My Story | Attila Prester
I work in both film and digital, carrying forward a legacy shaped by family, mentors, and the timeless craft of photography.
Legacy & Story
My journey began with my father’s Zenit film camera and a forgotten roll inside my grandfather’s LOMO Smena. Hidden for over thirty years, it revealed more than images — it uncovered memory, legacy, and the fragile beauty of moments before they are lost. That discovery led me to see photography not only as a craft, but as a way of carrying stories across generations.
Mentors & Influences
I was fortunate to learn from extraordinary mentors. Hetty Walsh, a master printer with decades of experience and 27 Kodak awards, welcomed me as her last student. In her darkroom, I learned the patience of film, the rhythm of printing, and the play of light and shadow.
Later, I met John Minihan, the renowned Irish photographer known for his portraits of Samuel Beckett and Princess Diana. He became a teacher and friend, sharing his wisdom, challenging my work, and shaping how I see what photography could be. Their influence lives in every frame I capture today.
Philosophy & Practice
My work moves between film and digital. Film grounds me in patience and care for each image. Digital lets me explore with freedom and curiosity. Together, they shape a balance of memory and possibility.
I collect and work with classic cameras, each carrying a history and a story of its own. Through them, I feel connected to those who came before me and to the subjects they captured.
For me, photography is not just about taking pictures — it is about creating images that endure, evoking emotion, preserving memory, and bridging past and present.
"Photography is memory, legacy, and connection. In every frame, I weave time-honoured traditions with the possibilities of today to create images that last.”
If you’d like to follow my journey further, visit the Journal - where I share stories of discovery, legacy, and photography. And if a photograph has spoken to you, I’d love to hear from you. Please do get in touch.