My name is Zdeněk Augustin Rája, and I’ve been involved in photography since the 1990s. In the beginning, I focused mainly on black-and-white portraits, developed at home and enlarged in the bathroom.
Over time, I worked my way up to several exhibitions, including shows in Přerov, Olomouc, and Ostrava.
Alongside that, I began discovering the charm of Polaroid photography. Early on, I created a few small-format portraits that were, for me, quite special.
Life eventually led me away from photography, but in 2018, I dusted off my old Polaroid 636. I was—and still am—enchanted by the process itself, by how the image slowly emerges. Polaroid photos are unpredictable, often full of flaws, usually out of focus, and the colors vary every time. But that’s exactly what I love about Polaroid—the imperfection.
I’ve become increasingly obsessed with Polaroid cameras and shooting with them. My love for pinhole photography also grew, and I now use this technique not only with Polaroid film but also with traditional photographic materials—photo paper and negatives, from roll film to large format 4×5″.
I love experimenting with materials and cameras. All of my pinhole cameras are handmade—built by me from scratch.
I’m currently working on my first publication about pinhole photography, which will be available for purchase here on the website. You’ll also find prints of my photographs for sale.
I truly appreciate any feedback or words from you—it means a lot.