VRATKO BARCIK

The Christmas has brought two interviews to Pineapple, the second with Vratko Barcik, who dazzles with beautiful and sexy analogue photos alongside the interview. Merry Christmas and horny holiday to you guys!

Could we start with some background information about you? Who are you, where you grow up, where you based, how did you get interested in arts?

Vratko, my name in Slovak (the country I come from) means the one who returns. Ihave no idea what I am returning to whom, but it is an unusual name, even for Slovakia. I have been ashamed of it for many, many years. I suppose I found the “advantage” of it after I moved to Prague many years ago, when everyone instantly knows who “VRATKO” is – and not only because of the unusual name. I am truly one of a kind (literally:D). My interest in the arts came very coincidentally, just like everything in my life. I like to observe it from a distance while having fun with how life is “messing” with me. It is truly an adventure!

What is it like to live in Prague? Czech boys are beautiful, do you find models easily?

Living in Prague is very convenient. Even though the prices of everything are constantly rising (AF), it is still a very beautiful and calm city for living. Food, fashion, fucking – I would give it about 6 to 7 out of 10 points (pretty average, right?). It’s easy to get bored here very quickly. For those who want to travel and experience Prague, it is a “ONE USE” city ONLY! I am very south oriented – from my blood roots and just preference – so I am escaping from here VERY often.

How do you remember your first experience with photography?

With this kind of photography (nude), I remember it very clearly! It was in a stone pit in Slovakia, after these places had been completely abandoned. It was a photo shoot of my friend from school. I remember I used tons of oil and spread it all over his naked body! Yum! It was in the middle of summer, he was hot and we were both very horny. To be continued… 😉

There is always time and learning for someone to find their own style. Was there ever a set point when you decided you were going to go the way you were going?

I don’t remember it as a clear point when this really happened. It was, and is, a smooth transition. And I don’t think I am done yet! Personally, I think in life you are never going to be perfectly content with yourself and finished growing, no matter what. You are growing physically and emotionally. I like to watch this process of constantly becoming someone new.

Good photos need a little magic or chemistry. Do you have any tricks you use to help the model get in the mood for the shoot?

Usually it’s going very easily and spontaneously. I want, he wants. But yes, sometimes a shot or two helps! Try it. I know what I am talking about 😉

Your photos look very natural, do you use some post-processing or do you avoid it completely?

All my photos of naked boys are photographed by an analogue camera in my collection. I think analogue is somehow exactly what suits it. I use plenty of black & white film, which is devastating for my economic situation, BUT definitely worth it! I love the results. There’s no better feeling than when new scans of film arrive in my inbox. A moment of real joy! I recommend everyone to experience this! There is no retouching at all. They are just as nature made them 😀

Have you ever encountered the misconception that “anything can happen at a photo shoot” (in the sense that there is certainly more going on between the naked model and the photographer than just photography). If so, how would you explain to an outsider why nothing happens

Hahaha, who said that nothing happened? Of course, anything could happen – and has happened. I am not saying that in 100% of cases, but once a guy wants to voluntarily show off his body (in many cases naked) and get photographed, there is often something more behind it. Don’t you think? At least some sort of exhibitionism. In the animal kingdom this ‘act’ always ends with copulation. 🙂

What is your ultimate goal in photography?

I always wanted to be a fashion photographer and, I guess, I became one? While listening to criticism from every direction about how my fashion pictures have too erotic of a vibe, I gave up. Or rather,I almost gave up. And in that overwhelming moment of indecision, I realised that I don’t give a fuck about what anyone thinks, and I came back in full force. I feel like that pressure from others to change drove me forward to continue instead of stopping or changing me. While doing fashion shoots, I started focusing again on nude photography until present day. My upcoming goal is “THE BOOK”. I have tonnes of worthy material after traveling the world and I’ve been collecting unique moments with unique people, frozen in time. Thank you ALL for that!