The Regulars: An Interview with Anielika Sykes

Photographer: Anielika Sykes of Anielika Sykes Photo

Type of Photos Taken: Environmental portraits, landscape

Website: blog.anielikasykes.com/

Tell us a bit about yourself…

I was born and raised in little Poland. I lived in the house that my grandparents proudly bought when they immigrated to Canada after the war. For a lack of a better word, that house had some vibes. Growing up in such a culturally rich community taught me early on that everyone has a story. That has gone on to inspire the majority of my work.

What drew you into photography?

My parents are both extremely creative people. My father loved to take photos, and my mom, in sweet Polish fashion, loved to make photo albums. My father passed when I was very young, so I looked to photos to learn about him. Those photo albums told me a huge story that words could never quite capture.

What is your philosophy regarding photo taking? Any personal rules you stick to?

That’s hard to say because rules that I stick to may not be useful to the next photographer. There’s always going to be more than one way of doing or seeing something. I think it’s important to make your own rules up as you go. What is one thing you could not go into a shoot without? I think it would be really weird to have a shoot without music.

What gear do you prefer to shoot with?

I shoot a Canon markii 5D for business, and a Fuji 4x4.5” for pleasure. My mentor and friend, David Gillespie (and fellow DTC regular), gave me that camera a couple years ago. It’s consistently been my favourite camera to shoot with.

When did you first come to Downtown Camera? Anyone in particular you remember?

I first started developing my negs with DTC when I got my first job shooting for Toronto Life 4 years ago. George is unforgettable!

Any advice to fresh photographers?