Interview: Photographer Mike Kölle (Germany)
Can you tell us a little about you ?
Hi my Name is Mike K. (- M-I-K-E-K. Pics - )from Hildesheim Germany. Self-made / self taught Photographer with a big Passion for Hip Hop, Streetstyle, Streetwear (Joker Brand), Graffiti, but also for Gothic, Lingerie and Nude Art Pictures. Basically , I just do whatever I feel :)
How and when did you get into photography?
In the beginning there was my first big love: "Hip Hop". The Music, the Culture and the Attitude. I was making Beats and was working with many Rappers from my Hometown, Hildesheim, Germany and international. I even had my own Crew called "Freunde der Dunkelheit" (Friends of Darkness) later I started hanging around with Larry Läng and joined his Crew "Raw Diamonds". Those were the days of myspace 2005-2008. Great Times. Meeting many People and stuff. Underground. I will always listen to Hip Hop and I love taking photos of that kind of style. The Hip Hop Culture and Streetwear always influence me.
Since I can remember I always liked to be photographed and behind the Cam i started in 2006 to do it more and more professional. It began back in the days with shooting my girlfriend. Summer 2006 I had my first shooting with a pretty russian hobbymodel. It really was mind blowing and from that moment i knew it, I was getting more and more into finding my second big love: "Photography"
What does photography mean to you?
I like to create a different Reality. I like to bring out the best out of my Models and show different sides of them. I like crazy people with a good Energy. I love catching the Moment. Meeting new People and creating great Pics with them. I like making people happy with my work. Klick Klick... and i just love the Sound of the Camera... Lights, Camera, good Music and Action... and oh...ofcause... a good Model makes the Photosession perfect:) Express yourself:)
Please briefly describe your photography style for our readers.
Wildstyle :P + Crazysexycool. Hip Hop. Streetstyle. Streetwear.
...and I hope different from others ?!
Different styles and still learing everyday:)
Where do you get inspiration from?
Mostly Visions in my Head, Momentum, Music , Life, People I'm surrounded with, directly from the eye ... but it hits me in many different ways. It's on my Mind 24/7.
Think you in advance what you want in the picture?
I always like to go into a Shooting with good ideas and poses on my mind. I prepare myself very good before a Shooting:) but also spontaneous. Sometimes its a moment or a spontaneous vision:) Fun, laughing and craziness is also a big part:)
Studio, on location or both?
Summer: Outdoor, Winter: Studio or Location:) i love both
Would you consider yourself a hobbyist or a paid professional?
I would say I'm in the middle:) still a lot to learn:)
What has been your most memorable session and why?
Hard to say. There have been so many great Memories and Moments:) Photography means meeting and getting to know many differnt People in Life. I had so much fun and laughs plus great shots at Sessions, I can't believe it, from dancing crazy with models at the Shooting to getting pulled in front of the cam as a male model at the same time... life's crazy... I'm enjoying it as much as I can... And I'm happy and greatful for working with so many nice and good Models and People:)
Nikon or Canon? Favorite lens?
Nikon D3200. Nikon 50nn f1.4, Nikon 85mm f1.4 and Sony ILCA Alpha 77 II. Sony DT 16-50mm f2.8 SSM
What is one piece of advice you would like to offer a new photographer looking to start their own business?
Take your time. Be patient. Free and open minded. Try many different styles and find your own:)
What do you think of our new magazine?
It's fresh and i like it:) A good Platform for models and photographers. Many different styles. Keep up the good work! I
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