site.btaOn World Photography Day, BTA Journalists Share Favorite Photos and Talk about "the Language without Borders"

My favorite photo is the theme of this year’s World Photography Day. The initiative calls on people to share their favorite photo and its story on social media with the hashtag #WorldPhotographyDay. On this occasion, BTA reporters and photographers shared their favorite photos and snapshots from memorable events and spoke about what photography is for them personally and how it became their way of life.

Photography to me is ...

“Photography is my way of documenting time,” said Elena Dikova, head of the BTA Press Photo Department. "That's why I’m a news photographer. I have the privilege of capturing historical moments, beautiful scenes, and unforgettable memories. Photography is hundreds of times stronger than words, and when you see a photo, you're sure that something - at least something like it - really happened. It's my way to 'write with light," said Dikova.

For photojournalist Blagoy Kirilov, photography is "a unique way through which one can transmit information and messages to anyone, regardless of language, culture, race". "It is a beautiful art,” said he.

For senior photojournalist Vladimir Shokov, photography is "everything", and his "favorite thing to do".

Senior reporter Ivan Lazarov says photography is "his way of capturing the world as I feel it: light, colors, emotions, and moments. It allows me to tell stories without words, to share personal visions, and to create a connection between people and the world around them". According to him, photography is an art that speaks quietly but leaves a lasting trace. For him, photography is a hobby. “Luckily, I have the opportunity to learn from some of the best photojournalists in Bulgaria – those at BTA,” Lazarov added.

Photojournalist Milena Stoykova says she decided to pursue photography because she "really likes visual arts and it's a way for me to perceive the world".

For photojournalist Nikola Uzunov, photography is a way of life. "Photography gives me the opportunity to see the world around us in a different way. From a different angle or perspective, photography shows a completely different view of objects and the environment they are in," he said. 

Challenges of the profession

Minko Chernev, deputy head of the Photojournalists Team at BTA, says the advancement of technology has made photography very accessible and brought the image quality of consumer cameras close to that of professional ones. "This  has increased the pressure on professional photographers to offer a product and service that an ordinary person cannot create," he adds. “It’s a double-edged sword that many image generators can now create photos and videos that most people don't recognize as AI-generated and accept as real,” Chernev also says.

“Digitization, which fortunately changed everything to be faster, easier, and more accessible, has also vulgarized the job of photographer,” noted Elena Dikova.

“One of the biggest challenges is the constant interactions with people, communicating with them, and being able to make someone feel comfortable in front of the camera and open up. Also, the dynamic nature of the job – at any given moment you may find yourself at the center of a historic event,” said Blagoy Kirilov.

For Vladimir Shokov, one of the challenges is “to convince others that this is important so people know what was.”

“The hardest thing is to capture the moment,” said Ivan Lazarov. “Sometimes a scene, a gesture, a facial expression lasts just a second and you have to catch it. I’ll give an example with my favorite genre – aviation photography. The plane flies over your head at 300 km/h while landing, and you have to catch the moment – you don’t have time to think much,” he explained.

“Learn how to communicate with people,” advises Milena Stoykova. “Photojournalism is closely tied to human interaction,” she added.

“The biggest challenge in photography is not to miss the important moment. It’s the key to the story of the photographed object/environment,” believes Nikola Uzunov.

Advice for beginner photographers

“It has never been easier and more accessible for someone to educate themselves and take up photography,” said Minko Chernev. The development of technology and especially the progress of AI unlocks almost unlimited possibilities, he pointed out, adding that what now seem like archaic rules and techniques of decades ago should not be ignored.

According to Nikola Uzunov, one should never stop shooting and exploring.

“Do what you love. Love what you do. Put passion and life into your work,” advises Elena Dikova.

Blagoy Kirilov urges beginners to never stop practicing and experimenting with photography.

“More patience and persistence,” said Vladimir Shokov.

“Don’t look for the perfect shot – it doesn’t exist. Shoot without fear and experiment,” advises Ivan Lazarov.

“The biggest challenge is managing to keep a respectful tone, even though you’re entering someone’s personal space – to manage to take the shot without being rude,” said Milena Stoykova.

World Photography Day has been celebrated since 2010 at the initiative of Australian entrepreneur and photographer Korske Ara. The idea for a World Photography Day dates back to 1988 by Indian photographer O. P. Sharma, who organized the first celebration of the day in 1991. The goal of the day is to mark the significant role of the discovery of the daguerreotype process, the role of photography in documenting historical events and culture, and to promote photography as a form of art.