martin Parr has been a strong influence on me – I simply love his work! Beyond photography, my biggest inspiration is my mother. Whatever I do, I try to live in a way that would make her proud, wherever she may be now.

What’s the best piece of advice you’d pass on to your younger self if you could?

RESPECT your time! LEARN to speak every language in the world! ALWAYS carry a camera with you! DON’T BE AFRAID to get close when taking a photo! BELIEVE in yourself!

And finally, what will you be working on for the rest of 2025?

It looks like this year will mostly be shaped by commissioned work – especially fashion photography will take up a significant part of my time. But to be honest, the most exciting topics and meaningful moments usually find me unexpectedly. Looking further ahead, I have many ideas waiting in the drawer, ready to be brought to life.