Tell us something about yourself
My name is Nicki Astrup. I’m 39 years old. Besides photographing, I’m coaching as well. I’m working with especially new models from various bureaus.

How and when did you get into photography?
About 6 years ago, a good friend of mine, wanted to come by and stay for the weekend. He wanted to photograph for the entire weekend.. and as a good friend I told him yes. He brought his extra camera (an old Nikon D60) that I could use. I totally fell in love with it, and 2 years later I got professional.
 

Please briefly describe your photography style for our readers.
My style is portfolio building fashion mainly. But i really like to expand my knowledge by exsperimenting with both lights and colors as well.

What does photography mean to you?
It means a lot to me actually. Not just photographing, but the communication as well. I coach new photographers in how to communicate with your team, and especially your model. And I coach models in how to work on a set and a shoot. I especially like to work with new models and prepare them to the world of the fashion industry.

Where do you get inspiration from?
I have a few favorite photographers that inspire me. Gavin O’Neill, Jonas Jensen and Bo Egestroem. But mostly I get inspired by great pictures from a lot of great photographers.

Think you in advance what you want in the picture?
Usually I do yes, but sometimes I let the creation highway that’s going through my head or the model control the set too. Often a lot of good things can happen in that way. “Don’t be afraid to explore” is my believe.

Studio, on location or both?
Well I must say studio, because i’m so used to it and working with the lights in it 😃 but i need to get out more (as you say) You can create much more atmosphere with the right environment. But i know you can also much easier f... it up, if you get it totally wrong outside. Its all about the angels, colors and cropping.

Would you consider yourself a hobbyist or a paid professional?
Well.. I’m not making all my money on photography, so i would say a professional hobbyist 😉

What has been your most memorable session and why?
A couple of years ago, i spotted a girl from Denmark, that had only tried posing in front of a camera once before. I made her swing by my studio for a test. We had lots of fun, and created some beautiful pictures together.. one of them is still my favortite all time picture. Soon after, she got very popular here in Denmark.

What has been the biggest source of inspiration in your work?
My studio, i have with a couple of other professional photographers, and this collaboration has actually both helped me, and inspired me, to the level where i am today. We help and inspire eachother as much as we can.

Nikon or Canon? Favorite lens?
I work with Nikon D810 and my favorite lens is the Nikkor 85mm 1.4.

What is one piece of advice you would like to offer a new photographer looking to start their own business?
The business is hard and tough! Be sure that you have a backup plan ready. Networking is crucial in the fashion world, so make sure you network as much as you can, and with the right people as well. One good connection is worth 100 times as much as 10.000 likes from facebook.

What do you think of our new magazine?
Its an awesome magazine, with great photos from photographers around the world. But what I really like is their goal to really get to know the photographers they publish.

https://www.facebook.com/astrupphotography/