10 Questions with Dancho Atanasov

Since his early childhood, Dancho Atanasov has been interested in art and has tried out many things - from music to visual arts. He gets to know photography through his uncle - skydiving as a teenager. His uncle, himself an enthusiastic parachutist and photographer, lends him his photographic equipment and teaches him the fundamentals.

During 4 years (2010 – 2014), he used to work as chief editor and photojournalist in a travel magazine, which was a great experience and cultivated his point of view. The final step is the Conceptual Photography Class accomplishment (2 Levels + Master Class: 2015 – 2017).

The artist left his time as a combat pilot and air traffic controller behind and now works as a fine art photography artist at Art Of Dancho. His works have received many awards and are frequently exhibited.

Most of the photos have won international photo awards, and in the hands of art collectors, art dealers, or interior designers, they can be precious masterpieces for art investment as limited edition photo prints and NFTs.

artofdancho.com | @art_dancho

Dancho Atanasov - Portrait

ARTIST STATEMENT

Dancho Atanasov is a fine art photographer whose portfolio includes landscape, architecture, travel, and conceptual single photos and series.

Through his individual approach, Dancho Atanasov extracts beauty and aesthetics from every photographed object, based on its type. Watching the photos, you find a proper combination of forms and shapes, dynamic angles, and a sense of detail-based volume.

The artist gets his inspiration from the beauty of nature and the artworks of great architects and sculptors. When he travels, he researches the history, architecture, sightseeing, and events in the next destination and makes notes about the new photography “targets”. Some of them are planned preliminary before his departure, and he spots some of them onsite.

All the artworks are limited edition 3-size dibond prints, which collectors can choose according to their space requirements.

Nowadays, he is working on new interactive art media, combining photography, 3D animation, music and various effects, ready for immersive art experience and 360 VR.

Stars of Modern Architecture, part 1 - an interactive photo exhibition in Space, 3D Video Project, 2025 © Dancho Atanasov
“Few years ago, I found out that photography is not enough and I will experiment with mixed media, combining 3D CG, animation, music and various FX. I also mentioned it in an interview for an art magazine some time ago. The idea was for an exhibition in Space and I was working with Blender 3D adding my award-winning architectural photos, creating planets, stars, nebulas, suns. I designed a camera, following an invisible path, just like a roller-coaster in Space, turning and meandering between the celestial objects, passing through hyperspace jumps and bursting asteroids. The project took 3 months, it is ready in HD (1920x1080) and I am still rendering it in other formats for immersive art experience and 360 VR.”
— Dancho Atanasov

INTERVIEW

How did your journey as an artist begin, and what first inspired your love for photography

I have always been into the arts—painting, sculpting, drawing, and music. I received my first art award at the age of 10 in a city children's painting contest. During secondary school, I used to skydive at the local air club, and my uncle (a former skydiver and photographer) shared his photography gear with me and taught me the basics. That's how I took my first steps in photography.

Your career has transitioned from jet fighter pilot to fine art photographer. How has this unique background influenced your artistic vision?

The vision you develop as a jet fighter pilot is second to none. Just imagine a fusion of breathtaking landscapes and picturesque cloud formations shifting rapidly due to high speeds and dynamic maneuvers. You want to capture and share these moments with others, but given the narrow cockpit and intense conditions, it was not always possible to take out a camera and shoot. Nowadays, it's much easier—just mount an action camera and… voilà!

Stars of Modern Architecture, part 1, 3D Video Project, 2025 © Dancho Atanasov

When preparing for a new photography project, what steps do you take to plan and execute your ideas? Do you prefer to research and plan in advance or explore spontaneously?

