International Spotlight: Nina Wild

To keep you in the know with what photographers are exploring around the world, we search the globe for interesting and inspiring photographers to feature in our International Spotlight series. This time around, we talk to Germany’s Nina Wild.

D-Photo: Can you please give us a rundown of your photography: when you started, studied or self-taught?

Nina Wild: I first started out in 2013 when I bought my first DSLR right before a friend’s wedding. I didn’t really have a clue what I was doing, but taking pictures was fun and that was all I needed to know to intensify my hobby. In 2014 I did a two-and-a-half month internship at Nina Schnitzenbaumer Fotografie (yes, another Nina; you must think we only know one female name over here in Germany). I learned a lot about light and retouching and even after the internship ended, Nina encouraged me to find my own style. InMarch 2015, I got a chance to work with sheep, and in the beginning they were really not motivated at all, they were just running away every time we got close enough to take pictures. It was cold and a little rainy and we were just about to give up when suddenly one curious, little sheep head poked around the corner of the barn and, as they say, the rest is history. Up until now, I have been lucky enough to work with horses, cows, racoons, kangaroos, birds of all sizes, rabbits, and a lot of other animals. 

Can you explain a bit about yourself? Where are you located, are you a full-time photographer?
I am a 23 years old and a self-taught photographer. I am located close to Frankfurt, Germany. I am not a full-time photographer as I am also a college student of American Studies and Economics. I must confess that priorities have shifted since I started my studies, I tend to take only a few classes in order to have more time to pursue photography. 

What sparked your interest in the photography realm?

It was always a lot of fun taking pictures of my friends with my little digital camera, but when my friend asked me to snap some pictures of her wedding reception I thought that it was time to retire my little cam and move on to the real deal. I practiced a lot and tried to get to know my brand-new DSLR as well as possible, and it kind of just took off from there. 

How would you describe your style of photography?

My style is romantic, dreamy, and a little fairytale-like. I like to show harmony between human beings and animals, which means that my models have to get really close to the animals, which is pretty cool most of the time — I mean, when do you ever get a chance to cuddle a kangaroo — but getting that close to, let’s say an emu, can be a tiny bit intimidating. 

Can you outline what is in your equipment kit at the moment, and what gear you are enjoying using?

I am using a Canon 5D Mark III with either a Canon 135mm 2.0 lens or Sigma 35mm 1.4 lens. I never use a flash, it irritates the animals, but if my furry and feathery models are cool with it I like to use a reflector.

What projects have you got on the go at the moment? What will you be working on in the future?

I am planning some very neat projects right now. One of them involves camels and I am really looking forward to that. I have already visited the farm where they are kept and was really impressed. They are huge! I mean, everyone knows that camels are big animals, but they were just enormous — my model will have to be super brave! 

If people want to see more of your work, where would you suggest they visit?

I publish all of my recent work on my Facebook page, and if you are interested in seeing more of it you are more than welcome to visit it.