GERMAN PHOTOGRAPHER MARCUS SCHAEFER

GERMAN PHOTOGRAPHER MARCUS SCHAEFER

German Photographer Marcus Schaefer

Marcus is a German photographer that I discover on Instagram, for a couple of weeks ago, although I was not looking to discover anything I was amazed by his pictures and his style. Consequently, I made him an interview because I knew I wanted to have his work on the page. I hope you enjoy this interview as much as I did, not to mention his amazing pictures.

Tell us about yourself

My name is Marcus, I am about to turn 29 (oh my god!!!) and I grew up in the countryside / mountains, in the very south of Germany. Having graduated from Grammar School and having finished my civilian service I caught a plane to Australia / South East Asia and was planning to be gone for good.

Not really knowing what to do next, I came back to Germany in 2010 and started studying

Fashion Journalism and Media Communication at the Academy of Fashion and Design in Munich. That`s where I developed my deep passion & love for photography. Better late than never ;).

When did you first get interested in photography? What sparked it, and when did you decide that it was what you were going to do?

The very first time I got aware of photography and its prospects was in summer 2010. Back then, I was visiting a very good friend of mine, that I used to live in Sydney and he just got a new camera. That was a Canon 500D. I had no idea of proper SLR cameras or anything like that during that time. I was completely fascinated by the depth of sharpness and what else was possible with a professional camera. I saved up some money and bought the very same camera and started shooting everything I saw. Most of my friends were quite happy about that, as they all got new portraits of themselves haha :). That was all during my time at the Academy of Fashion and Design in Munich, where I was studying Fashion Journalism and

Media Communication. Early 2011 I did an internship with a Munich based photographer for 3 months and that, combined with my deep connection to fashion at the academy, got me completely hooked to photography ever since.

Were you educated in photography, or are you self-taught?

I was not educated in the craft of photography, but as said earlier I did an internship with a photographer for 3 months which helped me a lot to learn about the craft & all

the basics in photography and everything being linked to it. In my eyes that was a pretty short, but very necessary time in my life, as I haven`t been assisting any photographer

ever since anymore. I was totally determined to find my own way of doing things. So I am more or less self-taught ;). At the academy though, we were educated in the history of

fashion photography from the very beginning. Getting to know and learning about all the significant protagonists and game-changers in fashion photography helped a lot with understanding to the whole industry and training your own eye.

What camera do you use the majority of the time?

I usually work with my Nikon 800E, which is an amazing camera, but I am absolutely in love with my Fujifilm XT1. She is digital but looks and works like an old analog camera. She is a simple beauty and easy to carry around with, as she is very tiny and handy.

Which photo are you currently most proud of?

I most recently shot two boys at the beach on the east coast of the US when I was on holiday. They happened to be brothers, half-asian and half german. Very special look.

In my eyes it`s a very intense shot, showing all their vulnerability in a timeless atmosphere. I love that image, it`s got everything it needs in a very simple and pure way.

Comparing where you are now with where you are when you first started, what could you have done differently to get to where you are sooner?

That`s a tricky question, as I strongly believe that you can´t really tell. We all make decisions at certain points in our lives, which lead us in certain directions, that could entirely change our lives. Therefore I guess everything is ok the way it went.

You’ve clearly worked with a wide range of models, what tips can you recommend to people looking to expand their portfolio?

Ideologically thinking I reckon choosing the right models for your very own project is a very personal thing. Therefore the only tips that I can give are, that there is no right or wrong. If you feel models look suits your very subjective idea of aesthetic, then he or she is just perfect.

No matter what.

Describe a typical shoot!

Getting to know the team, trying to create a friendly, harmonic atmosphere and enjoying a creative day while realizing all the magical ideas you´ve been collecting since the last shoot ;).

How much time do you spend taking photos, versus retouching photos?