I usually plan ahead and conduct thorough research—Google Maps and Google Earth are great tools. Any additional sources of information are always appreciated. I also evaluate weather conditions, time of day, and season. Based on this, I pack my luggage and photography gear accordingly.
I will always remember my project Las Torres de la Huerta (The Towers of the Orchard), with a smile. While exploring the Alicante region using the tools I mentioned, I discovered 20 ancient towers in the San Juan area. Some were locatedwithin the suburb, but most were hidden in the surrounding valley. I printed two versions of highly detailed 3D maps—one for myself and another for a potential taxi driver.
In San Juan, I found a line of taxis and a group of drivers resting in the shade of palm trees. When I showed them the maps, a look of horror appeared on their faces. They were unfamiliar with the area and didn't have navigation systems in their vehicles. The first three drivers refused to take me there outright. After lengthy negotiations, the fourth one finally agreed. On the way, he kept complaining—about being hungry, the dusty roads, and the lack of asphalt. When he realized I was firm and unshakable, he had no choice but to accept the situation and stop at every tower so I could take my shots. I found the whole situation amusing and asked him if he had ever met a photographer as crazy as me. His response? "No, never! And I will remember this trip for the rest of my life." Eventually, we even discovered a 21st tower that had never been documented.
I also revisit places and subjects I have photographed before. One such case occurred at midnight in the burial ground of St. Barth's Church in Horley (near Gatwick Airport, UK). I first saw it in 2012 while returning from Tenerife. Under a full moon, the place looked incredibly eerie, but I didn't have my camera with me. Four years later, I returned and captured stunning long-exposure shots, using light painting to illuminate the statues and graves.
Sometimes I return to a location because I develop a new vision for it or realize how I can improve my previous shots. Itoften happens that I visit a place to photograph one subject, only to discover new ones and develop fresh project ideas on the spot.

You describe achieving harmony and aesthetics as a key goal in your work. How do you approach creating that balance in your photographs?

Harmony and aesthetics are at the core of my artistic vision. I achieve balance in my photographs by carefully considering composition, light, and color. I often work with symmetry, leading lines, and natural patterns to create a sense of order and visual flow. Light plays a crucial role as well—it helps me sculpt forms, create depth, and evoke emotions that resonate with the viewer.
Another key aspect is my approach to minimalism and abstraction. I seek to distill scenes down to their essential elements, removing distractions to emphasize beauty in simplicity. Whether capturing architectural forms, landscapes, or abstract textures, I aim to create a visual dialogue that feels both structured and emotionally engaging.
Ultimately, balance in my work comes from intuition and refinement. I continuously explore new ways to merge artistic expression with technical precision, ensuring that each image conveys a sense of harmony that draws the viewer in.

Your work often focuses on shapes, colors, and light. Can you share how you achieve this harmony in your photographs?

Shapes, colors, and light are the foundation of my photographic approach. I am drawn to the way geometric forms interact with their surroundings, how colors evoke emotions, and how light transforms ordinary scenes into something extraordinary.
To achieve harmony, I focus on composition first. I carefully frame my shots to emphasize balance—whether through symmetry, contrast, or the subtle interplay of positive and negative space. I also pay close attention to color theory, using complementary and monochromatic palettes to create mood and cohesion within my work.
Light is perhaps the most powerful tool in my process. Whether it's the soft glow of natural light or the stark contrast of shadows, I use illumination to shape depth and enhance the essence of a scene. It allows me to highlight details, create movement, and add a sense of rhythm to my compositions.
Ultimately, my goal is to capture the quiet beauty of the world in a way that feels both structured and poetic. I seek out moments where form, hue, and luminosity come together naturally, refining each image to express a sense of harmony and timelessness.

At the same time, your work often reflects the beauty of nature and architectural design. What draws you to these subjects, and how do you capture their essence?

I am deeply inspired by both the organic elegance of nature and the structured beauty of architectural design. These two worlds may seem contrasting, but I find a profound connection between them—both are governed by patterns, symmetry,and a natural sense of order.
Nature captivates me with its ever-changing light, textures, and rhythms. Whether it's the fluidity of water, the delicate lines of a leaf, or the vast openness of a landscape, I seek to capture the quiet poetry within these elements. I often focus on minimalism and abstraction, reducing scenes to their essential forms to highlight the harmony that exists in nature.
Architecture, on the other hand, fascinates me with its precision, geometry, and interaction with light and shadow. I am drawn to clean lines, bold structures, and the way architectural forms create dynamic compositions. By carefully framing perspectives, emphasizing contrasts, and playing with reflections, I aim to showcase the artistic essence of these man-made designs.
Ultimately, both nature and architecture speak the same visual language of balance, proportion, and beauty. My goal is to bridge these worlds, capturing their essence in a way that feels both timeless and immersive.

