Documenting Psytrance – Pawel Wieloch

Documenting Psytrance – Pawel Wieloch

We always see them in parties and festivals, going around with their cameras, catching moments in time. We re-experience the parties and festivals again with their photos and videos. They are a big part in the way that psytrance has been spreading all over the world. Because let’s face it – nothing looks as good as a psytrance festival or party. So we decided to check out and get to know a little the people behind the cameras.

We start with Pawel Wieloch. We have been meeting him in festivals in the last 3 years – energetic, relentless, constantly moving, always looking for a perfect moment, another angle, carrying tons of equipment, always with a bounce in his feet. So we sent him some questions via email and asked him to choose for you his personal favourite photos that he took from parties and festivals

The people here are the most special thing for me. Nowhere in the world can you find so many smiling and friendly people in one place. They make psytrance festivals something I would like to show to my children one day.

Q: Tell us a bit about yourself?

A: My name is Pawel Wieloch – I do what I love and I love what I do !
I was born in Tarnow, Poland, finished my studies there and moved to the UK in 2006. I worked as a graphic designer and 3D artist for quite a while. I quickly fell in love with photography which was my biggest hobby and it became my passion, and profession very soon after that. I also love my dose of adrenaline, I ride a motorbike, do skydiving and bike in London – which I can confirm is also an extreme sport here!

Q: How did you get to be a photographer?

A: After I bought my first camera in 2007 I spent all of my spare time and resources on experimenting, learning and discovering photography. Capturing amazing moments on photos makes me appreciate each and every one of them so much more! I really enjoy all the love I can give to people by taking amazing photos of them. Showing them how I see them, beautiful, diverse, and colourful.
Even after turning it into my profession I still enjoy every moment of it, I never feel like working.

Q: How did you discover Psytrance?

A: That’s quite interesting, I first heard of it when I was looking for some energetic music to keep me going while doing long hours at the office, working on graphic designs. Coffee and Psytrance were the perfect mix to meet any deadline! But it was not until my first Ozora festival in 2012 that I totally fell in love with it. Experiencing this music and culture live, with your mind body and soul, is something you can not achieve through any headphones !

Q: How did you get to photograph in Psytrance Festivals?

A: After going to my first Ozora in 2012, to photograph and make a short video of my personal experience, it got almost as many views as the official Ozora aftermovie. After that I was invited to join the official Ozora aftermovie team. It was hard work but I loved it even more !

Q: What is special about taking photographs in Psytrance events? How is it different from other photography work you do?

A: The people here are the most special thing for me. Nowhere in the world can you find so many smiling and friendly people in one place. They make psytrance festivals something I would like to show to my children one day.
I am really on the two ends of the spectrum with my work. My other photography work is mostly corporate and commercial photography, it’s a totally different work. I normally wear a suit and a tie, so just image! It is also very inspiring and allowing me to travel to exciting locations all the time, but this balance with Psytrance event is just amazing !

Q: Can you include a photo from a psytrance festival that has a special story or moment behind it?

A: That would be the photo from Ozora 2013, the first time I danced on the stage in front of thousands of people at the grand finale. The positive energy of this moment stayed with me for weeks later, and I still smile when I think about it !

Q: Tell us 3 things that are really important for you in the way you shoot in Psytrance festivals.

A: 1. Always be ready for the magic moment, don’t stop till you drop.
2. Connect with people, don’t be just a paparazzi.
3. Be creative, take the long road, find new angles, try things that people are too lazy to try.

Q: Describe your last 2 summers.

A: Wow, last 2 years have been the busiest time of my life, that is including the summer festivals especially. I worked like a madman but having the time of my life at the same time doing what I love most. I still found the time to experience the essence of psytrance festivals – discovering myself and connecting with my closest souls.

1. Always be ready for the magic moment, don’t stop till you drop.
2. Connect with people, don’t be just a paparazzi.
3. Be creative, take the long road, find new angles, try things that people are too lazy to try.

Q: Do you also like to party when you are in festivals?

A: Of course! But for me partying means still having the camera in one hand most of the time. My feet move to the music, I love dancing and connecting with people, feeling the amazing uplifting energy but always ready to catch that beautiful moment that may happen !