We had a quick chat with currently Los Angeles based photographer Kevin Burzynski about what makes a good photo, shooting on film and the biggest challenge of being a photographer.

What moment made you fall in love with photography?

I think it was through revisiting shooting color 35mm when I was in college. Film kinda has this nostalgic draw to it at first because a lot of us grew up shooting with disposable cameras as kids- on field trips to the zoo or whatever- so going back to it later on as a film student was really cool. And I had taken a couple black and white classes so now I understood what I was doing and what kind of photos I wanted to make and what the possibilities were. It was a lot easier and faster to get the same level of creative satisfaction from a good photo than it was in making an entire short film where you’re constantly compensating and relying on other people, needing tons of equipment, time, money, etc.

What makes a good photo? And what gives an image longevity in your eyes?

Hmmmm I think a great photo makes you stop what you’re doing and transports you into its world for a minute. It should make you want to save it for later and look at it over and over. It can’t be perfectly replicated. I think the best photos have to have a certain element of luck or timing or even defects present.

What are the things you want to achieve in your life so that you don’t regret it one day?

Have a big solo art exhibition or make a great movie.

What is the biggest challenge of being a photographer?

Finding a way to get consistently paid to shoot what you actually want to- or are willing to.

And what is the best aspect of it?

The complete creative control and immediacy of it.

What, besides photography draws your interest?

I’m really into visual art in general- mostly abstract painting and collage- so I’m working on putting a show together right now actually… and I’m also a pretty big movie nerd and music nerd.

The most important thing in your life is?

Trying to find happiness and still be a good person at the same time.

Where do you see yourself in 10 years?

On a beach with my head in the sand.