How do you ensure your photography connects with viewers and communicates your vision effectively?

For me, photography is not just about capturing a scene—it's about evoking emotion and inviting the viewer into my perspective. To ensure my work connects with audiences and effectively communicates my vision, I focus on three key elements: composition, mood, and storytelling.
Composition is essential in guiding the viewer's eye. I use balance, leading lines, and negative space to create images that feel both structured and immersive. Every element within the frame is intentional, allowing the viewer to experience a sense of harmony and flow.
Mood is another crucial aspect. Through careful use of light, color, and contrast, I create atmospheres that resonate on an emotional level. Whether it's a serene, dreamlike quality or a striking, high-contrast abstraction, my goal is to make each image feel like an experience rather than just a visual.
Finally, storytelling is at the heart of my work. Even in my most abstract compositions, there is an underlying narrative—a feeling, a moment, or a hidden detail that invites curiosity. I aim to create images that not only stand alone as works of art but also spark personal interpretations and connections from those who view them.
Ultimately, my approach is about distilling the world into its most compelling visual elements, allowing each photograph to speak its own language and engage the audience on both an aesthetic and emotional level.

As a fine art photographer, you create limited-edition prints for collectors. How does this influence your creative decisions or production process?

Creating limited-edition prints for collectors adds a level of intentionality to my creative process. Knowing that each piece will exist as a carefully curated edition rather than a mass-produced image influences both my artistic and technical decisions.
From the outset, I approach each photograph with a sense of timelessness—considering not only its immediate impact but also how it will resonate over time. I focus on crafting images that maintain their depth, intrigue, and emotional power, ensuring they are worthy of being part of a collector's space.
The production process itself is meticulous. I select the highest quality materials to preserve the integrity of each print, paying close attention to texture, color accuracy, and tonal range. Every detail, from the printing technique to the final presentation, is considered to enhance the artwork's depth and presence.
Additionally, offering limited editions adds exclusivity to each piece, making the connection between the artwork and the collector more personal. It reinforces the idea that each print is not just an image but a carefully crafted piece of art,designed to be experienced in its finest form.
Ultimately, this approach pushes me to create with purpose—ensuring that every photograph I release is a true reflection of my artistic vision, meant to be appreciated as a unique and lasting work of art.

Tenerife Auditorium, 2019 © Dancho Atanasov

Are there any upcoming destinations or projects you're particularly excited to explore and capture with your photography?

I was going to visit Lanzarote again – for me, it is the most unique island I have ever visited, but due to a lack of good connecting flights, I decided to postpone my trip, and currently, I am researching new destination options.

And lastly, what are your goals as a fine art photographer, and how do you hope your work will evolve in the future?

I just released a project I worked on for more than three months—Stars of Modern Architecture, Part 1.
A few years ago, I realized that photography alone wasn't enough, so I started experimenting with mixed media—combining 3D computer graphics, animation, music, and various special effects. My idea was to create an exhibition set in space. I worked with Blender 3D, incorporating my award-winning architectural photos into celestial landscapes featuring planets, stars, nebulae, and suns. I designed a camera path resembling a giant roller coaster in space, twisting and weaving between celestial objects, passing through hyperspace jumps and exploding asteroids, with my photos appearing unexpectedly along the journey. The project took three months to complete and is now available in HD (1920x1080), with future versions planned for immersive art experiences and 360° VR.
I have also started experimenting with VR environments, using a VR headset and art applications. As I have many ideas and intend to continue exploring new technologies and media, it is only a matter of time before new projects take shape.

Artist’s Talk

Al-Tiba9 Interviews is a promotional platform for artists to articulate their vision and engage them with our diverse readership through a published art dialogue. The artists are interviewed by Mohamed Benhadj, the founder & curator of Al-Tiba9, to highlight their artistic careers and introduce them to the international contemporary art scene across our vast network of museums, galleries, art professionals, art dealers, collectors, and art lovers across the globe.

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