Adam Klimek

Poland

Photo: Adam Klimek

Adam is a photographer, trouble solver and visual storyteller based in Katowice, Poland. His photos and stories are published in the biggest outdoor and bike magazines and online communities worldwide. In addition, Adam is also director and head of BikeStudio, an agency with clients such as National Geographic Traveler, Men’s Health, The North Face and Toyota.

Q&A

How did you start with photo/video?
Photography captured my imagination already in the last class of primary school. I found an old Russian Zenit camera in the closet in my old house. It became my biggest treasure and paradoxically a reason for much frustration connected with the camera’s many flaws. Being crazy about detail, I couldn’t accept the film being scratched or the shutter blocking. 'Agony and Ecstasy' would be the title of that period. The real breakthrough came at a my local community center photography class I took, where I began co-tutoring after half year of participation. All my activities have been connected to photography ever since. A few years back, besides commercial photography and running my own studio, I fell in love with the art of self supported bike packing trips.

How would you describe your style?
Keen on photography in difficult conditions, my style would be best described as constant pursuit of a single picture that tells a whole story within one frame.

What inspires you?
Nature and motion are my biggest inspiration. Being out there, relying solely on my own will-power. They say ”Show me who your friends are and I will tell you who you are” and I agree, the traveller circle of bike adventurers are a big influence.

What is your dream shoot or project?
My dream is constantly happening :) and I hope it never ends.

What is your best advice to others that want to develop as photographers?
Go out there and shoot. Talk to other people about your work. Take conclusions. Repeat until death.

What is in your bag?

What is the most important in your bag?
The most important thing near my bag is my head. And the constant will to exit the comfort zone. As for the gear, it is not one thing but something more general: reliability. Being a comfortable minimalist, each piece of gear is equally important to me. You don’t think a lot about it, but from a certain moment on the shoot, it is the little chips carrying all your photos that are the most precious and important; they contain the whole thing.

What bag do you use?
Lowepro Whistler BP 450 AW, Photo Sport 300 AW II, TOPLOADER PRO 75 AW II, Pro Trekker RLX 450 AW II, GearUp Case Large, GearUp Pouch Mini, GearUp Pouch Medium, GearUp camera box, Lens Cases.