Laois photographer's stunning photos can be viewed at Mountmellick Library

AN AMAZING exhibition of creative street photography, landscapes and portraits by a local photographer is currently on display in the art gallery of Mountmellick Library.

This is the first exhibition by Laszlo Vig, who is originally from Hungary and has lived in Laois for more than 20 years. Laszlo is a perfectionist and insists on using only the best materials in his photography.

He said that as a hobby photographer he can obtain the specific creative images that he wants to freeze in time as opposed to being a professional snapper, who may be given instructions of what images to capture, for example at weddings or other events.

Laszlo uses top-quality cameras and lenses to obtain his desired effects and uses a technique called panning. This technique combines a slow shutter speed with camera motion to create the sense of speed around a moving object giving a sharper shot of the subject. It is a way to keep the subject, such as a moving car or a cyclist on a bike, in focus while blurring what might be an unappealing background.

Laszlo prints his own limited edition snaps on a superior quality paper, which can last for well over 100 years. He also frames each piece in hardwood frames.

On the day of hanging his exhibition with the help of his partner Leighanne Phelan, Laszlo told the ***Laois Nationalist*** that he got his first camera about 22 years ago but only got serious about his photography around 2014.

Explaining his technique, Laszlo said: “For me it is my hobby and passion. I really care about what I do and how I do it. The equipment has to be top class. If I do something, it has to be either very good or not at all.

“I have a Leica MP, which I purchased two years ago. It is the most beautiful camera ever made. I also do black and white photography on film, which I develop myself and use the digital camera with the stand to scan the image in.

“If I’m walking along the street and if I like something or someone, I try to capture the images through panning shots.

Olivia Murray from Mountmellick Library said the library is delighted to welcome Laszlo’s exhibition.

She said: “We are very happy to host Laszlo Vig’s street photography exhibition. It is a very eclectic collection of photographs from various locations around the world.

“We would encourage people to drop in to view the exhibition during library opening hours during the month of November.” The artist can be contacted through his website, Laszlo.vig@me,com or by phoning 085 2838217.