Miriam Waldner has proved rather hard to track down. Having sent her some questions about her work a year ago, I lost hope of her answers when the months ticked by and I had no response. She’s probably been busy shooting her playful and colourful works around the world?
All of a sudden, whilst strolling through the sweltering streets of Berlin, my phone pinged and gmail sent me a notification: “I made it.” Coincidently enough, Waldner is a Berlin resident herself and her photographs encapsulate the free thinking, genderless spirit of the city. Her approach to light feels instinctive as it plays across her compositions. Her subjects often appear off guard even when regimentally posed, and she stretches their bodies unconventionally across the frame. Miriam spoke to me about colour, childhood and Alfred Hitchcock. She’s an exciting presence among the Instagram feed and its no wonder she’s a new favourite among magazines such as i-D.
What was the first camera you shot on? How different is it from what you shoot on now?
Probably one of my brothers digital cameras, photographing our cats and around the garden. Proper first shootings with half automatic film cameras. Same as today.
There is a reoccurring floral motif in your work — what has sparked your interest in capturing flowers?
Hmm, I try to get away from that… But ya, I guess i really love flowers and nature in general.
Moreover, I see a lot of women in nature, what relationship between women and landscape do you try and capture in your pictures?
Being [in] or looking at nature gives me a beautiful warm feeling of freedom and peace and I mainly shoot with natural light, I never set up artificial light. It’s also a nice process of shooting — running around fields or gardens with the model and try catch the light before its hiding behind some clouds again.
Your images often depict the surreal in the everyday – what is your take on this when the camera is often deemed a tool to capture “reality” ?
True, I love [the] surreal, weird and things that clash. telling stories with my images. I see my camera as a tool to create, not capture reality.
Where are you currently based? and how does this place/ city influence your work?
Im mainly based in Berlin. But back and forth between Los Angels since last year. Berlin is my home, where i grow up and where my family is. I will always feel save and home in Berlin. Los Angeles has the most beautiful light and a great industry for creative people. LA inspires and pushes me a lot! In Berlin people are more for themselves and it’s very easy to get lazy here.
I like the playfulness in your work — is this deliberate?
I guess — yes. I’m a bit scared to “grow up”. I love things from my childhood. My childhood will always inspire me.
Which colour palette are you most attracted to when composing a composition?
Full colours. A very blue sky plus strong red outfit for example. I do love pink a lot. Pink with green, yellow with blue.. I’m attracted to contrast for sure!
Do you use your photographs as a political statement?
Not attentional. Im aware whats going on in the world. I would love to use my work in a political direction.. I’m not exactly sure how. I was thinking to do some social project. Maybe some photo weekend with kids from homeless shelters in LA. Two years ago i met a little boy there, he is four years old now. i visit him every week when I’m in LA. He is so bored and uninspired.
Which photographers do you find yourself knowingly, or unknowingly, referencing?
no specific photographers really, growing up with Sofia Coppola, Alfred Hitchcock movies and Rookie magazine definitely shaped my photography
Where do you find your subjects? Do you cast your photographs or are they more spontaneous?
Mainly combining both. for example having a few outfits + a location set..then see whats happening. Not planning the images into detail.
What music do you most like to listen to when you shoot?
I never have music on set or when I’m shooting in general. Too much impressions at once like sound, vision people around me overwhelm me super quickly. Especially when I’m stressed or concentrated. I listen to music at home cleaning up and always when I’m in trains. late 70s post-punk bands, Krautrock, psychedelia and yess … rocknroll with boogie rhythm !!
You can follow Miriam’s work on Instagram
