The Antoni Tápies photo shoot reveals something about photographer, Petra Moser -- a fascination with people and the spaces we occupy; one that is played out in innovative photographs of models connecting with their surroundings, and audiences connecting with Moser's vision.
As a photographer who thrives on both intuition and the sharing of ideas between creative minds, Moser's pictures are constantly evolving. Her compositions are daring and she takes risks in making the most of her environment, and capturing the essence of people and places in her still images.
Mink Magazine caught up with Petra Moser to find out what makes this Austrian art school graduate tick.
1. What do you try and achieve when you photograph something?
I always try to tell a story. No matter if it is fashion-photography, portrait or still life. Simplicity is an important point for my pictures, but without striking morality.
2. What do you love the most and the least about being a photographer?
Photography combines the two things I really love: working with people and creativity. It is so interesting to make pictures from people...to see how they behave in front of a camera and how their behaviour changes during a shoot, especially when they are not used to doing photo shoots. But this point can turn into the negative side of photography, especially if the vibe between "the model" and me doesn't flow, or if somebody or something else is irritating us. I think this is the most important thing for people-photography: the vibe between the people. So, this is again about humanity.
3. What is your favourite subject to photograph and why?
My favourite subjects are people - in every circumstance, as well as their traces, which are everywhere. For example, I adore photographing old buildings or morbid things, maybe because I can see that people lived there ages ago. My imagination grows when I creep around in an abandoned house. Humanity is everywhere you look.
4. What was the most intense and demanding photo shoot you've had to do?
I think that was a job for the local theatre. I had to photograph a play, which was performed once and I was the only photographer. I was sitting in the audience and it was really dark. This was an exhausting evening but I did it well, I think.
5. Where do you hope to be in the future?
I hope I never get bored by the things I'm doing. I'm not only photographing: I'm doing various culture related jobs. For example, I'm responsible for the music program at a radio station and I write articles about music for a local magazine. In terms of photography, I hope I can live off it someday: a mixture of art and well paid jobs.
