Sylvia Michel - I Really See the World Since I Started Taking Pictures Again (Photographer)

For me, landscape photography is first and foremost about experiencing nature. It is simply unbelievable what little wonders nature offers us. The changes of day and night, the play of colors in the sky, the diversity of plants, and the landscape itself is a daily explosion of impressions for me.

1. Tell us about your upbringing and journey.

I grew up in Zurich and had a not so easy childhood. Therefore, already as a teenager, I was looking for different ways to express my feelings and thoughts. Besides writing poems, singing and painting, I also expressed these feelings in photography. But then many years went by.

2 Why and how did you decide to become a photographer?

I have always tried to practice my vocation as a profession. That's why I was a DJane for many years. But since this was more of a hobby, I had to earn money with a "normal" job. As a commercial employee, I always found a job in the office sector.

But the music didn't let me go and I was looking for ways to make a profession out of this vocation. I applied for a job in radio and was a radio presenter for a private station for over 15 years. I was still a DJane at weddings. There I increasingly took a camera with me to capture certain moments.

That's how I rediscovered my love for capturing moments. This rediscovery was so exciting for me that I then put everything on the photography card.

3. What fascinates you about landscape photography?

But I have to be honest - I live in a country where everything is available. At every corner, there is something to photograph. I really see the world since I started taking pictures again.

4. What is the most challenging part of working as a photographer?

Well, if you look at it commercially, it's definitely a challenge to be able to make a living out of it. But I realized relatively quickly that I won't survive with photography alone. There are so many great photographers out there. So it's a challenge to find a way to make a regular income from photography.

5. Who is your favorite photographer and why?

I don't have a specific photographer that I could name as my favorite. There are many images that fascinate me. But they are mostly from different photographers.

6. If, not a photographer, what else would you have been?

As I mentioned before, I always try to follow my calling. At the moment it is photography and filming. What will be in 10 years I can't say.

7. What would you advise pet owners and photographers?

Just make sure that your pets have fun when they are photographed. Animals are like children. They need entertainment, excitement, you have to have the ability as a photographer to draw their attention. Therefore, a good connection with the animal is essential for me.

Sylvia Michel

Interviewed By - Aliza Hussain