Portrait: Veselin Malinov

There are so many incredible images on 500px but we want to know more about the photographers, and stories, behind them. Our Portrait series interviews a talented photographer each week, allowing us to discover more about living life through a lens.

This week's interview is with Bulgaria-based photographer Veselin Malinov.

insignificant....2 by Veselin Malinov

When and how did you fall in love with photography?
It was maybe 4 years ago and it all started from a vacation in Portugal. I had just won a Canon IXUS 55 from a contest at my work; it all came together from there.

Have you had any formal training?
No, I haven’t. I started to learn about 2 years ago and I’m still nowhere :)

You don’t just focus on one topic of photography but instead photograph landscapes, street scenes, horses etc. Which is your favourite subject to photograph?
My specialties are street and landscape photography.

People and ghosts by Veselin Malinov

Who or what inspires your work?
The endless nature and the small details.

Your snowy landscape shots, above the clouds, are breathtaking. Where in the world is that?
:) This is The Black Peak (or Cherni Vruh) of Mount Vitosha, only a 30 minute drive from the capital of Bulgaria: Sofia. But despite the car you still have to walk maybe 2 or 3 hours to get there, it’s 2290 meters above sea level.

Also, who is the brave friend photographed in most of those shots, stood so close to the cliff face?!
All of them are just people that I don’t know, but I was waiting for them to get there a long time, I pictured the composition before the shots.

first among equals... by Veselin Malinov

What camera/s do you shoot with?
Canon EOS 550D.

And your favourite lenses?
My favorites have not yet been bought by me, you know, they cost a lot. At the moment though I’m using a 24-105 f4 L lens and I’m pretty happy with it.

How important is post-processing to the final piece?
It is important but you don’t have to go overboard. If you are using a lot of processing, you haven’t done your job with the camera.

ride the lightning by Veselin Malinov

How do you gain exposure for your work?
500px! You guys rock! As for other sites, I have my own website, I've had some exhibitions and I have one coming in 14 days, a big one! I have also won 3 contests so far :)

What advice would you give to amateur photographers wanting to capture landscapes?
If you don’t have the passion, don’t start.

What has been your proudest moment as a photographer?
Winning the golden medal in a FIAP contest last year (for Urban Chaos) and first prize and a bronze statue this year; with one of my clouds shots.

Out of all the photographs you have ever taken, which is your favourite and why?
No doubt, Urban Chaos. This was the first picture I took that moved me.

Urban chaos - FIAP Golden medal 2011 by Veselin Malinov

If you could capture anybody or anything on camera what would it be?
I want to do a photo shoot with the Red Hot Chili Peppers!

Just so we can find out a bit more about the person behind the lens, could you tell us 5 things about you that are completely unrelated to photography?

What are your aspirations for the future, in photography or otherwise?
I would like to start making some money from my photography, but in my country things are little bit different. I love photography so it would be my dream come true to make a living out of it...
…keep on tryin’, till I reach the highest ground.

Musala peak by Veselin Malinov

To see more of Veselin’s work head over to his website or his 500px page.

Thanks to Veselin for being interviewed and to you for reading. Feel free to leave a comment below, feedback is awesome!