Interview: Creative Photoworks (Marc Jansen) (Germany)
Can you tell us a little about you?
I am a 50 year old hobby photographer from Germany. I am located near Dortmund.
How and when did you get into photography?
I was fascinated by digital cameras, because you can see right away what you do and you can improve you pictures. I am doing semi-professional photography now for about 12 years.
What does photography mean to you?
I like to show the beauty of nature. In most of the time that means the beauty of women, but as I am a biologist, sometimes also nature photography.
Please briefly describe your photography style for our readers.
My style changes every now and then. But most of the time I like it smooth and soft.
Where do you get inspiration from?
I get my inspiration very often from my models. Most of the time I didn’t now in advance what exactly to shoot. But when I see the model, her outfits (or mine) and her attitude, the pictures come to my mind.
Think you in advance what you want in the picture?
See above!
Studio, on location or both?
Definitely I like “on location” more. And as a source of light I prefer available light!
Would you consider yourself a hobbyist or a paid professional?
Because I seldom get paid for shootings, I would consider myself as an advanced hobbyist.
What has been your most memorable session and why?
Every shooting is special. Of course some shootings are better and some are worse, but when there is a good harmony between the model an me, its always the best because so many pictures come to my mind!
Nikon or Canon? Favorite lens?
Nikon. I have some good 50mm and 85mm lnses, but my favorite lens is the 28-70mm 2.8.
But as Helmut Newton said: a cook doesnt make delicious food because of his good saucepans and so a photographer doesnt make good photos just because he has a good camera!
What is one piece of advice you would like to offer a new photographer looking to start their own business?
Dont look too much for your technical material but try to find the picture in your mind! I sometimes have photographers on my workshops, who can speak the whole day what new camera they are suppose to buy and what new lense they would like to have but they dont realise, that its not the camera which makes the photo.
What do you think of our new magazine?
It’s a good idea and seems to be very professional done! I wish you all the best of luck!!
