rachelschwartzmann@yahoo.com
The Style Line once again caught up with Munich-based Christoph Schaller to get the low-down on his beautiful photography as well his goals and aspirations!
How, when and why did you first take up photography?
I started taking pictures about a year ago which is not a long time at all. I first got interested in it because I did a lot of travelling and I wanted to somehow capture my memories in a way that could convey the real beauty of things.
What would you say are the main differences between shooting in film or digitally?
In film you take much more care of the situation before you even take one photograph. With my digital camera I just give it a few tries until the picture looks the way I want it to look. Film photography is a bite more romantic I guess…
What is your favorite aspect of photography? What is something that you struggle with?
You get to meet a lot of new, interesting and inspiring people (mostly they’re also beautiful to look at) which is always fun. I just chose photography as a medium because you can create something in your mind and then make it reality. Hm, sometimes the aspect of meeting new people can be quite a challenge, too. When I had my first shooting with agency models for instance I felt really scared due to the pressure you have to take good photos. But I got used to it with more experience…
Do you consider yourself strictly a fashion photographer?
No, I love fashion photography because it’s very creative, you can dream and create something out of nothing. However I also like people and documentary a lot - experiencing things and capturing moments that you never want to forget again.
What other areas of the fashion industry appeal to you?
I’m not that much into the fashion industry to be quite honest. I’m against blind consumerism and I prefer a more real, natural way of living. Of course I see why fashion is important though… It’s your message to the outer world, the easiest way of expressing who you are. I just believe that you don’t have to make people think they need new clothes every two or three months…
What is a muse to you? What inspires you?
Beautiful people mostly. And books, I have a lot of books.
Describe your ideal collaboration, dream job or dream shoot.
I’d love to shoot for a brand like Billabong or Quiksilver one day. I like the surfer lifestyle and think it contains so much beauty.
What advice do you have for aspiring photographers?
You need to make things happen for yourself and you have to be willing to work really hard. No one is going to ask you to take photos. It’s your freedom but also your rensponsibility if you want to make it. Never give up and follow your dreams.
To see Christoph’s previous feature on The Style Line you can do so by clicking HERE!
