Modellenland
- 21 apr. 2021

Interview: Photographer Wolfgang Gangl (Austria)

Can you tell us a little about you?

I am in Vasoldsberg - a rural area close to Graz. I have been born here and still live here.I need tranquility, far away from urban stress. Together with my wife and three children, it never gets boring. Directly next to our house I have my own studio, where my ideas can become reality. The advantage is, I can work without having to leave my family.

How and when did you get into photography?

I take pictures since childhood. Back then it was the fascination of the simple analog camera, the click and the surprise when the picture came back from development. It triggered the interest for photography. Today, it is not much different. The fascination stayed, even though I changed my analog camera from back then into a middlefront camera.

What does photography mean to you?

Photography means for me, that I capture what I see and being able to share it with the world. It is unimportant whether the motive is perfect. Only the photo has to be perfect. I always want to picture people, the way they have never seen themselves - through my eyes.

Please briefly describe your photography style for our readers.

I do not have an own style that I can explain - most importantly I picture people

Where do you get inspiration from?

Sometimes I see a picture, where I like the basic idea - but for me - it does not seem finished. Another time an idea emerges while I do sports or have dinner and I have to write it down then and there. When I still like the idea the next day, I like to implement it. Even though I need to get 100 years old to finalize all of them.

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

I work very conceptually. The pictures are usually pretty finalized in my mind before I start to think with which model I like to work with. After that we organize everything for what the picture needs.

Studio, on location or both?

Mostly in my studio, for there I always have the same lighting conditions. I plan, though, to work more on location in the future.

Would you consider yourself a hobbyist or a paid professional?

I do not see myself as either one. Since I do not do any assigned photography, but only shoot for myself and therefore not need to care for any employer, I do not see myself as a professional photographer. But since my pictures are sold in vernisages, and I can live off of that, I am not a hobby photographer either. Maybe something in between.

What has been your most memorable session and why?

Actually, every shooting is something special. I like to see how a picture develops out of my head into infront of the camera. And then in the blink of an eye it is captured. But certainly, other moments are part of my memory as well - especially when you meet personalities that you usually only see on the TV.

Nikon or Canon? Favorite lens?

I cannot work with the speed of the fast Japanese cameras. Therefore I mostly work with the digital middle format with a Phase One XF and an 80 mm objective. That takes out the speed, because it takes up to four seconds from focus to the finished picture. It lets me compose the picture cut more aware. When it has to be a little faster I take a Canon 1DX.

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

Specialize yourself. I believe you can only be successful as a professional photographer, when you specialize in one area and try to be the very best.

What do you think of our new magazine?

I know the magazine for quite a while and read it on a regular basis. It serves me for one as inspiration and as trend barometer, because it keeps pace with the times with the photos.Picture List:

www.wolfganggangl.com www.instagram.com/wolfgangganglphotography

www.facebook.com/wolfgang.gangl