Hello everyone!
My name is Maciej Margas, I'm a photographer and filmmaker from Warsaw, Poland. After a lot of talks @gandalf convinced me to try and share my story on Steem, so here I am :)
Ever since I began to photograph, I was always keen on doing it from heights. Warsaw was devastated during WWII, so there is a lot of place for skyscrapers here to rise, even in the strict city center. Still during Secondary School I began to capture the city and its changes from its highest points, creating hundreds of cityscapes.
You can follow me on Steem, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, or my website.
After the school final exams I decided to go to Warsaw Film School, and to try and shoot a timelapse movie about Warsaw, comprised of shots from skyscrapers, the views I knew so well. At that time there wasn't any other movie like this about my city and timelapse technique was beginning to show up in Poland. My first trials weren't so good but as the time passed I mastered my technique.
Warsaw 24H timelapse
The project I named 'Warsaw 24H timelapse' took longer than I expected - since the first shots until it's release 15 months had passed. It took so much time because of a few factors, mainly because of the problems with permissions to access the rooftops and aligning them with the right weather. Also, I had to think of some sort of a scenario, which is quite difficult when it comes to showing the landscapes.
I decided to show (as you may'd have guessed by the movie's title) 24 hours in Warsaw, from sunrise, to the night. In the meantime I got very inspired by Hans Zimmer's 'Time', and I hired a Composer Piotr Hummel with a mission to create soundtrack for my movie. I could write a book about 'Warsaw 24H timelapse' creation, but I prefer to save something for my next story and by now just to show you the movie :)
The premiere took place during Movie Discussion Club at Muranów Cinema in Warsaw, then I published it on Youtube. And what happened next was beyond my wildest Dreams! During one week over 100k people have seen it, by now it's over 540k on Youtube only - what makes it the most popular timelapse movie not only about Warsaw, but about Poland too.
It was shown on the water courtain in the Warsaw Multimedia Fountain's Park (with millions of people there), In Melbourne during Warsaw Uprising Anniversary, and even during the 25 Years of Freedom Celebration, when Barrack Obama came to Poland! I also appeared in many Polish medias, TVs, Radio, and so on, so that's when I finally could go on my own and I had my first serious clients :)
Warsaw on Air
After the huge success of my debut movie I had... a creative crisis. I was thinking there is nothing new to discover in Warsaw landscapes. It all changed when I met Aleksandra Łogusz, hidden under the nickname 'Blogusz', who impressed me with her photograph "Dream of Warsaw", and we began to work together. That's when my new project,Warsaw On Air, came in. She shot photographs of Warsaw from the plane, as seen from the right bank of the river.
It occured to me, that there aren't any good quality night (or even day) photos of modern Warsaw from above. Even I wasn't thinking before about going higher that rooftops. It appeared very interesting to me, because Warsaw city center seemed to be very attractive from aerial perspective, even if that's only what I imagined.
In the next couple of months I got to know what is the problem - to fly above the Warsaw city center, you need a few permissions - from Government Security Bureau, Crisis Management Office, Civil Aviation Office, and you can fly in there only in a 2-engined helicopter, which costs over 2500 EUR per hour (+vat)!
It was an incredible amount of money for me, and it was obvious that 1 hour in the air won't be enough to make a great photo session. On the image below you can see me next to Robinson R66 Turbine we used for the next aerial sessions.
I spent next couple of months looking for a sponsor, and just when I was losing any hope, in September 2015, Coca Cola Poland said they would like to support a young artist. And the next events came very quickly. First, I made a test flight over the right bank of the river in a small Cessna 152, which is obviously a lot cheaper. Then I published them on the Internet with the teaser of what I'm going to do (until that time a kept the project in a secret, so no one could copy it from me).
After that, a man from Polish crowdfunding website Pomagam.pl invited me to make a campaign at his site. I wasn't very convinced, but there was no other way for me to gain more funds by that time, and the weather was turning bad, since it was already Autumn. It was a shock for me, but in 3 days I gained money for additional 1 hour of flight (1 man gave me 1500 Eur at once!). Of course every supporter received the prints of the photos I shot from helicopter, calendars and other cool stuff we've made. In the meantime I've found 2 smaller sponsors - Enigma SOI, and InterLeones. Also, Canon Poland supported me with their best equipment, including Canon 1DX, Canon 5DsR, and the best L Prime lenses.
On 2.10.2015 I made it! In the picture below you can see me sitting in a helicopter in open doors, with my legs outside. I spent 1,5h in the air during day, and 1,5h during night, we started right after sunset. I was sitting in open doors, with my legs outside, attached inside by safety ropes.
.jpg)
Warsaw On Air project went viral all over the Polish Internet, and the photographs I shot became very popular. In the next couple of months I was invited to make an exhibition on 35th floor of WTT skyscraper, then it was showed also in Czech Prague and in Slovakian Kosice. I opened along with Aleksandra the Internet store with our prints and other gadgets - Warsaw Gift Shop.
