Enjoy Being Creative and Have Fun

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1.Tell us about your background and journey.

I am a German landscape photographer. Within the last 3,5 years I have been on several photo tours within Europe. I went to Norway, Spain, Italy, Portugal, Iceland, Ireland, Netherlands and other countries. In 2017 I started to show my images on Instagram.

Meanwhile my account has hit the 100k followers mark, which I never thought was possible. I have won several awards with my photography. But what matters most to me is that I found a way of creatively expressing myself.

I had been singing in rock bands for almost 30 years now, so being creative has always been extremely important to me.

2.How and when did you realize your passion for photography?

I have started to photograph in 2016. I had picked up a camera before, but that was just for documenting family and travels. It was on a business trip with my regular job as HR consultant to Ireland that I fell in love with photographing nature.

There was a sense of calm and rewarding for me that has attracted me to go out in nature and capture its beauty. I still feel this every single time.

3.What are some tips you would like to share with amateur photographers?

My biggest advice would be not to worry about social media and numbers such as likes and followers. Much rather focus on yourself, enjoy being creative and have fun. Most of the time I get asked about how to get big numbers on Instagram fast. I think this is completely the wrong attitude.

Those numbers mean nothing. But being creative and mastering the craft of an art form is rewarding and joyful in itself. Once you start to get good in what you do, you can show your work to others. Just continue improving and trying things. Eventually people will notice you.

But that takes time. As long as you enjoy that creative road, you are on something good. If you want fast fame, go do something else.

4.What are the important skills one should have to be a successful photographer?

The love for what you are doing. It is not about gear or what others say that improves your skills in photography. It is your dedication and love for trying things over and over.

I spent thousands upon thousands of hours learning and trying: in the field photographing, editing images and watching and reading about photography and art.

So you need patience also, not only for the right conditions while photographing but also being patient on your own progress. Be willing to fail and try over again.

5.What are various opportunities available for aspiring photographers?

You have the opportunity to meet other like minded people. You have the chance to show your work to others all around the world via internet. So you have plenty of opportunities to get around and show your work.

6.Which is your favourite book and why?

My favorite book is "more than a rock" by Guy Tal. It is a fantastic book about photography, art and philosophy. It explains so well how I feel about photographing nature. And it inspires me viewing this art form from different angles, something that is always helpful in widening your view.

- Kai Hornung

Interview By - Anshika Sharma