Interview: Photographer Oliver Fotoclassica (Germany) Winner of the Month
Tell us something about yourself
I´M A LUCKY MAN… born in 1968 – the time of free spirits. I have three kids and a beautyful girl-friend. Our beautyful home is in Tübingen, in the south of Germany.
How and when did you get into photography?
When I was 12 years old I bought my first SLR. One year later I had my own darkroom in the cellar.
My portrait work started with annoying my relatives by pointing my camera directly into their faces. That´s how I learned having respect and distance on the hard way.
What does photography mean to you?
For me photography is more than taking nice pictures. It influences me every day. I love to work and communicate with others, doing teamworks with colleagues, visagists, stylists, assitants,…as well as working with the model alone. Sometimes I really go crazy behind the camera…in short: I LO(I)VE PHOTOGRAPHY…
Please briefly describe your photography style for our readers.
My favorite styles are portrait and sensual. The “mirror of the soul” is the secret I try to show in my pictures. That´s why the eyes and the body language is so important for me.
Where do you get inspiration from?
To be honest I get insiration by really good stuff from other artists, there are more than 300 I follow. But in the end I transfer it to my style.
Do you think in advance what you want in the picture?
Normaly the final picture is already in my head before the model arrives. And when the shooting starts there are another 1001 ideas coming up.
Studio, on location or both?
My favorite is on location shooting, but I also love hard light in the studio.
Would you consider yourself a hobbyist or a paid professional?
I´m a passionated hobbyist, I don´t do commercial stuff, I would describe myself as an artist.
What has been your most memorable session and why?
I´ve been on a finca in mallorca with a team and we already finished shooting. Then the model stood on the glasdoor with underwear in the warm sunset light. I said: “Ok ok just stay like this” I took my camera and BAMM… this is the first photo on my homepage.
What has been the biggest source of inspiration in your work?
If you see people like Peter Lindberg, you know: THE BEST PHOTO IS ALWAYS AHEAD…
Nikon or Canon? Favorite lens?
Canon, I love my 85/1.2
What is one piece of advice you would like to offer a new photographer looking to start his own business?
Be respectful with the model, keep an eye on her personality and bring out her talent.
What do you think of our new magazine?
I got to know Modellenland by seeing my picture on the cover. From that moment I was totally excited.
instagram.com/oliverfotoclassica
