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Interviews  / Stories

Interview: Photographer Michael Osterrieder (Hungary)

 

Tell us something about yourself:

I am an Artist by heart. That means one of my basic needs in life is to create and incarnate the ideas, concepts, feelings and images I carry with me. To visualize and give form to otherwise unreflected conceptual emotions. I never studied anything related to art or photography. I just could not stop to create and had no other choice that turning my life around. I am now since 12 years in the lucky situation to live off my art and commercial works and the associated licensing fees without having to work directly for clients or settle for employment. Originally i am a nurse :-)

 

How and when did you get into photography?

I started out with writing and 3D graphics. However, photography offers so many opportunies to express yourself. After moving in 2007 to South america I started to take pictures of the people in my very basic neighborhood on the coast of Uruguay. I loved the interaction and oftenly worked with music and emotions. Since then I am hooked.

 

What does photography mean to you?

A straight forward pathway between an original idea to a visually incarnated concept which gets spiced up and enriched by the people (Model, Production) involved.

 

Please briefly describe your photography style for our readers.

I do not think I could settle for one style. My Portfolio has an incredibly variety. The main source of inspiration is an internal idea and I adapt my technique to reflect that original concept as pure as possible. Understanding Photography means you can master your tools and cover more areas than just one. However, having said that, I like to improvise. I do not like studios. I do not like makeup. I like improvised production, emotion, originality. I usually prefer wide angle and extreme compositions and rarely shoot above 70mm - although this might change at any moment :-)

 

Where do you get inspiration from?

Everything. Life is so full and rich of form and beauty.

 

Think you in advance what you want in the picture?

Yes. Almost always. thats the Joy. Having a great concept in mind and then being able to create a image which reflects that as accurate as possible. This means going from the original idea to the casting, the production, the lightning setup, clothing, emotion etc. One of the crucial steps is selecting the right Models.

 

Studio, on location or both?

Both, but i prefer location.

 

Would you consider yourself a hobbyist or a paid professional?

I am a professional.

 

What has been your most memorable session and why?

There are so many! I seriously cannot name any specific one. However, the hospitalized series last year was one of the more interesting ones since I could realize a very uncommon idea with 3 Models, bandages, lots of baby powder and artificial blood.

 

What has been the biggest source of inspiration in your work?

Chaos Magick and Music  (mostly Black metal, Soundtracks, Psybient and Dubstep)

 

Nikon or Canon? Favorite lens?

Regarding Model shoots I currently prefer the Nikon D810 with a Tamron 24-70mm and a Sigma Art 35mm/1.4. However, I own as well a Canon 5D mk III which I sometimes prefer for still lives. When it comes to timelapsing and Travel photography I usually use a Sony a7 and a Panasonic lx100 or G70 for 4K video.

 

What is one piece of advice you would like to offer a new photographer looking to start their own business?

Challenge yourself! Most photographers fail because they think to soon their task is fulfilled. You can always get better, adapt, pull out more creativity.

 

What do you think of our new magazine?

Absolutely great!

 

https://www.facebook.com/michael.osterrieder

 

 

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