Friends and Inspirations of my photography journey Episode 1
Hello to Everyone!
Today I am going to start a new type of blog which I feel is important for you to understand why I do what I do and what and who gives me the drive and inspiration to continue to push my craft to new levels. There will be many episodes and hopefully some great reading and inspiration(s) to you. First let’s start with a little history on myself. I have always had a interest in photography, however never really followed it or took any true instruction in art. I clearly remember (now this is truly going to age me), getting a Kodak 110 with cube flash, anyone remember those? I believe I was somewhere around 10 years old. Of course back then my “allowance” wouldn’t quite cover film and developing very often so it was very off and on. Then as I got older I worked for a company called Skana Photolab products, which sold films, chemicals and such to the studios, but still didn’t have the funds to really dive into the photography knowledge base, this was well before that fad called the internet really kicked in….I then acquired a Pentax K100 35mm camera but still life and funds restricted what I really wanted to do so it just remained a hobby. So in 2011 my lovely wife and I took a trip to see family in Ontario and my cousin Janet just started the professional photography course with the New York Institute of Photography. That was it! I started the 3 year program myself and graduated in 2015. I then proceeded with the Photoserge Academy to learn even more, especially in using Lightroom and Photoshop and them a trip to Italy to do a shoot. This is where this blog is officially going to start, this is where I began in total awe of other photographers and Organizations (Such as my much beloved Professional Photographers of Canada, which everyday I am in true awe and amazement of my fellow colleagues in this incredible organization). So without further ado, let’s start episode 1!
Hannes Koenig
In March of 2017 I was in Venice getting ready to go on a shoot with the PhotoSerge academy members that could go there do a 5 day shoot. At this time Sony was “King” in the digital camera world and I was contemplating switching brands. I was walking around the Venice Promenade taking some pictures getting orientated with the San Marco area when I saw this guy on a bridge shooting with a Sony. I approached him and asked how he liked it and of course he said he loved it. We chatted for a bit and parted ways. The next day we started our PhotoSerge academy shoot and there was that guy I talked to the evening before, since that day we became very good friends. In June, Hannes called and asked my if I wanted to go shoot the Lavender fields in Provence, so Audrey and I decided what the heck lets go. I cannot stress enough how much he has inspired me to push harder and harder in my craft. He has taught me a lot through the years and I find his work just breath taking and it is great pleasure that I write this article. I encourage you to check out his website, look at his amazing photography follow him on social media, whichever you choose, but I know you will thoroughly enjoy his work. He is based out of Strasbourg France.
My great friend and photographer Hannes Koenig
A Note From Hannes:
I am an award winning Austrian photographer living in Strasbourg.
My photographic work concerns the whole range of topics from natural landscapes to cityscapes. I try to capture my individual view of these. The magic of the moment, the light and the atmosphere should be felt by the viewer. My visual language is influenced by painters like Paul Cézanne, Van Gogh and Jan Vermeer.
Landscape / cityscape and street photography is pure emotion for me. To create and interpret the atmosphere that I feel about my subject, using devices and techniques that produce the best quality and then hopefully make something magical. I compare my approach to my work with the production of a Hollywood feature film, which involves visual storytelling and the creation of a cinematic experience.
Click on pictures below to get larger view.
Just a fraction of his amazing work!
Check out more of Hannes’s work:
Website: www.hanneskoenig.com
Instagram: www.instagram.com/hannes_koenig
