Exquisite Beauty and Fashion Photography by Marie Schmidt

Marie Schmidt is a freelance fashion, beauty and portrait photographer based based in Cologne, Germany. Marie entered into the photography world as an assistant for local photographers in the field of advertisement, lifestyle and reportage, in addition to her personal projects. Currently she's working for different European clients, stating that  loves totally what she does.

We had the opportunity to have a exclusive interview with her, so find it below with a impressive selection of gorgeous pictures.

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Can you make a brief description on the pictures in this set?

The images shown are a selection of free works, mainly originated in the last year. It is a cross section of my previous shoots with models from different modelling agencies, also including newfaces. Some of these works were published in different online magazines, such as C-Heads, Whitezine, Trendhunter Fashion, Non-Magazine and Le Mile. Most of my latest projects in 2011 came up in collaboration with the amazing make-up artist and hairstylist Eva Mittmann. In the last six months we also had the opportunity to create a couple of editorials with support of fashion stylist Claudia Melzer who always did a fantastic job. Beyond that, I had the pleasure to socialise and work with several local designers, stylists and make-up artists.

What’s your creative process like?

Well, at the beginning there is always an idea. This may swell out of a a special theme or mood, an interesting place, an unique type of person or a story you would like to tell. Then you start with this first idea and develop it into a concept by searching for suitable elements that can be combined.

The concept is finally worked out with an arranged team. Together we define the location, the models, the styling, the make-up and the lightning in advance. A mood board is very helpful for it. During the shoot I always try to keep concrete pictures in mind but I also go with the flow and I'm open minded for unexpected happenings.

What is the secret of creating so fresh, vivid and expressive photos?

I think the „secret“ of a good photograph is to do it with passion and with all your heart. I always try to arrange a good fusion to the one I photograph and make sure that he or she feels comfortable. Beyond that it's of course an interplay of technical skills, good teamwork and the idea behind everything.

Where do you find inspiration and why you like photography?

Inspiration can be found everywhere when you are attentive with regard to your surrounding. I often get inspired by expressive faces, places, feelings and people around me. But also music, films and the work of other artists can inspire me.

What are some tips you could give to people that really like your work?

When you start doing photography it's important to keep on practising and keep yourself motivated consistently. Reading specialised magazines and doing research on the internet can help you to answer a lot of emerging questions and offer you new creative fields at the beginning. Do not hesitate, if your first steps do not end in the results you expected, no one was born a master. Better try to get some feedback from other photographers whose work you like.

Can you name some great photographers that inspires you and why?

There are so many photographers with amazing works who I really adore, even if they have a very different but unique style. For example I adore David La Chapelle’s and Miles Aldridge’s dazzling style based on amazing ideas, details and compositions. But I'm also fascinated by Ellen von Unwerth for her nativeness and authenticity when photographing women... and there are so many other talented photographers that I did not mention! Exactly therefore I think photography is that exciting and interesting! I can never get tired of it.

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Thank you very much Marie for sharing this cutting edge selection of fashion photographs and accepting the challenge to conduct the interview.

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