Interviews / Stories
Interview: Photographer Mikkel Bech (Denmark)
Tell us something about yourself
My name is Mikkel Bech, I live in Aarhus, Denmark. I have a Master in Computer Science, but my professional life evolves around design in many different aspects. I co-started quite a few now thriving companies and I love building products and solutions, that solves real problems for many people.
How and when did you get into photography?
I have always had an interest in photography since I was very young. My dad was very into it, and had his own darkroom, where we developed film rolls and printed photos. I have always had a camera and was always the “guy who take great pictures”, but actually I didn’t get very serious about photography until a year ago. I noticed how hard it was for me to make great portraits, so I simply decided I wanted to get good at making model portraits, so that’s my photographic journey right now.
What does photography mean to you?
It’s a personal outlet. I have to find time to express myself through some kind of art projects in between all the work I do. Other visual arts and playing music has filled quite a bit of that need, but photography is taking over more and more. To be able to express yourself, you have to learn the craft, so right now a lot of hours goes into learning
Please briefly describe your photography style for our readers.
I don’t think I have a distinct style - I want to learn a lot of stuff, so I’m experimenting with many different styles. One particular style I want to dive more into is composites between 3D renders and photography
Where do you get inspiration from?
Oh boy - from all over the place. Reading, bike rides in the nature, movies, watching other photographers work of course - on Instagram and Pinterest primarily.
Think you in advance what you want in the picture?
Yes, I’m very much into planning. Improvisationen is equally important though - being able to have a plan, but knowing when to go with the flow and diverge from the plan is key in my opinion. But I always go into a shoot with a list of shots or specific techniques I want to use
Studio, on location or both?
I would say 90% and 10% location. I want to change that though, so more location shooting is on the todo-list this summer.
Would you consider yourself a hobbyist or a paid professional?
Can I go with paid hobbyist? As I said earlier it’s a creative outlet for me, and I’m not relying on any income from photography. I’m not just doing stuff for free though, but not relying on any income means I’m free to turn down jobs I don’t want.
What has been your most memorable session and why?
Definitely the photo on my webpage with the girl holding a bike on her shoulder. It was a poster for a local cyclocross race and there was a lot of fire, smoke and superhero action. Eventually the cops showed up in full battle uniform and it took a lot of effort to convince them it was just a photo shoot.
What has been the biggest source of inspiration in your work?
I want to draw inspiration from the moment. It’s a special kind of room to enter, the whole photographer/subject situation. I’m struggling with it, so I need to work on it
Nikon or Canon? Favorite lens?
Canon and I love my 50mm 1.2! I have a Fuji as my small carry everywhere camera and the Fuji stuff is really growing on me. The new Fuji GFX 50s is insane! Hook me up Fuji, nudge, nudge!
What is one piece of advice you would like to offer a new photographer looking to start their own business?
Don’t listen to me - find your own path! What works for me is not the best way for you. If I was to turn it into a “real” business I would very open to always keeping up with new ways of selling your service. The business side of photography is changing rapidly and change will become the new status quo, so prepare for that mentally before diving into it
What do you think of our new magazine?
It’s awesome - always interesting to hear how other people’s approaches are.