Interview: Photographer Christin Helmund (Germany)
Tell us something about yourself
Hey, my name is Christin. I´m a 27 years old peoplephotographer from Germany. I love to capture unique moments in emotional pictures. Most of all, I love photographing the strong bond between two lovers. But I also like fashion photography, as well. I love arts since I can remember. As a child, I always was drawing the whole day and I always knew that my job has to be a creative one.
How and when did you get into photography?
It´s almost 7 years ago, when I started an apprenticeship in fashion design, where I had some photography lessons as well. And that´s how I got into photography. When I finished this apprenticeship, I thought about what to do now, and then my parents remember me: „You like taking pictures of people, why not trying to do this for your living?“ And so I started another apprenticeship in a small portrait studio. Since then, I always worked as a photographer beside other jobs. And since last year, I finally run my own photography business.
What does photography mean to you?
Photography means a small piece of freedom to me. Nobody can told me how to do, what is wrong and what is right. It´s my art and my style, how I do it. And I love meeting so many nice and lovely people in my job. Photographing two lovers wedding day ist the most beautiful thing, I can imagine. I would never want to do anything else in the future.
Please briefly describe your photography style for our readers.
Describing my style is a little difficult, because I´m still looking for this one unique style. I ´m trying out some different things, styles of retouching.. But if I had to name some words, which describes the style, how I´m taking pictures, I would say natural, emotional, romantically and maybe a little girly.
Where do you get inspiration from?
I find my inspirations mostly in the internet, probably most of all on Pinterest. That´s such a great platform for photographers to be inspired. But i also get inspiration from fashion magazines, sometimes from films or sometimes when I walk through a beautiful nature, I get immediatly an idea what to photograph there.
Think you in advance what you want in the picture?
Sometimes yes, then I plan photoshootings for weeks or months, but often no. And I often made the experience, that spontanious photoshoots, brings out the best results.
Studio, on location or both?
I would always prefer outdoorlocations. I just love working with natural light and the nature in general. That´s completely different from what I did in my apprenticeship, where we worked in the studio most of the time.
Would you consider yourself a hobbyist or a paid professional?
Paid professional.
What has been your most memorable session and why?
The most memorable session so far, probably was my Moroccan photoshoot with three cute little alpakas, two beautiful models and huge mass of morrocain clothes and accessoires. That was pretty fun, but also little difficult, because it was my first shoot with animals. But in the end it was just an awesome day.
What has been the biggest source of inspiration in your work?
For me, the biggest source of inspiration, probably are the people I met along my way. Everyone has his own story, which is very inspiring.
Nikon or Canon? Favorite lens?
Canon. Never used something else. Favourite lens: Sigma Art 35mm 1.4. It´s sharp in focus and the bokeh is just amazing.
What is one piece of advice you would like to offer a new photographer looking to start their own business?
Just do it! Don´t overthink it, be brave and go your own way. Do as many photoshoots as you can, because you will learn from every session. And stand behind your work, be confident.
What do you think of our new magazine?
I really like that you give creative people from all over the world a chance to show their work. It´s fresh and unconventional. I think it´s great.
Homepage: www.christin-helmund.de
facebook: www.facebook.com/Verschossen.Fotografie
