1. Can you please tell us a few words about yourself, where are you from.
My name is Janett Schönfuß. I was born in 1990 in a small city in Eastern Germany. Currently I am living in Leipzig, which is a really inspiring place. I’m passionate about sharks and dinosaurs.
2. What is your photography story, how did you start? How did you get where you are now?
It all started with an old camera I was given by my grandma when I was 18 years old. Though I had ruined the first film I got really fascinated by how fast you learn about light, ambiance and mood when shooting analogue. On the one hand, it can be quite frustrating when something doesn’t work out as expected. On the other hand it is a great surprise by the results of a. Somehow I had paused taking pictures for a while before starting again at the age of 23 when I was studying in Iceland.
3. What’s your favourite gear to use (camera, lens, film) ?
If I had to choose one film, I would always take Kodak Portra 400. We get along pretty well. Cinestill 800T is a good fellow for the night. The camera I have always in my pocket is Yashica T4. My favourite camera though is the one I got from my granny: EXA 1. I also enjoy taking pictures with my Contax G1.
4. What do you enjoy shooting the most? And Why?
I like shooting at the beach even though I don’t live at the seaside. I’m also quite into palm trees and I like taking pictures at fun fares. Actually I find attraction in a lot of stuff.
5. How do you educate yourself to take better photos?
By taking more and more pictures. Trial and error.
6. Have you ever doubted yourself? And what helped you to overcome that?
Yes, I have every now and then. Due to COVID travelling is nearly impossible at the moment. This is why I feel a bit stuck right now. I regain trust whenever my friends feel happy about the photos I have taken of them.
7. What is the most rewarding part of being a photographer for you?
Collecting memories and refreshing them every time I look at the photos. I also like getting in a flow when taking pictures when I forget everything around me.
8. Among your works, which one is your favourite? Tell us the story behind it.
I like this picture I took at the seaside of Italy a lot. This man was brought to the beach by a young life guard who sat him on the chair so he could watch the sea. La dolce vita.
9.What gives you inspiration?
I find a lot of inspiration in music, movies and books. Exploring new places – especially when travelling – can be really inspiring, too. Sharks are a pretty good inspiration as well.
10. Exactly what it is you want to say with your photographs?
Probably I just like to give people a glimpse on my perspective on things.
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