I hardly retouch anymore, as I want to be as pure and raw as possible, alongside still adding a surreal twist via the poses or arrangements. An interplay between fiction and reality, photographed in a very honest way. Nowadays, absolutely preferring available light.

Favorite accessory?

Rings and hats!

Who would you like to work with most?

Camille Bidault-Waddington

Favorite photography book.

Irving Penn - Small trades

To know more about this amazing photographer please visit: Marcus Schaefer

WISH LIST: LOVELY FALL

WISH LIST: LOVELY FALL

Fall Outfit

It was a long summer, but unfortunately is coming to an end, although I would love to stay in summer vibes, I am a bit excited to get in the fall mood, with a special Fall Outfit.

This week, started the first signs of fall, and it was a bit cold and wind, but today we are going to have 30 degrees, but it is always good to start putting the jackets out, organize the pieces for a cool fall outfit and of course put all the summer stuff away.

Vienna is a various and brilliant place loaded with life; there are diverse things to see, spots to go and stuff to do at various times of the year. In this arrangement of articles, I will highlight the best regular occasions of every month. In October, the last summerly days of the year can be normal. Then again, it can likewise get stormy, cool, and hopeless. In the event that they haven′t as of now began in September, the musical dramas, theatres, historical centers, and displays open the new season with new appears, exhibitions, and presentations. The surroundings of Vienna are occupied with a wide range of wine harvest festivities and make perfect conditions for some slope strolling in the Wienerwald, cycling in the Wachau or strolls through the vineyards.

October is an appropriate pre-winter in Vienna, yet in the city, this is not as recognizable as it would be in the environment. Expect some haze and stormy days, additionally times of mellow climate and daylight. The wine harvest is in full activity as of now and all the wine ranchers trust in a sunny climate.

The normal everyday temperature for the most extreme qualities is still a tolerable 14 degrees, yet the base temperature normal drops to 7 degrees. There are four hours of daylight on a normal October day in Vienna and consistently, one can expect 6 days with a downpour. Bring warm attire that you can wear in layers - relying upon whether you get a sunny or stormy stage, the temperatures can shift altogether in Vienna amid October.

Outfit

N°8 Parka: Since a long time I have been looking for the perfect Parka, although I thought the parka time was already gone, to my surprise is back, and I just came across to this great parka with this colorful fur and is perfect for the fall season

Petit Bateau: Now that fall is coming I love to have this kind of sweaters in the closet they are super versatile and you can combine them with every jacket you have in the closet, and will, of course, keep you extra warm.

Dior Addict: Love this beautiful lipstick, there is never too many lipsticks...

Gucci Slippers: This season, is the season of slippers, and Gucci has them in all the possible colors!

S.Oliver Boyfriend Jeans: Jeans are my favorite pieces of all, for me are just perfect for each outfit, and I love the boyfriend jeans

Caravelle New York Watch: How cute is this ceramic watch! 

Madeleine Issing: Some of you know that I am a big fan of Madeleine Issing jewelry, they are pretty and delicate, and I love this bracelet, you can put it with any outfit you have!

Moschino: How fun is this clutch?, is just remembered me my childhood, and I found it to cool, I had to add it to the outfit!

TOP 5 FITNESS TIPS FOR FALL

TOP 5 FITNESS TIPS FOR FALL

Top 5 Fitness Tips

Today we bring you guys the Top 5 Fitness tips for fall. Fall is coming and with it, chilly weather and leaves will fall covering our outdoor activities with beautiful yellowish colors. It is time to make a plan for your 3 months of fitness goals in the fall season. Here are some tips for you to keep it active, fit and healthy.

1. Plan your week ahead:

Plan your fitness goals, plan your workouts routines, I would recommend balancing between strength and conditioning with flexibility. Let’s say 3 times strength and conditioning and 3 times flexibility, make 3 times really hard and the others ok hard. Choice whatever you are passionate about. It could be running in the open air in your favorite park, going to your Crossfit box or martial arts. Remember you have to decide in order to make the plan works.

