Thorsten Jankowski's interview

Thorsten Jankowski

 Member of UdA since the beginning

" From the very beginning I had this style in mind, without any doubt. I planned my studio to realize this style and from the first shootings on I tried to achieve my vision of nudes. You can call this addiction. But it's also a result of studying design : you have to think about your goals before using the pencil." 

"Body Tension"

Dear Thorsten, could you tell us how did your devoted passion for photography begin? Do you remember your first experience ?

I studied industrial design – since the age of 14 I knew that I want to become a creative or designer. My first approach was to become an automotive designer, but later I saw the full range of my creative potential.

Even at the age of 14/15 I held cameras in my hands, and I developed my images in black and white darkroom.
With the documentation of design objects which I created during my studies I got contact to photo studios. The wide range of studio lighting fascinated me.

The later beginning of nude and people photography came from the wish to be creative without any customer's presetting.

"Pose"
Art Model Anna

The first real awareness of photography and the importance which it could take for me I noticed with maybe at the age of 15. It was the period when I went around through my hometown Braunschweig with a friend both with analogue slr cameras taking images of people, architecture or only even dust bins. Later in darkroom I found deep satisfaction in seeing my inner images develop on paper.


All the vocations begin early... Before to become a teacher (a Master !) and to organize renowned workshops, where did you learn your art ?

I studied Industrial design at Braunschweig University of Art from 1991 to 1998 – 7 years to find an inner concept for design and my own approach on it.

Later I taught architects at Braunschweig University how to use flash and how to build websites (as I later worked in a new media agency). There I could test my didactic skills and found out that I got a special connection to people – which as I know today is one of my central skills. This knowledge I am still using today in my workshops.

"Still Missing"
Art Model Jessica










"Medusa"
Art Model Janina

"Sym"





Passionate as you are, do you think you could make something else ?

I don't do Photography as my main Job, even if it would be nice if editors and art buyers would share my vision for combining my style of photography with product photography for example.

For me there is a visual connection between the purity of a nude human body and some high-end product groups, for example jewelry, cars, food, just to name some.

But to answer your question : I am a creative thinking man.

I have a passion for photography, but I also want to develop other related topics to photography, as you see in my workshops, which I want to expand to other topics next year with my friends Marc Hoppe and Michael Papendieck. I love the idea that things are going on.

Art Model Akira Sun

I want to realize "Star-Workshops" with photographers from all over the world.
I want to realize Exhibitions, and create a cultural/photographic highlight in future.

And, yes, I could think of doing something completely different if I got the option for it.










"Cottonwood"
Art Model Stana





I was so sure of the contrary... But I'm sure your dreams come true, you're in the good way with your future school. Anyway, I insist, you are a compulsive photographer, isn't it ?

Related to my topic : yes ! I can't get enough of human forms. I can't get enough of the scapes of the human body.

There's always a new scape, always a new light on it, always a new reflection.

You could say that I found my Walhalla : it's the human body.

If I just think of dancing poses, of dancers and space in my new studio, I just feel deeply satisfied of future options and images.

Art Model Aneta

Art Model Anne

You make part of what I could call, if you agree, the "Sculpturalist" group (or school or movement...), sharing the same passion for the forms and the light with André Brito, Igor Amelkovitch. What brought you to choose this way ?

You forget Waclaw Wantuch, Andreas H. Bitesnich and the wonderful Howard Schatz !

It sounds strange but it's the only topic which interests me on nudes.

I am not interested in eroticism,
I am interested in forms and light.

From the very beginning I had this style in mind, without any doubt. I planned my studio to realize this style and from the first shootings on I tried to achieve my vision of nudes. You can call this addiction. But it's also a result of studying design : you have to think about your goals before using the pencil.

"Remake"
Art Model Jani

Is there a message you want to express through your so particular work ?

I don't have a specific message which I want to transport.

I want to show the beauty of human forms, that's it.
I want to achieve a graphic impact with my images.

"Nordost"

After a long dive in your portfolio, it clearly seems that you have a large preference for BW and studio shots ?... Outdoors and colors don't attract you ?

I really really love outdoors of other photographers like the images of Gregory Prescott or Sylvie Blum in Arizona desert ("El mirage"). I also like the color images of Andreas H. Bitesnich or Bruno Bisang. I don't do this, because I am just not through with studio.

