by Yvette Depaepe
Published the 21^st of September 2026


Shuki Laufer is always looking for emotion, expression, beautiful light and simplicity.
To him, the human body is one of the most beautiful subjects in art.
Whether he is photographing someone in a studio or on a busy street somewhere in the world, his aim is to create timeless images. Humour also plays an important role in his street photography. Everyday life is full of playful moments, but we often fail to notice them because we don't take the time to look. Join me as I explore this talented photographer's studio work and street photographs.

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I also volunteered as a photographer for a company that manufactures tactical equipment for many years. There, I set up a studio, took countless photographs of models and developed a deep understanding of studio lighting and portrait photography. This became another important chapter in my photographic journey.

How and when did you start your journey in photography?

I received my first camera when I was thirteen, and from that moment, I was fascinated by the ability to capture a moment in time. I soon became the unofficial photographer of my primary school class, documenting my classmates and everyday life around me. In retrospect, I realise that I was already doing what I still enjoy today: photographing people and capturing genuine moments.
I started with black-and-white photography, and I have loved it ever since.

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For many of us, photography is a hobby or a way of life. So, how would you describe your relationship with photography?

Photography has always meant much more to me than just a hobby. It is a way for me to express myself without words. Through a single frame, it enables me to convey emotions, humour, beauty and humanity.

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I never wanted photography to become a business. By keeping it as a passion, I am free to create whatever speaks to me. I take photographs because it feeds my soul, not because I have to.

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Which experience has had the greatest influence on your work so far?

Each stage of my journey has taught me something valuable. For example, street photography taught me patience and observation.

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My experience of studio photography taught me how to shape light and work with people.

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Travelling around the world has taught me that emotions are universal, regardless of language or culture.

One particularly meaningful experience was taking part in an exhibition honouring Russian veterans to mark the 70th anniversary of the end of the Second World War in 2015. Photographing people whose faces bore the weight of history served as a reminder of the power of portraiture.

Your fine art nudes are outstanding. What inspired you to specialize in this type of photography?

To me, the human body is one of the most beautiful subjects in art. I never approach nude photography with the intention of being provocative. I see it instead as a study of light, form, gesture and emotion.

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The challenge lies in creating an image that feels elegant, timeless and artistic. Every pose, shadow and highlight contributes to the story being told without words.

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Which is more important to you: the mood or story behind your images, or technical perfection?

Emotion will always come first.

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Technical knowledge is important because it provides the means to bring your vision to life. However, a technically perfect photograph that lacks emotion rarely leaves a lasting impression. If an image makes someone stop and smile, wonder or feel something, then it has succeeded.



What is your relationship with your subject matter beyond simply observing it?
Do you prepare the locations and scenes that you intend to photograph in advance?

It depends on the type of photography.
In a studio, for example, everything is carefully planned. The lighting, composition and atmosphere are all intentionally created.

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Street photography is exactly the opposite. There, I simply observe life as it happens. I never force a moment. Instead, I wait patiently until everything comes together naturally. It is often those unexpected moments that become the most memorable photographs.

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Describe your vision for your photography.

I am always looking for emotion and expression, beautiful light and simplicity.
Whether I'm photographing someone in a studio or on a busy street somewhere in the world, my aim is to create timeless images. I love taking photographs that encourage viewers to pause and discover something new each time they look at them.
Humour also plays an important role in my street photography. Everyday life is full of playful moments, but we often fail to notice them because we don't take the time to look.

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Could you tell us more about your creative process, from initial idea to final product?

The process begins with observation.
If I am working in the studio, I first imagine the desired mood and then design the lighting to match. During the session, I pay close attention to expressions and small details, as these can transform a good image into a memorable one.
Afterwards, I edit the images as little as possible. I only make light adjustments to exposure, contrast and basic corrections. I do not believe in heavily manipulating photographs. I prefer to preserve the authenticity of the moment.

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Where do you find inspiration, and what inspires you most?

Nothing inspires me more than people.
I love sitting in cafés, strolling through cities and travelling the world with my camera. Every destination has its own unique character, stories and emotions.
I also continue to admire classic black-and-white photography, which constantly reminds me that simplicity can create the most powerful images.

Many people believe that gear is unimportant if you're passionate about photography. Could you please tell us what equipment you use, such as your camera, lenses, lighting and tripod?

I started my photographic journey with Nikon cameras, which were my trusted companions for many years. More recently, I have been working with Sony equipment, which I very much enjoy using for both studio and travel photography. In the studio, I mainly use an 85 mm lens.

Which is your favourite photo? Please tell us the story behind it.

It's never easy to choose a favourite photograph, but if I had to pick one, it would be this image, which I captured while travelling in Prague.
The dramatic interplay of light and shadow across the wall immediately caught my attention. Then, in a split second, I noticed a woman standing in the window, with a hand reaching towards her from the darkness inside. To me, it instantly felt like a scene from an Alfred Hitchcock film: full of mystery and suspense, and leaving the viewer to imagine what was happening beyond the frame.

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Which photographers or mentors have influenced you the most?

Without a doubt, Henri Cartier-Bresson has had the greatest influence on me. His ability to recognize what he termed the 'decisive moment' transformed the way I view photography. His work taught me that timing, observation and simplicity can be more powerful than complexity.

As we're coming to the end of this interview, could you tell us about any photography projects you'd like to be involved in?

As long as I am able to hold a camera, I want to continue taking photographs of people.
I hope to travel to new places, discover new cultures and add to my street photography collection, while also creating fine art portraits and studio work.

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Is there anything else you would like to add? What do you think about using 1x to showcase your work?

I joined 1x in 2010 and still remember how excited I was whenever one of my photographs was accepted for publication. The standard on 1x has always been exceptionally high, so having my work selected felt like a real achievement.
Over the years, I have learnt a great deal from the outstanding photographers on the platform, particularly with regard to portrait and street photography. Seeing such inspiring work has constantly challenged me to grow and refine my own vision.
I am very grateful to 1x for maintaining its high artistic standards, and for fostering a community that genuinely values quality, creativity, and thoughtful photography. It has been an honour to share my work alongside so many talented photographers.

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