Interview: Photographer Sinéad Bunn (Germany)

Modellenland

5 jan 2023

Can you tell us a little about you?

I'm a Brit living and working in Munich as a Professional Ballerina. I’m a self-taught hobbyist photographer and painter, with the dream of sharing my work to bring light and uplift peoples minds and imagination.

My work predominantly focuses on portraiture and self-portraiture.My photographs sometimes have a disturbing theme and often subtly address current issues of society. The setting, positioning, and costuming seen in my photography is determined and at times reminiscent of the Dutch Golden Age. My images often favour the warm honey colours reminiscent of the renaissance or the cool blues often favoured by artists of that era. I committed myself to my photography and art during the first lock down and my passion has grown ever since. I sincerely hope you can also find a place in your heart for my art.

How and when did you get into photography?

I was inspired as a child by painters such as Van Gogh and Salvador Dali. I would often paint and was very enthusiastic about art as a child but it was only later in life that I discovered photography in my early 20’s. Even then it was just a hobby I would pick up on weekends and without any real direction, just simply snapping, anything and everything that I found interesting. It was over the past 4 years that I started to get more serious about photography and the niche subject of portraiture.

What does photography mean to you?

Photography gives me the opportunity to express myself freely, without boundaries.

Please briefly describe your photography style for our readers.

My photography style is reminiscent of the great painters of 1900. My images can often be mistaken for paintings due to their painterly style. They touch on, and can often loosely depict poignant or prevalent themes of our society.

Where do you get inspiration from?

I draw my inspiration from many sources, being a ballerina and spending my working day in the opera house I often draw my inspirations from new operas or new ballet productions. From costume designers to makeup artists. I’m also motivated by others artists and painters.

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

Yes, I keep a little notebook by my bed, whenever a little idea pops in my crazy head, I scribble it down for later.

Studio, on location or both?

I love studio photography.

Would you consider yourself a hobbyist or a paid professional?

I would considered myself a hobbyist, because I’m such a perfectionist that I will never consider myself good enough to be a paid pro. Although I’m incredible grateful for the sales of my fine art that I have made so far.

What has been your most memorable session and why?

Gosh, that’s a hard one. I would say there’s a few, but they are memorable because of the connections i made with the model. With a close connections somehow the photos always have more soul.

Nikon or Canon? Favourite lens?

Canon, I love my 85mm and 100mm. But my 50mm is super useful.

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

Photograph what you love and what spurs emotion within you, NOT what you think the people want to see. If you feel it, it will transfer emotion in the viewers anyway. You. Do. You!

What do you think of our new magazine?

It’s wonderful, full of vibrancy and inspiration.

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