Interview: Photographer Rainer Moster (Germany)
Can you tell us a little about you?
My name is Rainer Moster, I'm from Speyer, Germany and I love black and white photography. I enjoy sitting down with people for hours, chatting, having cappuccino or wine.
How and when did you get into photography?
I started photography when my daughter came into the world. I wanted to make good pictures and caught fire afterwards.
What does photography mean to you?
If I'm photographing and creating stories with the woman, I can let go. I forget about the time and just let go together with the woman I'm photographing. I like that moments emerge that I can't plan. For me, photography means that I can express and create my aesthetic with others.
Please briefly describe your photography style for our readers.
I don't really know how to describe my style. I like silence in the pictures, I like it epic, the contrasts. I like it when viewers, after seeing the picture, still remember it. I don't want mainstream, I like timeless pictures where viewers can linger. I don't know if I can do that, it would be very nice if I could.
Do you think in advance what you want in the picture?
There are two facets of what I expect from my photographs for me. On the one hand, I want to find myself in them, as I just described. On the other hand, and this is very important to me, I would be incredibly happy if my pictures would resonate with the viewers. If they would stay with them after having looked at them.
Where do you get inspiration from?
I believe that I put a certain longing into my pictures. Photography, just as literature, painting or music, always conveys a certain longing, imperfection, sometimes even loneliness. I want to create atmospheres that convey a certain melancholia, restraint, respectful femininity. I don't really know where it comes from. I gain a lot from what I perceive, what I think about. All this is supplemented by photographs from wonderful photographers who inspire me. I also believe that listening to movie music constantly shapes me a bit.
Studio, on location or both?
I used to photograph in my own studio up until half a year ago. Now I don't anymore. I photograph on location or rent a suitable studio.
Would you consider yourself a hobbyist or a paid professional?
I usually work for free. I love capturing stories in pictures together. Of course, I also take on assignments when they are intended for the clients.
What has been your most memorable session and why?
In the past two years, I have had some encounters that have shaped me. They were photoshoots and long conversations with wonderful people who have a similar approach to photography. They understand photography as an authentic and sustainable form of expression.
Nikon or Canon? Favorite lens?
Sony and my beloved 50mm 0.95 lens.
What is one piece of advice you would like to offer a new photographer looking to start their own business?
I am certainly not qualified to give advice on starting a photography business. What I can say about being authentic as a photographer, if I may, is to stay true to yourself, especially in this age of social media. In my opinion, it is important to photograph exactly what you feel in the moment when you are taking the photograph.
What do you think of our new magazine?
I didn't know about your magazine until recently. I really think the concept is very valuable and authentic. There's a lot of useful content for photographers, models and anyone interested in this topic. It's a great source of inspiration and I really appreciate the work of models and photographers.
https://www.instagram.com/rainermoster/
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