ENIKO SZUCS

THE TRAVELING PHOTOGRAPHER

Although I have the honor of knowing a great many talented folks on this earth, I was quite flattered when this well accomplished photographer reached out to me asking to be a part of  Fashion Forward Men.  Although she hails from a very small town in Hungary, Eniko Szucs manages to make very big statements with her images. 

Because of her father having photography as a loved hobby,  Eniko's career was practically handed down to her.  She loved personalizing the backs of all the pictures of the family, and pets, she recalls.  Pictures that he actually developed in his very own darkroom.  Seeing how into the craft she was, Szucs father surprised her with a 35mm camera he picked up for her from Germany.  She was only 15.  And so it began... 

Becoming familiar with her new machine, Eniko first began taking pictures of  her surroundings using black and white film.  Obviously a quick study, she began taking self portraits of herself .  Taking her camera to school, the eager Eniko would process (and even enlarge), her own film.

Having  idols like Irving Penn, Annie Leibowitz, and Richard Avedon, E.S. considers herself to be more of a classic driven photographer.  Adding fashion photographers such as Mario Testino, and Paolo Roversi to her mix of favorites, Szucs has managed to find her own niche. 

 above photo: Richard Avedon

During her college years, Eniko was granted a scholarship that sent her to Paris for three months.  This was a huge eye opener, but how could it not? She was in one of the most beautiful cities in all the world.  Almost instantly,  the history of the city swallowed her and a new passion was born.  Already used to taking pictures of things she would see in her everyday life, Eniko homed in on  landscapes and architecture, showing not just buildings, but their true beauty.  

After receiving her Master of Arts degree (her second) , in Budapest, Szucs decided to move onto New York, but first  even before leaving for the states, she had already photographed for high ranking magazines such as Marie Claire, and Elle Decor.

Now in the Big apple, it was now time for the small town girl to show the electric city just what she was made of.  Proving that she is already a work horse, Eniko explains to Fashion Forward Men, that a normal day consists of shooting for some publication (you name it), networking to get herself out there more, or prepping for various art shows.  When she does have down time, she admits to going to the many museums, or galleries in New York.  If not that, she favors flipping through magazines and surfacing the web to look for more inspiration.  

Trying to get some dirt of Eniko, I asked about the worst shoot she was a part of.  Being the true professional, or possible slight language barrier, I didn't get exactly what I wanted.  Or could it be that Ms. Szucs is simply an always-happy-person.  Even when asked about what makes her mad,  she responds by saying, "It depends, fortunately I have a good sense of humor, so usually I am just start laughing at the crazy situations or people.  Maybe in the past I had few really disappointing experiences, but I'm always praying to find the best people for me to work with" 

It's quite obvious that Eniko Szucs has been blessed with working with some prestigious companies, but none of this came easy...

"We have a very hard times in the industry right now, especially in the big cities which are the centers of art and fashion.  It's very inspiring at the same time to see a lot of amazing works from talented artists.

My advice  to newcomers is to follow the new directions of art.  Networking with industry professionals is key."

 Doing her fair share of fashion photography it seems that she has developed into quite a well rounded artist.  and just when you think you have her pegged, she is onto something else.  She tells me that in the next few years she plans on doing something a tad more permanent with all the various landscapes she has captured.  Do I hear book??? Only time will tell.  

As always, stay tuned to Fashion Forward Men...  I intend on following Eniko's career to better inform her new fans. feel free to check out her site as well: www.enikoszucs.com