Maybe I will search the rest of my life for the perfect combination of body, light and space. But to tell you the truth : I am planning outdoor shoots next year, and color is always an option, it just don't flashes me so much as BW does.









"Panda"
Model Jani





I'm impatient ot see that ! Except sculptural nude art, I constat that you enjoy B&W portraiture ?

I love taking portraits, but this is a complete different discipline.

From time to time I do a portrait session, but I am through with studio portraits – like in nude photography I have a special vision what my images should look like. This style I only can achieve on location.

Next year will be a good year to expand this idea, then I will have a new studio on a wonderful industry location to realize all my ideas in people photography. Plus : I need a new camera !

Model Henrike

Your images are perfectly composed, and Bryon talks about your perfectionism, but is there a part of improvisation during your shootings ?

The funny thing is : nearly all is improvisation !

You can call it ad-hoc composing or just-in-time-perfection. I never have a 100% idea of where I will go during a shooting. I have a main theme, like you can see in the wooden bar images of Stana, and then I see what the model and I can do with that idea. Mostly the result is that what you can see in my work. You need a good instinct for images to work like this – its about analyzing forms and composing extremities.

"Wooden bar"
Art Model Stana










"SMRK"
Art Model Stana

"Ring Ring"
Art Model Madlen

Your imagination is quite amazing... Where do you find this so creative inspiration ?

I am a visual driven person.

I always see interesting details during the day and I want to integrate some of this details into my work.

This can be architectural details, furniture, forms, but also inspirations from print adverts. Due to my genes I want to express myself in a creative way.








"Space"





"Creative" is your favorite word. And you succeed so beautifully. How do you direct your models to make such beautiful pictures ?

Mostly I let them pose. And sometimes I interfere those movements telling the model to do it again and to differ it. This way I can develop my poses very intuitively.


How do you feel at the end of a shooting ?

I feel nothing special, it's a creative job for me and if the results are the way I expected them I feel satisfied.

To be creative is a job that can be learned, so there's not a deep black hole after a shooting, but the knowledge that the next step, the developing in Photoshop is the next very important part in my work. (But to tell you the truth : sometimes I am overwhelmed about the results of a shooting)

"The God of Light"
Art Model Stana

It's what I was thinking. Could you tell us more about your future school ?

Oh yes ! As you know I organize workshops in my studio which found the attention of many national wide photographers.

In 2008 I found partners like Calumet and BronImaging for my workshops which do the fineart printing and the lighting part in my workshops. 2009 will be the year where we (Marc Hoppe, Michael Papendieck and me) want to expand this business.

We will offer various topics about photography from people over nature, table top, and macro to architecture photography. Plus we will offer theory workshops for digital workflow and fineart printing.

Additionally we will organize events around photography like exhibitions and inhouse fairs. But the most interesting thing will be the so called "star-workshops", based on my photography network. I want to cooperate with André Brito, Sylvie Blum and others to work with them also for workshops !

So tell it to the world : Braunschweig is the center of fine art nude photography. But we also need sponsors for our plans, it will be a challenging year 2009 !

"Unity"
Art Model Isatu

I tell it ! And you know how I'm ready to help you ! Thorsten, your next exhibition is planned in Hamburg. When exactly ?

The exhibition starts in March 2009 in Kulturforum am Hafen in Buxtehude near Hamburg – a wonderful place to exhibit photography ! News for the exhibition you will find on my new website which will be launched in near future.








Art Model Madlen





Nice ! I'll check. Have you some other challenges you're dreaming about ?

I am dreaming of getting commercial jobs which let me integrate my vision of body sculptures with product photography, like jewelry or other high-end goods.

Plus I am dreaming of expanding my workshop offers to Spain, which I would like to become my second home base.


What is your best way to promote your work ?

The best way to promote my work ? Publish it ! Tell every editor in the world that I got a special vision on aesthetic nudes ! Tell Agents that I exist. Publish books !


I'll tell it !!! As often as needed ! By the way, where can we purchase your prints ?

I am not a friend of prints, although I offer them by myself. I much more like the idea of high end portfolio cases with 10 or 15 fineart prints. I am offering such portfolio maps by myself, printed on Canon IPF printers on Hahnemühle Fineart papers. Anyone who is interested in this should send me a mail.


Any message you'd like to leave our readers ?

I want to thank all those people who contact me and send mails to me. Thank you for your feedback on my work ! Please never stop it...

