Photography is a different kind of language: Chris Danneffel

1. How do you get the person, place or thing that is in front of the camera into the film, chip or paper in the way you want?

Don’t know, if I understand this question right. Considering the technical level, you need to know about your camera, the physical behavior of light and color and so on. On the aesthetic, you just follow your taste and inspiration. That’s about all, I guess.

2. Which photographers influenced you & how did they influence your thinking, photographing & your career path?

There are no special photographers, who influenced me. But all the times I see a photo that catches my attention, I take a closer look and think about it. Why do I like it? What is so special that it attracts me? How did the photographer handle the light? Would it be possible, that I once might be able to shoot something similar? Stuff like that goes through my mind.

3. Exact what it is you want to say with your photographs, how do you actually get your photographs to do that?

To me, photography is a different kind of language. And just as I use other languages to express different things, so I use photography to tell different things. I’m „talking“ about human feelings, grief, joy, fun, and humor, but also philosophical questions about life and death, the meaning of life and so on. Prose and poetry. The moment, eternity. Everything that moves me. I have no favorite topics.
4. What was your career path? How did you get from being an aspiring photographer to actually doing it full time for a living?

I was working as a radio announcer, taking photos as a hobby during that time. After 25 years my job had become very boring. Because my photography had become more and more popular over the years, it eventually became possible to switch from the microphone behind the camera.

5. What technology/software/camera gear do you use to keep focused on what you do best as you photograph?

Currently, I use a Nikon D800E, which is just a perfect baby. As for lenses, I prefer the 24-70 mm 2.8 and the 70-200 mm 2.8 as well as the 14-24 mm 2.8. This is the Golden Trio. Of course, you need the right software to give your pictures the final touch. I use Lightroom and Photoshop.


6. How do you get paid for your work?

By money, concentrate or just applause.

7. What motivates you to continue taking pictures economically, politically, intellectually or emotionally?

My photography is all about emotion. Nothing else. Usually, it’s not a popular way to become rich, and you will not have political influence. If you want, you may consider photography an intellectual challenge. But I don’t do that.

As for the pictures you may visit my website danneffel-photography.com. Otherwise, I can look for some photos within the next few days.