2. Take more alkaline food:

What does this mean? Means to keep in mind to balance the nutrients of your food, you can include two of the best alkaline boosters; ginger or turmeric. You can have either as tea, spice on your food or add them to your morning green juice or smoothie.

3. Keep yourself active:

 It will be days where rain will be showing, do not abort your plan, you have thousands of HIIT workouts from good coaches to work on in case you cannot leave home for an open-air physical activity or gym. Turn on your favorite music and workout in your conditioning for a short period of time. Afterward, you will be energized, lose fat and increase your temperature level.

4. Plan ahead your meals:

Your meals do not have to be fancy, if you are a very practical person like me then you are lucky to choose by nutrients and taste and not by food styling. If you like to style your food and love slow food cooking, then make sure that you add this time to your fitness schedule.

5. Eat vegetables and drink water:

The fall season comes with amazing seasonal vegetables, it is pumpkin time you can have asparagus and kale as well, keep creativity open to make your favorite veggie meals including protein and fat.

Take the best of the fall season to boost your energy and get fitter by following these simple and effective fitness tips.

Top 5 Fitness Tips by Health Coach Angie Fliehser

Angie Fliehser, founder of Live Healthily Ever After Health and Fitness blog, is a strength coach and flexibility specialist who blogs about what she loves the most; sports, movement, and food. You can find her on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

Angie Fliehser
AUSTRIAN PHOTOGRAPHER SIGRID MAYER INTERVIEW

AUSTRIAN PHOTOGRAPHER SIGRID MAYER INTERVIEW

Austrian Photographer Sigrid Mayer

Sigrid is an amazing Austrian photographer, and today I bring you guys my last interview with her. I had the opportunity to see her work, in a photo-shooting she made for Jute Fashion Magazine, and it was fantastic.

She was also behind the lens for the photos of The Winemaker, and I am sure we are going to see more of her work in the Austrian fashion scene.

When did you first get interested in photography? What sparked it, and when did you decide that it was what you were going to do?

Like lots of young girls I wanted to work in fashion and started an education in fashion design - during those years I discovered that - spending half a year on designing and sewing - I was only keen on finishing the clothes so I could take pictures of them. So that was when I decided to study photography and combine those two sectors of education - I never regretted graduating in „fashion“, though. It helps a lot to know about different fabrics, cuts, etc.

Were you educated in photography, or are you self-taught?

I graduated in photography and audio-visual media at „Die Graphische“ in Vienna.

What camera do you use the majority of the time?

When it’s about jobs I’m definitely a CANON girl. When I’m traveling, I’m shooting everything with my Dad’s old analog Minolta. Love that one.

Which photo are you currently most proud of?

It’s always my latest work I’m most excited about and proud of. That changes with every shoot. 😉

Comparing where you are now with where you are when you first started, what could you have done differently to get to where you are sooner?

As long as there is always progress, it doesn’t matter how long it takes you to get where you want to be. I’m thinking very often: „Oh, wow - I can make a living out of the best job in the world!!“

But it took me time and practice to get there. So I wouldn’t change a thing on my past path.

You’ve clearly worked with a wide range of models, what tips can you recommend to people looking to expand their portfolio?

  • Work with a lot of different people, but always check before, if you like what they do.
  • If you are not sure if you should do a shoot, ask for a mood board - professionals should be able to provide you with at least a vague plan before the actual shoot.
  • But: Don’t be vain - as a model you don’t have to love every single outfit or hairstyle - the team usually knows best what will look good on the final pictures.
  • If you already are at a shoot, give your best - whether you like the concept or not.
  • Always remember: You are part of a team. If you are not motivated, you are wasting everybody's time. But that applies to everyone - from photographer to stylist, from make-up-artist to model.

Describe a typical shoot.

