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About me
Originally from Dresden in (East) Germany, I am a recent transplant to Memphis after having worked in Washington, D.C. since 2004. Over the past three years, I have provided photography and graphic design services to dance companies and think tanks in the nation’s capital. My work has been used to solicit grant funding and was featured in local media. Having lived abroad, on both U.S. coasts and the Mid-West, I am now based in Vollintine-Evergreen in midtown Memphis and am eager to explore and portray life in the Mid-South.
For fellow photographers: After many happy years with the Leica lens and manual feel of a Panasonic Lumix DMC L1, I opted for the Nikon D5100, then D7000 and finally D610. I started to avoid zoom lenses and much preferred the basic Nikon 50mm f1.8 and later f1.4 lens for most scenarios, but was also very fond of the 135mm f2.0 lens. I used to be a natural light photographer, but nowadays happily bounce a flash on or off camera when conducive to constructing an image. Recently, I took the plunge with a Canon 5D Mark iii, pairing it with a Sigma 35mm f1.4, Canon 50mm f1.8 and Sigma 85mm f1.4. Whenever there is a major sale, I am day dreaming about a 70-200mm f2.8, though I will probably stick with my fixed lenses.
FAQ
Photography gives me the opportunity to tell your story. As I have grown, I started to appreciate not just the artistic beauty, but the memories and emotions great portraits immortalize. I want to collaborate with you in picturing your life.
What do I like most about photography?
Being able to create memories. Sometimes a random scent will trigger a memory of a place or a time from long ago. Similarly, photographs will help you re-experience such a moment many years from now when you look at the tiny toes of your child, your beautiful spouse, or the melancholic eyes of your favorite fur ball.
Why does my work stand out from others who do what I do?
By taking the time to listen to you and understand your personal preferences and professional requirements, I will create the image you are looking for. Whether you want to show your intellectual side, business confidence, or jovial character.
What to consider if you are looking to hire a photographer:
a) Look at their past pictures, do you see yourself in them? Does the photographer have a range of moods he/she can capture/create?
b) Does the photographer engage you with multiple questions regarding your preferences and requirements?
c) Do you receive digital files with limited copyrights to your images or do you have to buy additional prints from the photographer, if you would like more pictures in the future? A limited copyright usually allows you to print images for personal use, but would prohibit the sale of images.
Tips and tricks:
Have a glass of wine before a portrait session. It will relax you a little and make you more natural, maybe even put you in a better mood. Or bring a really good friend, especially if they know a bit about make-up and/or can help you with clothing changes. You (two) will have more fun and it will show in the photographs. Win win.
Other frequently asked questions:
a) What should I wear? For most portraits, I find that a solid color item works best, especially dark colors will let the viewer focus on your face. A multicolor or differently colored, blurred background (trees, brick walls, murals, large art work) will highlight/contrast you nicely. If you want to highlight movement or a mood (as opposed to your face), clothing options will differ especially if you are thinking of black-and-white photography.
b) How long will it take? Budget at least 30 minutes for a mini-session, if it is just you. If you are interested in a family portrait and have a baby or toddler, budget more time. A baby can be fussy (think teething pains), so sometimes it is even best to simply reschedule. It will also take a bit more time for a child to get used to a photographer being in a room or even in the vicinity.
c) When is the best time to take pictures? For outside sessions, I am fond of the late afternoon hours, the natural light is just wonderful then. (The early morning is great as well, so if you are an early riser, we should definitely consider that option.) For inside sessions, I try to work as much as possible with natural light as well, positioning you close to windows. Since our lives do not revolve just around photography, I will work with whatever timeframe you have and use flash lighting selectively. On the other side, I would be excited about a late night, going-out-on-the-town portrait session with multiple strobe lights.
What are the latest developments in the field? Are there any exciting things coming in the next few years or decade that will change photography?
Some experts call the latest development the ‘democratization’ of photography and especially film. Both used to be expensive fields to enter, you had to have a lot of resources just to start. Today, some of these costs are gone (film), sensors are getting better without costing more, and software (Photoshop) allows us to re-create images that would have required a large studio and plenty of assistants.
But while your smartphone can be as good as an entry level, point-and-shoot camera – or better when you have a recent Nokia or iPhone – their sensors are a fraction of the size of professional full frame camera sensors. Under ideal circumstances (such as perfect lighting), smartphones are definitely good enough for a Facebook picture post. If you are interested in improving your smartphone photography, there are decent apps that will help you with brightening teeth and eye shadows on the quick.
But beware of relying on technology to do it all – you will still benefit from a photographer with a trained eye for detail, with the artistic touch to compose your portrait, and with the technical know-how to execute that vision professionally.
What do I wish customers knew about this profession?
Taking a portrait represents only 5 to 10 percent of the time that goes into this profession. The rest is allocated toward marketing, scouting out new locations, image post-processing, as well as research on new techniques, approaches, and software. Have I mentioned accounting?