FASHION PHOTOGRAPHER ANNA KIRSCHNER
Fashion Photographer Anna Kirschner
Anna Kirschner is a Fashion photographer based in London; through the camera lens her aesthetic is to explore beauty; however, it may be defined.
Her inspiration is the New Yorker Annie Leibovitz and her own Hungarian Andre Kertész. Like them, she wants every frame to tell a story. She focuses on the strengths of her subjects and often places them into a composition in such a way to bring out their personalities and their individual idiosyncrasies. Using either background props or the actual clothing and of course the pose she can convey a certain mood, theme, or impression. What she strives to achieve is a perfect composition.
For those who don’t know you, tell us about yourself
My career started quite fast and unexpectedly. My photo studio was the first all-female makeover studio in Budapest and back in 2008 such magazine quality fashion makeovers weren’t available for private women yet. Our makeovers became popular overnight and soon after we moved to a bigger downtown studio. I quit my day job, and I am a full-time photographer since. I am still working with my first makeup artist and hairstylist Agi Bukor/ Nesbu Makeup. Agi was there with me when everything started so we kind of “grew up together” professionally. I admire her professionalism and artistic qualities as well as her bubbly personality. I strongly believe in teamwork and love to be in the creative bubble with my models as well as with my team.
Mixing makeover sessions with classic fashion and magazine’s photoshoots keep me inspired. I especially love to work with fellow artists and create bold and colorful fashion photos. I am always up for new ideas and artistic experiments.
At the moment, I split my time between my studio in Tetbury in England and my studio in Budapest in Hungary.
Were you educate in photography, or are you taught?
I attended the Fotografus Art Academy, where I had the privilege to learn from well known and accomplished artists. I also learned a lot from my father who is a talented portrait photographer. I grew up with his pictures covering the walls. This shaped my aesthetic.
What camera do you use most of the time?
I use my Nikon DSLRs for my work and the camera of my iPhone when I travel.
Which photo are you currently most proud of?
I was lucky enough to be able to work for Marie Claire magazine to photograph young artists in an interview series and to be published in Vogue Italy.
Currently, I love my latest wedding fashion series the most. I made the photos last weekend in a beautiful hotel by the sea with my dear friend, the amazing makeup artist Rose Forrest and the brilliant makeup artist Freya Dix. I photographed 6 models in beautiful wedding gowns. The gorgeous model Florence Andrea inspired me especially.
You can see two photos of her along with this interview.
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?
Networking opens the door to success. Being open-minded, flexible, adventures and above all hardworking is the key. I always gave my all. I still do.
You’ve clearly worked with a wide range of models, what tips can you recommend to people looking to expand their portfolio?
Networking is the most important. Being open to new ideas and collaborates with fellow professionals is very beneficial. I am using fashion networking sites to scout models for my artistic projects. This is a very effective and fast way to find like-minded, enthusiastic models, makeup artists, hairstylists, and designers.
Describe a typical shoot.
A typical makeover shoot starts with getting to know our client’s needs, ideas, and personal style. Our wonderful stylist Blanka then puts together more looks from our studio wardrobe to choose from. After our client has chosen the looks she is most comfortable with and feeling fabulous, our amazing makeup artist Áçgi Bukor/Nesbu Makeup applies the gorgeous makeup and does the elegant hairstyle.
Then, it is time for me to show all the poses and gently direct the movements in front of the camera. I show the photos right after I take them so, our new model can see how amazing she looks. There is always a lot of laughter, and the whole session is a fun girl’s day out experience.
How much time do you spend taking photos, versus retouching photos?
In the art academy, I was thought to make the photos as perfect as possible and always tried to be better, to be your own work’s worst critic.
I spend more time to achieve the perfect composition, pose and smile than retouching the photos. I carefully compose and direct every photo I take.
Favorite accessory?
Statement necklace.
Who would you like to work with most?
Annie Leibovitz, is a genius and a constant inspiration.
Favorite photography book?
Annie Leibovitz: Woman
To know more about Anna, please visit: Anna Kirschner