I also began to think about publishing a photobook of my aerials, and I thought that now, after I showed it in so many medias, it will be easier to find a sponsor. It was't. I spent a few months waiting for a sponsor, but there wasn't any. Even at the Warsaw Book Fair nobody was interested in publishing my photographs...
In May 2016, mostly to my surprise, I was honoured with Grand Press Photo Award in Environmental category. It's the most prestigious Polish photography contest! You can see awarded photo - Planet Warsaw - below:
And it was the motivation I needed. I decided there is no sense in waiting for a sponsor, and I created new crowdfunding campaign, but this time main prize for supporting me was the one and only Warsaw On Air photobook, despite the fact even I couldn't really say how should it look like by that time. This time over 160 people helped me to gain funds for new helicopter flights.
I was flying a few times - during 'W' Hour in Warsaw, and what was the most amazing experience - even 3500 meters above ground level, by night! It's the height from which you can capture the whole city in one frame. We also tried to repeat it by day, but it came out it's much more difficult in Autumn and the weather changes, so we waited over 2 months for the right conditions. Later I also flew 3km during winter.
.jpg)
The next problem was preparing the photobook I promised to everyone. I couldn't just put in nice images and sell it. I spent some time thinking of any kind of conception, and then I came with an idea to compare city to the living organism. I created chapter - The Lung of the City, the Heart of the City, the Nervous System etc. Then I assigned photographs to chapters, and I could finally write something about them.
Crowdfunding helped me only in gaining money for flights, but in the end I found PGNiG Termika and Colliers as the Photobook Partners, and the rest I just invested. Coordinating work of a graphic, translator, printing house, delivery (the whole issue weighted 4 tons!) was very stressful. Until the very release day and new exhibition I wasn't sure if it is going to work...
2.04.2017 I showed my book to the world and it was a huuuuuuge success! It came out that Warsaw Gift Shop is the only store where you can buy a book about modern Warsaw, also in english. Every other publishing houses have only historic Warsaw. By showing this city today we found a niche! We appeared the books in many TVs, we get the orders from all around Warsaw, Poland, and the world. We also collect photos from other parts of the globe - so we got a photo of an album with Sydney's Opera, Golden Gate bridge, Dubai skyscrapers. We even get calls from the Government Offices and Bank's Presidents, asking where can they buy album! In 10 days since the book's release the book paid of.
Last month we also showed our book at Warsaw Book Fair - the very place where 1 year ago everybody told us it has no marketing potential :) It’s kind of funny that this kind of project could be finished only thanks to crowdfunding and self-publishing, without any help from city departments etc. Watch my story in the video below:
Steem seems to be cool platform to show my work so I hope to tell you more about my projects in the upcoming stories. Can’t wait for the reactions of the community here :) I hope my story will inspire you. What I learned from Warsaw On Air, is that dreams don't come true themselves - you can make them true.
Aerial perspective and reaching extreme heights gave me completely another attitude about the city, its elements, the system. In the end, all the distances became very relative and meaningless. We are all a part of a beating pulse of the city, even if we are not aware of it. I tried hard to share what I saw with the world.
Remember - SKY IS NOT THE LIMIT!!
Wow @margasfoto. Welcome to steemit. Incredible videos and pictures you got there. I am myself a fan of aerial photography but yours are at another level altogether. Looking forward to your posts :)
Thank you for your kind words!
FanTASTIC work @margasfoto!!
Besides looking really cool, it's will put some serious questions into the minds of flat-earthers :D
Welcome to Steemit.
@shayne
Thank you and check out my latest stories ;)
Congratulations @margasfoto!
Your post was mentioned in my hit parade in the following categories:
Cool!
Welcome to Steemit, Maciej :) Greetings from UK
Thanks for the greets! Check out my latest stories ;)
Is great to see such beautifull pictures and its awesome to have you on Steemit!
incredible story. you are a true testimonial to the mindset of "never giving up". sometimes all you need is just to believe in yourself like you did. you handled the objections and negativity like a champ. i'm really happy that things worked out for you!
also, welcome to the steemit community and i'm looking forward to when you share more incredible shots with us again!
Thank you and please follow up on my next stories!
Hey @margasfoto,
your whole post and story is amazing! I was in Warsaw last year and it's a beautiful city. I guess what your story tells us - keep believing in yourself and don't let other people put you down. This is incredible. I wish you the best of luck for your work!
Oh...and I forgot to say how EPIC that timelapse is! Thanks for sharing!
Thank you! I try really hard to reach new heights ;)
Dobry kontent jest zawsze w cenie. Super że jesteś na steemit :)
Dzięki i zapraszam do follow'owania i upvoteowania :)
Thanks for the SKY POST!
You're welcome :)
My fear is height. But I like photo and video like this. It's weird)?
