Tell us something about yourself
My name is Andreas Rainer. I grew up in Liezen, which is in beautiful Upper Styria, but I have been living in Graz for 10 years now.

How and when did you get into photography?
It all started in 2002 with the Pentax SLR, which back then belonged to my girlfriend. I was fascinated by photography, because I could capture beautiful and unique moments in pictures. Once digital age became affordable I switched to a small, compact camera from Nikon with 3 megapixel ;-) So this was the starting point for my career in digital photography.

What does photography mean to you?

I always highlight special features of my models and then try to create unique photo worlds through my own image processing style. This shall allow the viewers a completely different art of photography. Therefore I consider myself not only a photographer, but a photo artist as well. For me photography means passion and it also includes ambition and discipline, stories or simply beauty such as abstract symbols.

 

Please briefly describe your photography style for our readers.
I love to catch the one and only moment and to then bring it into focus through light settings. And I always try to add a little surrealism to my photos, either within post- production or directly on the sets.
 

Where do you get inspiration from?

Ideas for images often pop up spontaneously when I am on the road and experience certain situations or see things. Even when watching a good film I get ideas and then try to combine these with others.

Do you think in advance what you want in the picture?
Oh yes, I mostly have a script in my head or on a piece of paper. However, it can happen that I change things directly on the sets.

Studio, on location or both?

Actually I like both. Each location has its own charmingness and offers its various possibilities.

 

Would you consider yourself a hobbyist or a paid professional?

I believe one cannot consider himself a professional, only his environment or his customers can do that. However, I have won a few good awards such as this year gold at the Trierenberg’s main category. These things show you that you are good in what you do and it is also a special recognition for the job you do beyond commercial photography.

What has been the biggest source of inspiration in your work?
Life itself offers the biggest inspiration for me as well as the stories behind it.
 

What has been your most memorable session and why?
This was a few years ago, a fantastic production with a great team. We were portraying the Last Supper, but with female plus size models. We all had a lot of fun on the set and it was great to see the models’ shiny eyes and their ambition. For some it was their first time in front of a camera and they had flown all the way to Austria just for this project.

 

Nikon or Canon? Favorite lens?
Sorry, I just had to laugh. I work with Sony and I am quite satisfied with it. I mostly work with my Zeiss 24-70 2,8 as well as the 90 1,4

 

What is one piece of advice you would like to offer a new photographer looking to start their own business?
First of all it is important to know what you do and why you do it. If you are familiar with these steps and you get good feedback, then try not to rush into it. Take it step by step. Never stop learning. Bear criticism and implement if necessary. If you do a good job then sell yourself well by demonstrating what you are able to do.
 

What do you think of our new magazine?
It offers a great possibility for photographers to present themselves as well as their work. And this is done in high quality and at a high artistic level. It does not only show many-sided facets and styles, but also offers visual delights which can lead to inspiration.

 

http://www.facebook.com/AndreasRainerPhotoscience