Interview: Photographer Joachim Thomas (Italy)

Modellenland

28 aug 2023

Can you tell us a little about you?

Born in Stuttgart in 1965, but resident in Italy since 1967

Amateur photographer, initiated into photography by his grandfather since a young kid, however, he began to devote himself more seriously in the last 10 years following training and workshops by Marc De Tollenaere, Marco Tortato, Francesco Fontana, Joe McNally, Settimio Benedusi, Oliviero Toscani, Francesco Chinazzo

While not disdaining to photograph in various "sectors" of photography, in which he has participated in exhibitions including the Bassano Photography Biennale, Casa dei Carresi, Officina Calligrafica, Spazio 53 in Voghera, his main passion remains that of portraiture both in the studio and in different environments, including those of social life.

How and when did you get into photography?

I started with a Camera, gift of my grandfather when I was a young boy… but it’s in the last years I got more seriously into it..

What does photography mean to you?

It’s part of my life.. my Camera is always with me… it’s seeing details or moments others don’t notice and freezing them forever in your own interpretation

Please briefly describe your photography style for our readers.

I think I still have to create a very own style…maybe one of my characteristics is to get often the pictures in odd angles or points o view, instead of the initially planned way, to get more dynamics or make it more “strange”

Where do you get inspiration from?

Studying the alltime bigs…one of my favourites is Helmut Newton, but I like to attend expositions of any style to get inspiration and grow photo culture

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

I think while experience is growing, composition gets more and more instinctive and you don’t notice so much you’re actually thinking about… in any case yes… if the lens permits, I like to have immediately the right result, without having to crop or “post-composite” the shots

I also shoot directly in B&W when I want this, (the RAW is still in color if needed) to have immediately an idea of the final result.

Studio, on location or both?

Both… In studio for maximum control on light, and mainly with professional models. On location to get more interesting and creative environment. Often also accidentally on public places to get some nice portraits.

Would you consider yourself a hobbyist or a paid professional?

Still mainly an amateur photographer… My main job is Software Developer…

What has been your most memorable session and why?

Maybe in the last few years, the shooting I did at the Venice Cinema Festival 2021… I’ve been invited to follow some models that got on the red carpet to show some design jewels…

A very exciting experience to step on locations among the VIPs :)

Nikon or Canon? Favorite lens?

None of the two. Olympus. Small and compact to be with me always and everywhere…

I usually use a zoom.. but I like shooting 80-100mm (sometimes also wideangle to get some effects)

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

I fear I’m not the right person (by now) regarding the business side of photography.., at the moment it’s just as art expression for me

What do you think of our new magazine?

I’m following the mag since some years… It’s growing in quality and content continuosly :)

https://www.facebook.com/JoachimThomas

https://www.instagram.com/jthomas/

https://www.joachimthomas.com/