This can take some time. 🙂

Obviously everything starts with preparing a concept and casting the right model BEFORE the shoot. The actual shooting day starts with coffee for everyone - I always try to make everyone feel comfortable. While the hair&make-up-artist is getting the models ready, I am choosing the outfits with the stylist. At studio shoots, I’m setting up the background and the lighting, on-location I’m looking around to find the right place for the first subject. Then some light testing and more coffee.

When the hair & make-up is done and the model is dressed, we are doing a quick test shot, if everything looks good. Then I start to work with the model - trying different angles and poses until I am happy with the result. I always try to give the model the chance to move within his or her natural movements. Some poses are not for everyone, and you definitely can see that in the final picture.

But every shoot is different - you never know what will happen. So, in my opinion, it’s kind of an important quality for a photographer to be flexible. Of course, you have a particular vision, but you have to adjust within the situation, you need to precisely communicate what you want and you have to make quick decisions.

How much time do you spend taking photos, versus retouching photos?

It varies. I’d say 50/50?! Plus preparing the shoots. So, yes, I spend lots of time in front of the computer.

Favorite accessory?

My leather camera bag from GRAFEA. Not the most practical one in the world, but definitely the prettiest one.

Who would you like to work with most?

I’d love to assist Tim Walker - his photography is magical! And, of course: Kate Moss.

Favorite photography book?

One that always makes me smile is: „Frauen auf Bäumen“/„Women in trees“ It’s a collection of old photographs from the 1920s to the 1950s - and, yeah, the title says it all.

To know more about Sigrid please visit: Sigrid Mayer

LAST SUMMER DAYS DATE NIGHT OUTFIT

LAST SUMMER DAYS DATE NIGHT OUTFIT

Date Night Outfit

Friday is finally here, and after such a busy week, Friday is for the time to take just for us, meaning date night. Date night does not necessarily mean to go out, it also means a good horror movie, pizza, wine and crawls on the sofa.

Although we always prefer the sofa date, tonight we want to go out and take advantage of the last summer days and take the city. Vienna is a remarkable city with so much to offer, especially in summer, with this in mind, we love to take a walk on the Danube, and just pick a cool place to sit and have something to eat.

As you can see, coming from Venezuela, summer is the most waiting time of the year, and when is finally here, we are always looking for new places, and discover a new restaurant in town.

One of the pleasures to live so close to the Danube canal is that anytime we can just go down and take a walk, next to it, and just sit down and be thankful for being in a great city, and to have the opportunity to call this city my hometown

The Danube Canal (otherwise called the "Little Danube") rose up out of the control of the Danube between 1870 to 1875. It is the southernmost unique arm of the Danube in Vienna, 17.3 km long in its present-day shape, and streams past the Vienna Old City.

You can become more acquainted with the Danube Canal on the Twin City Liner or a DDSG journey boat, or you can share of its feel in one of the various open-air eateries circumscribing the Danube Canal.

In Vienna, the Danube is inescapable – whether as the Donau-Auen National Park or Old Danube, Danube Island or Danube Canal. This additionally implies the stream banks and shorelines are close by.

The Viennese use it for entertainment, diversions and sports or for pleasurable hours in the shoreline bistros, bars and eateries on the Old Danube, and in addition Copa Cagrana and Sunken City on Danube Island.

Outfit

Ivy & Oak Maxidress: For the summertime, a black maxi-dress is always a must in your closet, in addition, a black maxi dress is versatile and depends on how you style it you can use it for multiple occasions.

Biker jacket: One of my favorite items in my closet, it always gives an edgy look to your outfit.

Ankle Boots: My favorite ankle boots for this outfit, because it gives color to the complete outfit, and give this special touch.

Furla Bag: how cool is this love bag? I found it super cool and cute

Plietsh and Dieterle ring: lately I am in love with these tiny rings, that sometimes I put too many, I think they are delicate and you can never have too much!

Perfume: I have lost the count on how many perfumes I have, this is something I cannot go out of the house without.

Nyx Lipstick: I love all the products of Nyx, and this nude lipstick is one of my favorites!