Talking with the young woman from the Ruhr region, who is passionately devoted to ”photo art”
Talking with the young woman from the Ruhr region, who is passionately devoted to ”photo art”
“Having a sunny heart and wearing my heart on my sleeve.” With this philosophy the freelance media and print designer Sarah Lüder (24) has been working in her great passion for six years: photo art! We spoke to the exceptional artist, whose work is tremendously versatile.
Copy right: Sarah Lüder
What are your criteria for choosing the models?
I think I don’t use the word “choosing” for it. I see! And what I see in people are the special things: inner beauty, charisma, a natural and fascinating personality. Those people who are comfortable and full of zest for life are fascinating to me and they also inspire me.
What are you doing to get „the best“, “that certain something” out of your model, which most people see only at a second sight?
It’s hard for me to find words for that. Seeing and feeling! Opening up yourself as well as the person and creating a feeling for the beauty of this world. Snap-shots. In tune with body and soul, the charisma will fit the moment.
Concerning the photos: is there a possibility for the models to make requests?
When working with a specific person, I do have a precise idea about what I want to achieve with this person in this photo. Until now, I always got positive feedback. However, I cannot determine the entire development of a photo shooting. I think it’s wrong to plan all the details and to strictly follow a predetermined idea. That’s why I’m very happy about other people’s requests and I like integrating them into the shooting as well – given that they will not end in an aesthetic disaster.
How do you express „magic” in your photos?
The magic of my photos immerses from the people and the small stories, which I stage with them on the set. It’s important to me, that the people I portrait are feeling comfortable and that they are able to engage with my light-hearted character. In combination with a cool location, good weather and small breaks with snacks and drinks, one thing leads to another. An additional point is the subsequent editing on the PC, during which I add atmosphere and expression to my work. I like working with elements of dreams, wishes, love, zest for life, security and all the other nice characters life has on offer.
How do you define “photo art“?
I’m a designer and I’m an artist. “Photo art” is the result of my way of photographing and the subsequent edition of the work of art. The synergy of record and change.
What is your exhibition “Zellenwahnsinn“ (cell madness) about?
Basically, it is about squeezing a funny kind of madness in a square meter of public space, which eventually has become useless in the age of mobile phones. The phone box as a place of self-dramatization; as a place, where all rules can be – but not have to be – put aside.
Many phone boxes are the objects of vandalism.
I integrate the omnipresent vandalism into the scene. As much as bored or frustrated nutters damage public property, as much do they influence the level of the “Zellenwahnsinn” running riot: every phone box is different, one having graffiti, the other having scratches on the pane. There’s one constant factor however: I only use the good old yellow phone boxes for the scene. They have that special something I need for my work, this special charm, stories!
You’re also taking part in a contest with this project.
That’s right: I’m taking part in a contest called “Unprojekt2010”, which is developing quite good. Every vote, which is issued on http://www.unprojekte2010.de/index.php?id=voting for the “Telefonzellenwahnsinn“ brings me a bit closer to a grand exhibition of the officially unofficial “Unprojekte” of the European Capital of Culture 2010. I would be very happy about that, so please vote!
Which partners have you worked with until now?
There are no partners as such. I’m working with and for smaller companies, private customers, fellow students, for me and for the unfolding of “everyday magic”. There are so many beautiful details, so many things to do, if you’re willing to go through life with your eyes wide open. Life is beautiful and we should not be blind to the small things, instead we should feel them and rejoice in them.