I am impressed with your story because l am also a photographer. You really took a lot of risks. To hang on a helicopter like that just to take pictures is to me quiet impressive.
Thanks and good luck!
Great shots! I am super afraid of heights, but more power to you!
Thank you and check out my latest stories ;)
PS. Don't be afraid :)
Simply Beautiful @margasfoto ... i can say that you are not a photographer but a magician by looking at these photos... really really amazing job brother...
a big big thumbs up from my side
Thank you and don;t forget to follow my blog!
Welcome to Steem @margasfoto I have sent you a tip
That's Amazing! @margasfoto
You've an incredible talent. Keep it up!
Nice shoot... Awesome pictures
Wow! You take good photos I am so amazed. Welcome to Steemit! :)
Zazdroszczę roboty :) napewno świetnie jest oglądać świat z góry! Pasja połączona z pracą, super sprawa
Szkoda, że zawsze trwa to tak krótko :) Dzięki i zapraszam do śledzenia bloga i upvote postów :)
First of all welcome to the community 👋🏼 And really impressing photography 👍🏼 Maybe you want to join mine contest it's all about urban photography and it's called #yourcityvibez this week is no special theme, simply urban photography. Check the rules and deadline in the latest post and I really hope I will see something from you there.
Thanks, I will surely check it out
Welcome aboard @margasfoto Brace yourself for the best social network you have ever experienced. Steemit is the place to be if you ever use the internet on any device. Check out my blog I hope you'd find something you like and feel free to follow me @simeonburke I will follow you in response.
If you need any help, feel free to ask questions as well.
Have a lovely day!
Thanks and I will check out your page.
Welcome to steemit, happy to have you here
I am @alienposts , my real name is achraf :)
Checkout my blog posts, Enjoy your time here and let's get this party started :)
Awesome shots! Followed! Also check out my travel photos!
Hi, Thanks a lot! Sure I will check your pics!
Cześć Macieju, welcome to Steem! :-)
Cześć!
Welcome to this incredible platform, hope everything will work out for you. Being here it’s not easy but not difficult neither only an extra effort will go a long way, engagement is the key good luck I’m @tinashe Start by Following ,Upvoting &Resteeming people and they will do the same.
Thank you
Welcome to Steemit man!
Yes work and rest met together
Welcome ! Great pictures ! Good luck with everything ! I have followed and upvoted !
Wow I love it!!! Following :) Welcome to this community! Let me know if you need anything.
I've Upvoted for sure. happy to meet you in this big family.
looking forward to your next post.
You can follow my food blog to know more about me @fatkid
Thank you and I surely will.
Wow, your photos really bring a fresh perspective to the world. It's funny how simply seeing things from a new angle can be so inspiring and fresh.
Great images from a different perspective to the Warsaw I know!
Hoping to see some more of your work here - there is a thriving photography scene that I'm sure you could contribute a lot to!
:)
@margasfoto u have a great vision of the world up there
I am a photographer my self and I know what I am saying you killed it up there good job man <3
Amazing work ! Welcome to Steemit. Hope to see more of your posts soon!
Welcome to this community! Tell me if you need anything.
Only following my blog and upvoting posts, so I can fund my upcoming projects :)
WOW. Absolutely STUNNING photos! You have much talent- Following for more
wow, this is very amazing.
The photos you took were all very good
Amazing! Truly amazing! Thank you for sharing these amazing views with us! And welcome!
Really great post dude! Love the photos and the video:) Keep it up & maybe do the same for other Cities like Nuremberg :) haha Welcome to Steemit!
Welcome to Steemit!
Amazing work! I can't wait to see more.
|Absolutely amazing upvoted and followed!
Whoa! Terrifying. But amazing pictures! You're totally sold out for this. Bam. Xx, Kay
Thanks Kay!
wow your job is amazing, and these picture are mindblowing
A big warm Steemit welcome goes out to you Margasfoto! :-D
Upvoted and High Pawed.
Flatrider
And that's what I like!
Good to hear mate!
Great Work!
Welcome @margosfoto, excellent introduction. You seem to be a man of action, not words. I featured you in my Welcome community service post. I look forward to seeing how you progress.
Witaj. Fantastyczny post, a zdjęcia obejrzałem chyba z 10 razy! Czekam na kolejne. keep up
Dzięki! Zapraszam do śledzenia również na Fb :)
Nie omieszkam!
Welcome to steemit! I look forward to seeing more of your incredible creations. Amazing work!
You really ROCK!
Thanks! Don't forget to follow my blog !
Welcome to Steemit @margasfoto! I enjoyed reading through your introduction post! Amazing photos! Good to know that @gandalf is helping get more talented people on board! :)
I'm going to keep an eye out for more interesting updates from your blog! Feel free to check mine as well.
I've been living in Warsaw for several months already) Excellent city) You have beautiful pictures. Welcome to Steemit )