German photographer Katharina Jung talks with us about her life and work.
I could get lost in the phantasy world created by photographer Katharina Jung. It was exciting to get to know more about the girl behind the camera that captures such striking images. Here’s what she told us…
Can you introduce yourself to our readers?
Hi, I’m Katharina Jung. I was born in the south-west of Germany, where I’ve also spent the majority of my life. After finishing an apprenticeship as a media designer in 2014 I decided to follow my dream and to go traveling. And basically, that´s what I’ve been doing since then: exploring life.
How did you first get into photography?
I remember when I first got an analog camera back when I was around 10. I had so much fun taking pictures of my friends, animals and everything around me. But I didn’t follow that and I put the camera away when I started going to a new school.
Later, during my apprenticeship as a media designer, several classmates had cameras. That reminded me of the exciting feeling of taking pictures. And, I also had this sketchbook with some ideas that wanted to come alive. So I started to work in a small café to earn enough money to afford a camera and bought my first DSLR in February 2013 to start doing photography.
What does photography represent to you?
It´s probably the most real and honest way of expressing myself, my thoughts and questions in life.
Your favorite piece of equipment you can´t live without.
I don’t own a lot of equipment anymore and I´m about to change the whole system. Therefore, I guess, an essential piece to name would be the camera itself: Canon 5d Mk3 with a 50mm 1.8.
How important are Photoshop and retouching in your work?
In the beginning of my photographic journey, Photoshop was obligatory to convert my ideas into reality. During my travels in New Zealand, I enjoyed capturing the rawness of emotions, simple settings, without much to be changed in post-production. Recently the possibilities of Photoshop regained my attention and I´m looking forward to creating again.
What inspires you?
Walking in the forest, emotions, a ton of people, fantasy worlds.
Best and worst sides of being a photographer.
+ Combining traveling and photography.
– The pressure I put on myself.
If you could photograph any person, dead or alive, who would you choose and why?
One week ago I met an otherworldly woman from Lithuania in the north of Tenerife on a healing farm. She is pure. I missed the chance to take the portrait that entered my mind as we got to know each other.
Do you think that a picture is worth a 1000 words?
Absolutely.
Who is your favorite photographer and why do you find her/his work to be so special.
There are a lot of photographers whom I deeply admire. The one who inspired me to start is Brooke Shaden. Her passion for creating was and still is contagious.
A moment in your career so far that you are most proud of.
Taking part in a collaborative exhibition of Flickr´s 20under20 event in New York in 2014. Exhibiting next to some of my favorite photographers and meeting them has been the most surreal thing that had happened in my photographic journey so far. It seriously felt like one big dream.
If you could have any super-power which would you choose and why?
To heal, as it makes the most sense to me.
To keep up with Katharina’s work make sure to follow her on Flickr.
