Last week, I interviewed Riga-based photographer/creative retoucher for Matt’s Art Chat, my weekly series of podcast interviews with artists and creative people from all over the world. Here are five clips from that interview (to listen to the full podcast, scroll to the bottom of the page.)

On the moment he decided to take a break from art to look at the real world.

His thoughts about the use of smartphones and social media in today’s society.

The power of social awareness photography, which he has become increasingly interested in over the years.

His description of the role of a creative retoucher and the use of creative retouching as an artistic tool.

His thoughts on whether virtual galleries will become part of “the new normal.”

You can watch or listen to the full podcast interview with Al Lapkovsky via one of the players below. And you can also find out more about him via his website, https://www.begemotfoto.com/.