Berlin based Christoph Abatzis was a freelance graphic designer in a previous life - that was only two years ago but already Christoph is doing amazing stuff. I can’t wait to see Christoph’s next project: frames from a budget analogue camera bought from the flea market. As he says, time is about life, not money. We love Christoph’s fasion portraits!
1. What do making images mean to you?
I make images because I believe in the power of a moment which I am able to record for eternity, which is one of the greatest features in photography. And it’s true one image can say more than a thousand words.
2. What is life to you? What it should be?
Big question. For me life is what you make of it. It’s about to find out why you are here and what you wanna do with your given time. Time is not money to me, time means life to me. But at least I had and still have the chance to choose what I want. I guess that’s something everyone should experience, which I know, is unfortunately not the case.
3. How much is your family an influence on the way you view life, see things?
They have a really big influence on me. They always give me the feeling that its ok what I’m doing but I also was taught very early that you have to invest (no matter what specifically it is) to progress.
4. What is your favourite non-photography pass time?
There is so much that has nothing to do with photography. I’m not a nerd. ;) No, really. I love doing sports, travel the world as much as I can (ok – camera is sometimes included here) go out to meet friends or spend time with my family.
5. Do you have a “second profession” or passion?
I also work as a freelancer doing graphic design and layout. That’s actually how I came to photography.
6. What movie did you love recently?
Victoria by Sebastian Schipper. Highly recommended.
7. Do you shoot with your left or right eye?
Right.
8. Are there any unseen experimental images in your attic you’d like to show us now?
Nope, unfortunately not at this stage. I started with photography not even two years ago.
9. Who do you respect - in photography or elsewhere?
I guess I respect everyone in a way who isn’t selfish, arrogant or mean. If it comes to big idols or heros I don’t have any specific. Sorry.
10. If you were to start all over again, is there anything you would do differently? Why?
To be honest: I don’t know. On the one hand I would probably say yes, because I didn’t know which way to choose for a long time and I wish I had a clearer vision these days. But on the other hand: Things are good how they are and it’s always easier to complain.
Bonus Q: Do you think the gear you use affects the way you photograph? Why?
No I don’t think so. I still have my first full frame dslr which i gear up from time to time (and money) with new lenses but thats it. So I actually don’t know how my photos would look like with other gear. But I intended to buy a cheap analog camera on the flea market which will accompany my shoots from then on.
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