“Good planning is better than hoping for luck!“ ‒ Stephan Wiesner

Could you tell us a bit about how you became a photographer and share something about your pictures?

Photography began as a way to capture my experiences while mountain climbing and traveling—purely as a hobby. But in 2013, I decided to dive deeper and truly learn the art. At the time, however, there were few resources available for learning photography in Germany, so I relied on YouTube videos from the USA and shared my learning experiences on my own channel, especially about flash photography. Looking back, my videos were terrible, but with few alternatives, I quickly gained followers.

Gradually, my hobby turned into a part-time job, and since 2018, I’ve been making a living from photography in Germany. My main focus is landscape photography.

Since becoming a professional, I haven’t had as much time to take photos for myself (never turn your hobby into your job!), but even now, the camera often gives me a reason to head out into nature.

Could you tell us more about your pictures? What are your specific interests, and how do you approach color, composition, themes, etc.?

When I go out to take photos, I usually have a specific shot in mind. As a landscape photographer, I’m always at the mercy of the weather, so spontaneity is key. It helps to be prepared by reviewing photos of the location beforehand. I typically have a desired shot and a Plan B in case the weather doesn’t cooperate.

The photo of the lighthouse on Mallorca, for instance, was carefully planned. My wife, who you can see in the car, accompanied me for the early morning shoot. Taken at blue hour, we were actually alone at that hour, so I couldn’t have gotten the shot without her. Good planning is better than hoping for luck!

On the other hand, the photo with clouds in the Dolomites was more spontaneous. As part of a photo challenge, I had to create a long exposure of at least 10 seconds. On location, I decided to shoot the peaks behind the mountain hut. If the sky had been clear, I would have looked for a different subject.

Photo: Stephan Wiesner

What do you give as Christmas gifts, and why? What occasions do you consider, and which products do you think are suitable?

I often give photos as Christmas gifts. My parents and in-laws have several of my pictures on their walls—mostly family photos. At my office and at home, however, I have some of my landscape shots displayed. My wife and I also keep family photos in acrylic blocks on our desks.

What inspires you? Movies, books, magazines, or what surrounds you?

I draw inspiration from many different sources. Sometimes I see a scene in a movie that sparks an idea for a photo. Instagram is a frequent source of inspiration, of course. I also use Pinterest when I’m looking for a specific idea for photographing people, such as a shoot with a boxer or a cyclist.

Is there anything else we should know about you?

I’m now over 50 and live with my wife, child, dog, and cat in a village in the Lüneburg Heath. Photography remains my great passion, even as a profession. Sometimes I miss Switzerland, where I lived for 15 years, and occasionally even the open-plan offices where I worked as an IT consultant. But I wouldn’t go back. I’ve found my place in life. Looking ahead, I don’t think AI will replace photography (for me), though it’s clear it will play an increasingly important role. I’m excited to see how we’ll be taking and enjoying photos in 10 years!