Thanks a lot to you ! For your wonderful support, your kindness and your trust.

"Two"
Art Models Jani and Julia

Andrew Kaiser's interview

" I found out early on in college that when a professor tells me I have to do something a certain way, or there are certain rules that must be followed, I just become determined for better or worse, to break those rules." Andrew Kaiser

"The Art Studio"

You'll find Andrew Kaiser at : Absolute Reality Studio, Model Mayhem, his deviantART, Photo Icon.

Andrew Kaiser, how did your passion begin ?

I was lucky enough to attend a High School with a really good traditional photography program. It was the last year before the teacher was ready to retire and he was a great old school photographer. He had his students making pinhole camera’s, shooting with old TLR’s, developing our own film, and experimenting with different printing techniques. I looked forward to going to that class each and every day and I’m not sure I would have made it through High School without it.

"The Tall Grass"

"Sit"

I didn’t start shooting nudes until a few years after High School when I met up with a young lady to help her take some headshots.

Up to that point I had never worked with another person before and knew absolutely nothing about good lighting, ways to pose people, or anything.

The model and I got along very well and half way through the shoot she asked, “Have you ever done any nudes ?” It turned out she was an exotic dancer and San Francisco’s famous Lusty Lady and was very comfortable with her body.

After the shoot was over and I processed the results I was completely hooked. It was really the first time I was 100% happy with any work I had done up to that point and decided to pursue the subject matter further.

"Old Tree"




Did you learn photography in a special school ?

Beyond High School, and a few classes in college, no.

I don’t think creativity can be taught, nor do I think anyone is just naturally born with it either.
It’s something you have to work hard at, exercise, learn through a lot of mistakes, and just practice a whole heck of a lot.

I found out early on in college that when a professor tells me I have to do something a certain way, or there are certain rules that must be followed, I just become determined for better or worse, to break those rules. Instead I studied Art History in school which I found a whole lot more inspiring and was able to use some of that inspiration in my own work.



 

"Sunshine"

I agree, we all learn from our mistakes, it's the rule... You have a so particular style ! Who inspired you ?

I’ve long been a big fan of Bill Brandt. I think he was the first photographer I ever saw that made me go “WOW !”. Helmut Newton is another obvious favorite.

I tend to like work that has a very raw element to it.

Life and people aren’t perfect and too many photographers now days try to create some unattainable fantasy that really hold no interest for me at all. Airbrushing and caked on make up aren’t at all sexy to me.

Series "I Talk TV"
Art Model Patricia

You just answer to my question about your "realistic" style. Andrew, I'm sure you couldn't stay a long time far from your camera ?

 If I go more then three days without doing a photo shoot I normally become a very irritable person. My friends laugh at me about this all the time. I love shooting pictures more then anything else. It can be as relaxing as a trip to a day spa, and as exciting as a rollercoaster. I have a very hard time imagining what my life would be like without it.






 






"A Hidden Place"
I understand. It's all about passion.You shoot indoors, outdoors, mainly in BW where you excel, but do you feel particularly inspired by a kind of location ?

It greatly depends on the model. Some models respond really well to natural settings while others seem more comfortable and at home in urban environments. No matter what I greatly prefer shooting outdoors instead of in the studio. In some ways that’s all part of the adventure ; testing limits and seeing what you can get away with while nobody is looking.

Typically, when doing a shoot I get together with the model, climb in the car, and just drive one single direction until something strikes both of our interests. So far this particular method has yet to fail me.

It always amazes me how many interesting locations exist just a few miles from where one lives, all you have to do is have the willingness to go out and look for them.

"Dirt and Wood"










"Lauren's Reflection"

I know it's always a difficult question : what is your preferred photo in your own portfolio ?

That’s a really tough question to answer. I like them all in their own way if for no other reason then the memories they bring about while I was shooting them.

"Rooftop"
Art Model Chela

Have you a special project you're dreaming about ?

It may sound cliché, but I’ve always wanted to do a photo shoot on a New York roof top.


Wonderful locations indeed. Have you scheduled your next exhibition ?

I’ll admit I’m really terrible at the business side of photography and don’t spend nearly enough time looking for exhibition spaces and gallery representation as I should. I’d rather just be out there shooting !

"To Dance"
Art Model Anya

A message to send before we leave ?

