This month on Behind The Lens, we chat to the talented photographer making waves in Namibia and intentionally, Lucia Petschnig.

When did you first become interested in photography? What sparked it and when did you decide that it was what you were going to do? 

It all started when I studied a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Visual Communication at the Stellenbosch Academy of Design and Photography in 2014. I had never planned to major in photography, but I knew I wanted to work within  a creative field. Coming with a background of visual art from school it was really difficult to make up my mind between Illustration, Art Direction, Graphic Design and Photography. I ended up choosing photography above the other fields. I was drawn towards this new side I had yet to explore. From then onward I wanted to grow as a photographer and throughout my studies I planned projects and collaborations to build up my own skill set. Even through I studied a photography driven course, I still see a big part of my skill set as self-taught. Studying in a creative field simply means having guidance and discipline to keep pushing your own skills and most of it still requires initiative to guide your own projects as far as you can.

Biggest Inspiration?

I wouldnʼt say a person in particular but rather dissecting a variety of rich visuals and styles that catch my eye. I enjoy looking at editorials from international brands including Gucci, Balenciaga, Edun, Off-White, Zara and Burberry. Online Magazines like Sicky Mag  and Schön Mag are also two favourites to scroll through and feast my eyes on fresh content. The key is to start out experimenting and exploring with my own style and flooding my mind with fresh inspiration. I also love looking at the work of South African creatives Travys Owen, Paul Samuels and Trevor Stuurman, they have insane skills and inspire me to keep working on my own style.

How has the journey been so far?

My journey continues to be exciting, challenging and rewarding day by day. I love being mobile and experiencing constant change and transformation, with every project that passes I gain unique experiences that will never be repeated. These experiences come with good and bad moments, but I dislike routine based jobs and activities so photography keeps my journey interesting for me.

Your favourite project to date? 

Like I mentioned earlier, with every project that passes I gain a unique experience that I canʼt compare to another.

I think my proudest moments/results to date from my projects were being a part of the International Adobe Design Achievement Awards in 2016 as the only African Finalist for a project titled “Pin-up Girls in the 21st Century”. The project plays on the reality of two pin-up girls who live in Cape Town and authentically dress in vintage style.  Another favourite moment was when I received a creative excellency award from The One Club One Show Awards in 2017 for my portfolio of projects as a student photographer. The One Show awards is one of advertising’s most prestigious awards program and is based in New York to support and celebrate the success of the global creative community. The projects that I entered included the Pin-up Girls in the 21st Century project, a project I did on Namibian cultures, Terrains and People and 2 other projects.

From the looks of your portfolio, you mainly focus on fashion photography. Once youʼve mastered this, is there another type of genre youʼre looking to move into?

Iʼm looking into overall content creation for lifestyle, fashion, product and service brands. Iʼm also dabbling in video production.

Comparing where you’re now with where you were when you first started, what could you have done differently to get to where you are sooner?

Itʼs always good to know how to justify yourself and avoid being exploited as a young creative starting out, a lot of brands and people try to sell creatives exposure and I experienced that in many occasions that couldʼve been avoided.

Youʼve clearly worked with a wide range of models, what tips can you recommend to people looking to expand their portfolio?

Models generally update their portfolios every few months with new shoots and content. Starting out I would contact as many models as possible to see if they want to collaborate with you. Itʼs good to have some examples of your work, so make sure you shoot some of your pretty friends first to build up some kind of style or example to show what you have to offer.

Describe a typical shoot?

A typical shoot would start with an idea/concept for the client/brand I am collaborating with. This is followed by a mood board and then Iʼd put together a team of models, make-up artist, hair stylist and stylist. After this step Iʼd decide on my location and set up a date for my shoot that suits the team. The final steps include shooting, selection and post-production.

 

To what degree do you retouch your photos, Photoshop? Lightroom? Aperture? Anything that you like to do in your photos in particular?

I donʼt usually do a lot of editing on my photos unless I want a specific treatment to my photos. I make use of camera raw for quick editing – itʼs an Adobe Bridge Plugin and then for touch ups and corrections I make use of Adobe Photoshop.

You could have anyone in the world take your portrait, who is it?

Iʼve always loved Emily Sotoʼs work and unique style. Sheʼs a fashion and portrait photographer based in New York. Second in line would be Rankin.

@abrandedjournal

Who have you learned the most from?

Probably learned the most from YouTube! Itʼs seriously the best platform to learn about editing techniques, shooting techniques, what new comer equipment to buy or any other question you might find yourself asking!

Any Namibian collabs you’re looking to do?

Iʼm actually planning to travel around Namibia, this year to capture the beauty of our landscapes in collaboration with a few of my favourite creatives. Iʼm always excited to do projects back home and I never really had the opportunity to travel around and capture all the dope locations we have.

Plans for you brand?

My plan for the next year is to take some time off to develop my brand and visit a few countries around the world for a few collaborations and content production.


Follow Lucia on Instagram to see what else she gets up to.

Write A Comment