Interview: Photographer Christoph Koch (Austria)

Can you tell us a little about you?

Born 1986 in Upper Austria, I am married and the proud father of a beautiful daughter. When it comes to my great passion photography, most of my work is portrait photography.

How and when did you get into photography?

I have been intensely involved with photography for over a decade. During this time, I trained as a self-taught artist in a wide variety of photographic disciplines. On the one hand, I am fascinated by the technology used, but the longer I work with photography, the further the actual technology moves into the background. The correct reading of lighting scenes and the recognition of unique moments is much more important to me.

What does photography mean to you?

The ability to capture a special moment gives me goosebumps. The role of the observer has always been a good fit for me. Through photography I can express my view of the things surrounding me and share it with other people. At a time when our world is seemingly getting darker, I like the idea of catching light and preserving beautiful, special moments.

Please briefly describe your photography style for our readers.

The most important characteristic of my photographic style is natural light. I rarely use more than a simple reflector. Usually I definitely spend more time with the colors in my pictures than with complex skin retouching.

Where do you get inspiration from?

Movie, music videos and books are a great source of inspiration to me.

I also love to look at the work of other photographers! It stimulates my imagination.

Think you in advance what you want in the picture?

Most of the time I do have a rough idea, but then I let the situation itself guide me. Since I often work with reflections and shoot through old windows, I see the result of my work only after I pressed the trigger.

Studio, on location or both?

I almost always use natural light and prefer the directional but soft light of north-facing windows. Usually I take my pictures in an art gallery with bright rooms and a high ceiling.

Would you consider yourself a Hobbyist or a paid professional?

I live with the happy situation not having to accept every job. When I take on a job, I also put 100% of my passion into the project. So I'm somewhere between an amateur photographer and a full-time professional who lives only from his pictures.

Nikon or Canon? Favorite lens?

My first camera was a Nikon D40 with a 50mm 1.8 Nikkor lens. Today I prefer my Nikon D850 with a 85mm 1.4 Nikkor lens. And I love the Sigma Art series. I often use the 50mm 1.4 Sigma Art. If possible, I like to take pictures with the aperture wide open.

What do you think of our new magazine?

As a visually minded person, I think it's very important that such magazines exist. I like the diversity and the quality of the photos, also it’s a great idea to give exposure to emerging artists.

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