Roman Černý and his team once again headed behind the main stage this year. The preparation isn’t particularly intense, but they try to familiarize themselves with each of the potential subjects before the event, at least through their work. The task is the same every year—to photograph as many artists as possible. And every year, they have to take the risk that it won’t work out. “That’s the first rule: be prepared for it not to work out. Even though it often takes hours of preparation – setting up the scene, lighting, and especially waiting – over the years I’ve learned not to be disappointed. It’s a lottery,” says photographer Roman Černý, adding: “For example, this year I wouldn’t have photographed Sting without Shaggy. But we sensed an opportunity, took advantage of Shaggy’s presence, and it wasn’t difficult to arrange it through Sting’s management. Their friendship is genuine, and I think you can feel that in the photos. I had exactly thirty-two seconds for those few shots.”
The meeting on stage during both performances was not the only one for Sting and Shaggy, and their joint visit to Dolní Vítkovice was also captured in a photograph in a small studio that Roman has set up as close as possible to the stars’ backstage area. “There was no other way. We have to be close by because we often only have a few dozen seconds. One chance, one right moment to approach the manager and ask him to help you with the musicians. Thanks to the great cooperation with the Colours team, we were able to photograph more than twenty performers,” adds Černý.
Finneas had his picture taken with his bandmates, and Alvaro Soler willingly posed. Noga Erez and Jana Kirschner also got their portraits taken. And after years, the French band Justice finally met the photographer—since they already knew what to expect, a few clicks were enough and it was done. They even invited Romana for a drink afterwards.
And what about Iggy Pop? “Fifteen years ago, it was a huge deal. It worked out thanks to my connection with The Stooges. This time, we got signals from management right from the start that we shouldn’t count on it. I’m not sorry. First of all, I’m one of the few who got to do a portrait of Iggy, and no one can take that away from me. Second, just look at his concert. He puts all his energy into his performance. That’s far more valuable than posing for one photo backstage,” comments Roman Černý on the star of the second day of this year’s festival.
The album from the 22nd year naturally also features domestic performers such as Vladimir 518 and 7krát3, J.A.R., Ben Cristovao, and Sofian Medjmedj with Adam Mišík. We also managed to photograph several Meltingpot personalities, including Mick Dawson and Joseph Allen. View the complete album below.
