Interview: Photographer Michaela Kraus (Austria)

Tell us something about yourself. My name is Michaela Kraus. I’m 23 years old and I live in Upper Austria. Besides photography traveling is one of my favourite passions. Furthermore I do a lot with my friends and family in my freetime.

How and when did you get into photography? At school we had the subject “digital photography”. This aroused my curiosity, especially portrait photography inspired me. I began taking pictures of my friends. A meeting with a photographer from Linz was decisive for the step into the professional photographer business. He gave me insights and motivated me to pursue this career. Three years ago I worked with models and make-up artists for the first time. Since then I have spent every free minute behind my camera.

What does photography mean to you? When I think of photography I am happy. I can be creative, I get to know so many interesting people and this is the perfect balance to the daily routine. I don’t ever want to miss this.

Please briefly describe your photography style for our readers. It is hard to say. I have tried so much the last few years. I especially like wedding reports and portrait shoots. That’s where I feel most at home. I want to portray people as they are, capture their emotions and hold them for eternity.

Where do you get your inspiration from? In most shootings I have a certain topic in my mind which I want to implement. Today’s world is full of portals like Pinterest and Instagram, where you can see a lot of shooting templates. This can be an advantage for every photographer. I also like to browse through pictures of other photographers or develop ideas with models and make-up artists.

Do you know in advance what the picture should look like? For orders I always have a certain idea. Once I am at the shooting I talk to the make-up artists about the image idea before we carry it out together. At outdoor shootings you have to adapt to the surrounding of course, and there you have more options. For studio shootings you have to plan every tiny detail of the picture.

Studio, outdoors or both? Definitely outdoors. You have to get into the surroundings at every shooting. And that is the great thing about outdoor shoots. In the end you will be surprised by some pics.

Would you consider yourself a hobbyist or a paid professional? I started as a hobby photographer, like many of us. In the meantime I earn money with photography and have gained a lot of experience, so I can call myself a professional photographer. Of course, everyone can improve, but through workshops and courses I was able to acquire extensive basic knowledge.

What has been your most memorable session and why? That is a really difficult question, because every shooting is unique. Therefore I love every single one of them. Especially the work with models, make-up artists and other photographers makes me very happy. Nevertheless, one shooting was particularly significant. Last autumn another photographer and I had the honour to shoot with a young designer. Together with our team we put the pieces of his latest collection in its true light.

What has been the biggest source of inspiration in your work? My family and my friends support me in my dream job. They are also the ones, who always bring me new ideas and inspire me in my work.

Nikon or Canon? Favourite lens? Currently I am shooting with Canon 5D mark iii. Suitable for this is the portrait lens Canon 85mm, my favourite lens.

Which advice would you give somebody who wants to start their own business as a photographer? If you want to be a self-employed photographer, you should trust yourself. Of course, at first it seems to be a great challenge. There is so much to consider and you have to overcome many obstacles. But: Nothing ventured, nothing gained.

What do you think of our new magazine? I like that young, international artists are brought before the curtains. Also the layout is fresh and modern.

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