“I think photography is more than just taking pictures. In the end, photography connected me to a lot of lovely people and I am very grateful for that!”
Rico Reinhold’s pictures are exactly those kind of pictures you would have liked to take yourself. In his youth the German photographer always kept his camera handy. This and his constant desire to learn the craft can definitely be seen in his works. We asked him for an interview where we chat to him about his work, the essence of a good picture and the future of photography.
Scrolling through your work I notice a very cinematic mood. What do you want to capture in your work?
I just fell in love with this one specific look. I like grain and the cinematic tones. I really try to create pictures that stand out. These pictures where you stop scrolling to take a closer look.
And what is the essence of a good picture?
In my eyes a good picture is one of those images where you want to stop and take a closer look. I want to create a special moment with the help of a picture. To me it doesn’t matter if the picture works on Instagram or not (if you measure it by likes) because this always depends on what people want to see right now and how the mood of the person viewing it is. We can’t influence that, so that shouldn’t be the point when it comes to liking or not liking your own image.
Do you usually plan your photo-shoots ahead of time or are you more of a spontaneous photographer?
I honestly don’t plan much! 90% of my pictures are spontaneous. There is always a basic idea, but I try to get inspired by the person, the character and the location. If everything works well together, I get in a really creative mood. To be honest, in the future I want to plan a little bit more in order to grow with my photographic work and its results.
You started photography around 15 years ago. Can you remember your first camera?
Yes, my first camera was a Nikon D50 in silver, which I got 14 years ago. I was very proud of that beauty and I wish I still had it, but I lend it to someone and sadly never saw it again.
And how has your photography changed over the years?
After I stopped capturing pictures at parties, I captured literally everything! Like flowers, night shots, my family and often our dog. laughs. At some point I wanted do more and tried some stuff with Photoshop, photographed myself and tried different editing techniques. Of course my girlfriend had to be in front my camera a lot. Luckily she was really patient and supportive. That’s how it got bigger and bigger. The next step were couples and weddings etc.
“I like it when the person in front of my camera gets into a role that he or she maybe didn’t know about his or herself.”
What fascinates you about portrait photography?
Portraits are just super individual. You can create your very own scenery, where you’re able to capture a special moment and a mood. I like it when the person in front of my camera gets into a role that he or she maybe didn’t know about his or herself. I love it when portraits tell a nice little story.
What do you use for lighting?
I prefer to use daylight, which in best case comes through the windows into the location. And I really like the golden hour. In the last 8 months I also discovered artificial light, which I really like and I am also using this now. It doesn’t matter if it´s a street light, the light in a restaurant or just a nice lamp.
How do you find your models to shoot with? Do you also cast people from the street?
Most of my models I find on Instagram. I always look for inspiring people on the profile of other photographers, or I just randomly scroll through Instagram. I really don’t care if the person has experience as a model or not. I just write them.
Covid-19 pandemic is having a huge impact on the photography scene. How has this all transformed your daily live?
Yes of course it has a strong impact on many photographers. The year 2020 changed the life of every person, no matter what job you have.
I personally do photography as a part-time job. I also work at a school with physically and mentally handicapped children. I lost some photography jobs, but luckily I have this second income, which saved my ass.
“2020 will be a difficult year for many photographers, but “if you fall, you have to get up again” and make the best out of the situation.”
And how do you think it will impact the future of photography business?
2020 will be a difficult year for many photographers, but “if you fall, you have to get up again” and make the best out of the situation. Apart from the difficult economic situation, photographers will hopefully recover from this soon, because good pictures and the memories of special days and events are super important for everyone these days.
You currently live in Grimma, (near of Leipzig) Did you grow up there too?
Yes, I was born in Grimma. I went to school here, did some further education and had my own business for some years. Grimma is my home and I don’t think that changes anytime soon.
Which question we should have asked you? And what would be your answer.
What’s the greatest gift photography gave you?
That is a good question! The answer is; the people I know because of photography. Of course models and photographers. I think photography is more than just taking pictures. There is always a story behind a picture. For example a good conversation or a fun time. Each picture tells something and that is what makes it special. In the end, photography connected me to a lot of lovely people and I am very grateful for that!
ricoreinhold.de
www.instagram.com/rico.reinhold