Live life, make art, and have fun doing it. What more could you possibly want ?

Thank you Andrew ! I'm honoured by your kind support and your confidence.

"Details"

Andrew Kaiser is the publisher of Luminous Magazine !

Luminous Magazine's third quarterly issue contains over 96 full color pages featuring portfolios and interviews from some of the most original artists working today.

With its core in Portland Oregon, Luminous Magazine is dedicated to the showcase and discussion of emerging and established artists all over the globe.

Four times a year Luminous brings you photography, art, fashion, and more accompanied by insightful interviews, critique, and discussion.

All available at LuLu !

Scott Church's interview

" If you want something, get it. Never let anyone tell you can't do everything you want to in life because they can't decide anything for you. If the movie you're watching isn't about you... change the channel."
Scott Church

"Today's workshop keepsake"

You'll find Scott Church at his official site, deviant ART, Model Mayhem.

Dear Scott, tell us how did your passion begin ?

I started making images as a painter, as a more conventional artist, but I suppose I was just too lazy to ever be a good painter because I hated waiting for the results.

I discovered photography and fell in love with the immediacy of it all, I haven't looked back since. It was the fastest way I could find to get the pictures in my head... out.





How long could you be far from your camera ? Are you an obsessive photographer ?

"Behind the hatred..."
Art Model Megan

I have to work and create everyday or I feel the day is lost. It's that important to me.
I completely believe it's all that I am.

"Yellow"

It seems you shoot everywhere, and all the time, but there is for sure a type of location that particularly inspires you ?

Nothing in particular, I see pictures everywhere and I want to make them happen.

"Reach for my revolver"

Who are your inspirators ?

I steal wildly from hundreds of different artists, my standouts are names like Helmut Newton, Albert Watts, Norman Seeff, Sante d'Orazio and Bunny Yeager. I have also been influenced greatly by my early exposure to magazines like Playboy, I've been a fan for years and I have quite a collection.

"Save me from the nothing"

Your imagination is quite incredible... and so prolific ! I wonder what is your process of creation ? Chaos or Order ?

I would love to say order, but I know it's more chaotic than even I can control somedays. The good photos seen to just happen all on their own, no matter how much I plan, things still seem to completely run themselves.

"A kiss then tell me goodbye"

Once more, you have a wide range of genres. Maybe, there is one you prefer : studio or outdoors, natural lights, BW or color ?...

I love natural light, and I will always choose what's there to begin with over studio light.

Color or BW depends on the capture and what I think looks best at the moment.


Are you perfectionist ?

I do some work afterworks, but I try my best to get things right with the click of the shutter. I want it done right now.


And how do you know when your shooting is finished ? Is there something telling you "stop" ?

Is it ever finished ? I know when to stop, but I'm never satisfied, I want to do more, but I have to let it go when it's complete.

"The wheel"
Art Model Penelope

"No pain you are receiving"
Art Model Terra

"Burning myself"





Have you a dream ? A challenge ?...

My dream, I feel like I'm already living it, I love what I do, and I love that I get to do it everyday.

I have things I would like to do more of, I love to travel, I will agree to just about any job that pays to me to go somewhere.

I would love to do more work in Europe, any work at all that will pay to take me there I will go in a second.

I would like to do more shows overseas, I think that my work is better suited to an european audience than in america.

But honestly, I'm a happy guy with my life at the moment.

"Jena at the top of the steps"

"Julia, harsh"

I feel it... And have you scheduled your next exhibition ?

I have a small show this fall in my hometown, and I'm talking to a couple different galleries about shows for next year, but I'm open to any offers.


A message before we leave ?

If you want something, get it. Never let anyone tell you can't do everything you want to in life because they can't decide anything for you. If the movie you're watching isn't about you... change the channel.

Thanks a lot Scott ! For everything...

"Tasha, boxed"


Scott Church ©

Infimis

Available here

" My fifth book is beautiful, hard cover, full color, 232 pages, lots and lots and lots of my pictures.

This is the definitive greatest hits book going back 15 years all the way to a shot I did while still in the Navy in 1992.

Also included are wonderful behind the scenes stories about almost every shot written by the models appearing in the photographs (yes, that was an accomplishment in itself).

It is a true sit down and read sort of book besides being a pretty damn good picture book too. I am very proud of this collection. I think it's the best I've ever done, this, to me, is my new standard."