We spoke with Hannes Caspar about his photography work, working with models, shooting film & the creative process. We gain a beautiful insight into what makes Caspar’s work intimate yet striking.

How did you get into photography & why do you love it?

About 14 years ago I escaped from my web designer job at the time. I went out with the camera to find something interesting. At some point I started to photograph my friends and acquaintances. Then everything went quite fast. Since then I photograph actors, models and musicians. Photography means a lot to me. I love to be in exchange with people and implement something that moves me (and in the best case others). The more intimate, artistic, and creative the better!

How would you describe your work?

I work very reduced and only with daylight. Analog cameras are often used. I like it when the body also tells something. I am a big fan of contemporary dance.

What is your current go to techniques and/or technology?

I love analog cameras, but I also use digital cameras to keep the workflow going. I work very intuitively and never have a concrete plan.

What analog cameras are you shooting on & what is your go to film stock?

I work mainly with the medium format Pentax 67 and the 35mm Nikon f6. I only use these films: Kodak Portra 400/800 or Ilford HP5, sometimes Cinestill 400d.

WOTW TIP: Getting into film photography? An affordable way to start, we recommend a half frame camera with some Kodak Gold.

What are your needs as a creative?
Freedom in every respect. But at the same time restriction. That sounds contradictory, but it makes sense to me.

How do you stay inspired & passionate?
It’s always the connections with people and what they create. I look at a lot of things on Instagram, of course, but I also love photo books. I make music and small films on the side, that also inspires me for my photography.

The posing in your work is beautiful, what is your process for posing models?
I never have a concrete plan beforehand, because everyone has a different body and a very individual way of expressing themselves physically. Therefore, I observe very closely during the shooting, what I find inspiring. So it’s a very intuitive process, everything comes from a gut feeling. Actually, it’s always an interplay of what’s offered to me and what I find interesting or what direction I want to go in more. Sometimes I pose myself for a better idea.

“Freedom in every respect. But at the same time restriction.”

How do you balance creating art for yourself versus art for clients?

It’s not always easy, but I invest almost every free minute for my personal projects. I love to express myself artistically and to create. As long as this hunger is satisfied, I can also work as a service provider.

What has your key to success been?

The desire to continuously develop and improve. The greatest success is to inspire and impact other people.

What do you want to say with your art?

I want to touch and inspire others. And I want to let not only faces, but also bodies tell a story - in beautiful light and analog.