Interview: Photographer Stefan Häusler (Austria)

Can you tell us a little about you?

My name is Stefan Häusler, i'm 30 years old and i'm an austrian photographer specialised in portrait-photography.

How and when did you get into photography?

I started taking pictures in 2013 - 6 years ago. It all started with buying a DSLR and taking pictures of flowers and random stuff. But I wanted to get better and took many lessons in studio photography. The result: I set up my own studio at home and started with portrait shootings with some of my friends. And as I got better by time, I started taking portrait pictures of professional photomodels and creating photostories. And now... here I am.

What does photography mean to you?

Photography means a lot to me. It's the only opportunity for me to be creative as a storyteller. That's why I want to create something special that people like to see and that they can feel the story and emotions that I want to tell and show – like an author who writes a book, but without using a single word.

Please briefly describe your photography style for our readers.

My main portfolio is like a storybook. Sometimes it reminds me of my childhood. Pictures in books were the only thing that had drawn my attention. If a book has no pictures in, I immediately put it away. I've always focussed on the picture that told me the story without reading it. In my opinion my photography style does the same – it developed over the years – it's colorful, storytelling, emotional, sensitive, sensual and soft.

Where do you get inspiration from?

My inspiration comes from music and movies. Music inspires me the most – even if it‘s just driving around in my car and listening to different styles of music. Whenever I listen to music, ideas just rush through my mind.

Do you think in advance what you want in the picture?

Almost always. I think about the theme, the mood and the story I want to tell. On the one hand I buy requisites for my projects and on the other hand I work together with my team regarding to wardrobe, make up and styling. But I think some projects live from spontaneity – especially when working outdoor. There are some elements in projects that cannot be planned exactly such as weather conditions.

Studio, on location or both?

Definitely both but it depends on the project. My main photography style is focused on location but as an offset I also get into the studio and work on projects with hard light, strong make up styles and fashion-themed moods.

Would you consider yourself a hobbyist or a paid professional?

Short and sweet: Paid professional

What has been your most memorable session and why?

There are a lot of memorable moments, that I will never forget but the “umbrella”-story is the most memorable session. It was a journey to Venice late summer – to work on another story for my main portfolio. The moods were sunny, based on warm colors, outfits and requisites for a summer-based story. Only a few days before the scheduled flight to venice, the weather forecast got really bad. Rainy and cloudy days, dark light conditions and cold weather. Since we had no opportunity to cancel the flight, there was no way back. So my team and I decided to start the project/journey either way. My mood got bad because the pictures I’ve had in my mind were totally different than reality. We started to improvise and finally we got perfect shots and pictures that tell a story. These pictures are one of the best shots I’ve ever taken up til now. It was an important aha-effect regarding to my personal attitude. You can always get something good even in bad or unexpected situations and as I mentioned before – some stories/shots live from spontaneity.

Nikon or Canon? Favorite lens?

Sony. I started with a Canon 7D, then i got a Nikon D700 and Nikon D800 – and now I’m finally happy with my Sony Alpha 7R III. Electronic viewfinder, sensor stabilization – that helpes me a lot at my work with long exposure times, aperture wide opened and lighting that may cause failfocus or blurred images. My favorite lenses: 50 and 85 mm.

What is one piece of advice you would like to offer a new photographer looking to start their own business?

Especially at the beginning of your business you think that equipment is the most important thing to get wonderful results and I thought the same, but it’s not. The most important thing are your eyes and your fantasy/imagination. You have to learn how to use both to catch the shot that you have on.

What do you think of our new magazine?

It looks professional and interesting – i also like how the covers are made. Keep up the good work – i‘m looking forward to the next issues.

Website: http://www.stefanhaeusler.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/stefan.haeusler.photo/

500px: https://500px.com/stefanhaeusler