An Exclusive Interview with Stefan Thallner

Stefan Thallner born in 1987, lives in Allhartsberg, Lower Austria. Looking back to his early childhood, there already are a few pictures of him with an old photo camera. After he finished college with specialization in technical computer science he started working as a web developer. That is when his grandfather gave him his old Canon EOS D30, which is Stefan’s first DSLR in the year 2007. It was him who awoke his interests in photography and it’s because of him that his biggest hobby is now photography. As one can imagine as student you have not much money, so it took a while after he bought his first DSLR, the EOS D50. In the meanwhile he borrowed the equipment of his grandfather. He learned a lot of things in photography and he likes challenges and exploring new places and things for photography, which helped him win Scott Kelby’s Worldwide Photo Walk in Linz (Austria) in the year 2009. In the year 2012 he got self-employed with a web agency and IT company, and started studying informatics at JKU Linz to improve his technical understanding. Taking pictures means something special to him. When he takes his camera he feels free! There is no pressure; it’s just him and his camera.

In this “Exclusive Interview” section, today we have the opportunity to talk with Stefan Thallner, as his photograph was winner of Photo of the Month – 10th Month, 3rd Place. Let’s discover more about Stefan Thallner, and his forays into photography in the following interview with him.

Light & Composition: Greetings from Light & Composition, Stefan. How does it feel being selected as the winner of Photo of the Month, 10th Month, 3rd Place?

Stefan Thallner: I feel very happy and proud, because there are so many amazing pictures and very great photographers here on Light & Composition.

L&C: Your photographs, “The Attraction of the Forbidden”, was selected as Photo of the Month, is a beautiful conceptual photograph with artistic perspective, correct lighting, and very well presented. Overall, a great composition! Tell us more about your experience of taking this photograph.

Stefan: The winning picture “the attraction of the forbidden“ was taken in Styria (Austria) in 2010. I remember it was a foggy and chilly day but perfect for taking a walk through the beautiful vineyards. While I was exploring the area I came across this locked door on an old store.

It intrigued me and made me curious and since the day I took the picture I keep asking myself the same question: What is really behind the door?

L&C: Besides this winning photograph, many people liked and voted for other photographs of yours in the Photo of the Month contest. You must be proud. How do you see your journey to the world of photography so far?

Stefan: Taking pictures is very meaningful to me. It allows me to capture things and express my own point of view. It’s always a great feeling when people see my work and like and honour it. When people see my pictures and it gets them thinking about things in a different perspective, I reached my personal goal.

L&C: As we know, you are originally from Austria, which has its own rich diverse cultural and artistic heritage. Do you think depicting life in Austria portrays a different essence? How much does that influence your work?

Stefan: Certainly, I would say that every one of us gets influenced by the environment and the country we live in. The same is true in my own life. Growing up in a rural area gave me a different point of view and provided me with great possibilities. I think that’s the reason why I started with landscape and nature photography. I’m really glad to live in Austria, because it’s really a great country. Especially the landscapes as we know them, formed by the Alps, are perfect for landscape photography and sports.

L&C: We see so many different genres of photography in your portfolio. Do you like a particular genre of photography?

Stefan: I like to experiment with different genres and therefore I don’t have a favorite. It depends a little bit on my personal feelings and daily life events. One day I might like taking pictures of various objects and another day I might like taking pictures of beautiful landscapes. I like to try out new things to expand my horizon in photography techniques and of course I have several ideas left to work on.

L&C: One of the keys to any style of photography is visualization. Please tell us how you started this process and what you did afterwards.
Stefan: In my opinion, visualization and imagination are very important aspects especially in photography.
When I take my camera it’s like I am able to hide behind it or in it. It’s just me and my camera and I am able to see things in a different way. There is no pressure and that’s what it makes such a great experience.

L&C: Stefan, have you ever exhibited your work? If so, then tell us about your first exhibiting experience.
Stefan: Not yet, but it would be really great, and I hope that I will be able to do that in the future. So if there is anyone out there who wants to exhibit my pictures, please make sure to contact me.

L&C: Are you involved with any photography organizations? How does this help you in your photography?
Stefan: I’m in a lot of online communities and photo sharing sites such as 500px, because it allows me to get a lot of feedback and ideas. A lot of them are very critical and it allows me to learn a lot.

L&C: What advice would you give our readers who want to take part in the journey around the world with photography?
Stefan: Walk around with open eyes, take your camera everywhere and take pictures of everything you like, because there is no right or wrong. Taking pictures is the most beautiful way to save your memories.

L&C: Thank you, Stefan, for sharing your feelings and experiences with us.