• When you look back at the first pictures you took, what felt magical or new about photography then? How, if at all, has that feeling shifted in your work today?
  

When I bought my first camera everything felt new, overwhelming and exciting. Before that, I only took snapshots on my phone with no understanding of settings like ISO aperture shutter speed or manual focus. I started shooting everything in manual mode and it felt magical to see how each change affected the image. Every tool and effect felt new. Adding a flash or trying an in-camera effect made me curious—every place and subject felt fresh because I was focused on learning how it all worked.

Today there are still endless things to discover and I learn something almost every time I shoot. I have tried many things and photographed many places and subjects so it does not feel completely new in the same way. But now I can focus more on getting the best out of what is in front of me and use what I have learned. I also try to find new ways to photograph the same things and that is what keeps me going.

• Were there moments, people, or places that nudged you to take the work more seriously? Things such as an editor’s note, a publication, or a first exhibit?
  

It is hard to describe what taking it seriously means because photography is not my main work or income today. I have the freedom to not take it that seriously and that feels good. There is no pressure and I can focus on the fun and the creative process. I can enjoy it without worrying about the outcome. Still there have been moments that pushed me. I still cannot fully believe how many people reacted in a positive way to my work on social media. That alone feels insane to me. I also became a finalist or even won prizes in some photo awards. I got published in magazines and did interviews like this one. I had some exhibitions and sold prints and also some album work for artists. All these things made me realize that my work speaks to people. That made it feel more serious in a good way because it showed me that what I create reaches others and that is still the craziest thing to understand.

• When you need clarity or a creative reset, are there places, objects, tools, or rituals you return to? Has there been a recent moment when one of these brought you back to what matters?
  

Yes, of course. Sometimes I question all my work or I do not like it very much on some days and that makes me think about what I am doing. These are phases I have with many things. My creative mind is always active and I notice subjects everywhere. Even when I do not shoot I imagine photographing them or I feel the need to grab my camera and capture the moment. Sometimes special weather conditions make me go out and shoot again or I just take a walk in the forest. Trees always inspire me more than anything else.

I really love taking pictures and being outside and everything that comes with it. What is harder for me is reviewing, editing and finishing the work so it feels ready to share. Lately I have not released much, even though I have been shooting a lot. In moments like that I simply allow myself not to force it.

I have some prints hanging at home that I really like. Looking at them gives me a sense of satisfaction and it reminds me that I want to make something new.

• Nature is ever-present in your work. Do you ever feel surprised by what draws your eye? Do you have a favourite light or weather that keeps calling you back?
  

I think nature is so present in my work because I live in rural Austria. I like nature and off grid places more than cities and busy places, so I am naturally drawn to it. I also enjoy visiting cities for many reasons and I am sometimes surprised by what catches my eye there. It feels harder for me because I am not used to it but I still love it. In a way it brings back the feeling of my early days with a camera because everything seems new again.

I enjoy shooting in all conditions but a clear summer day is actually the least exciting for me. What really calls me out is every other kind of weather like snowfall, rainfall or intense fog. Most of the time I am outside very early before sunrise. I love these conditions because they change everything and make familiar places look different. I also love the silence and the empty spaces. Most people do not go out at those times or in that weather. That makes it easy to focus and enjoy the solitude without distractions.

• How did you go about shaping your digital presence and connecting with large audiences online? Were there choices or approaches that felt especially important along the way?
  

It is hard to say because it all developed slowly over time. I think about it sometimes and I try to see where it is going but it still feels difficult to understand. For now I focus more on the creative process and the fun of making work. I care less about marketing or trying to shape things in a certain way. I just keep sharing what feels true to me and somehow people connect with it.

• Your approach to photography feels deeply hands-on. As AI tools continue to settle into creative workflows, where might they live alongside your process?
  

My process is very hands-on and that is the part I enjoy the most. Because of that I do not feel a need or an urge to use AI tools in my workflow. For me it takes away all the intrigue of the whole process. I also have to say I do not even know how much AI is already in normal editing tools like exposure settings, denoise or simple sliders. Maybe some of it is mixed in now but I cannot tell. What I do know is that I do not use things like auto enhancement or automatic replacements or edits that rely fully on AI. I prefer to stay involved in every step.

• If you imagine your practice expanding—new genres, collaborations, formats, or technologies you haven’t tried yet—what comes to mind today?
  

The only things I think about or try sometimes are in the direction of mixed media. I would like to paint more, make collages and explore analog photography in a deeper way. I want to develop my own film and get even more hands-on experience. I also want to keep more of the editing out of the computer and do it in a physical way whenever possible. Besides that I enjoy printing and experimenting with different papers and mechanical things. That is where I see my practice growing for now.

• How do you weigh feedback from others against your own sense of accomplishment? Do certain outside voices stick with you more than others?
  

Positive feedback is nice and sometimes even overwhelming when people really connect with certain images. It is one of the most rewarding things I could hope for. Negative feedback does not affect me at all because if I am happy with the image it does not matter what anyone says. My own sense of accomplishment is the most important part for me.

• Has your style ever surprised you by shifting? If so, do you embrace the change or find yourself wanting to hold onto something familiar?
  

Yes, my style has changed over time and it will probably keep changing. I think change is important and it makes the whole process more fun even if it is only small adjustments or big shifts. I try to embrace the change when it feels right. 

• Looking ahead, what would you like to make next, and what would help make it happen?
  

Looking ahead I want to get more into mixed media and analog photography, like I said earlier. I keep telling myself this for a few years now. Another big thing is working on a book. It would be amazing to have one. Some people have also asked about lessons or workshops and I am trying to work on a concept and see where that goes. I think it would be great to work with people and help each other grow in that. I am not sure what would help to make it happen. Probably self discipline and simply starting. I feel like I need the right moment to fully dive into it because I do not want to begin something when I know I cannot give it all my attention.