INTERVIEW
June 29, 2020
COMMON MOTIFS
Photography by Astrid Neundlinger
Interview by Karin Svadlenak Gomez
Photographer Astrid Neundlinger strives to find unusual perspectives, interesting lighting, and potential in common motifs. Born and raised in the quiet countryside of Austria, Astrid first discovered her love for photography when she moved to the city of Vienna at the age of 20. Longing to process the impressions that this new chapter in her life brought on, she bought a cheap digital camera and set to work. Astrid began with a 365 days project - taking one self portrait every day for a year - teaching herself photo processing along the way, and experimenting with Polaroid and different types of photography, such as macro and landscape. After taking a break from photography for a few years, Astrid's passion for photography was finally reawakened when she discovered smart phone photography and joined Instagram. She has recently focused on cityscape photography.
“I started getting interested in photography around 2008 when I was a university student. I had just moved away from home into a new city and was looking for a new hobby. I discovered the community on Flickr and became a passionate amateur photographer pretty quickly.”
IN CONVERSATION WITH ASTRID NEUNDLINGER
THE PICTORIAL LIST: Where do you find your inspiration?
ASTRID NEUNDLINGER: When I haven't taken photos in a while looking at other artists' work in galleries, exhibits, or on Instagram always inspires me. It revives the way I look at things. What also works are small assignments I give myself - going on a photo walk and taking pictures from a specific perspective or with a theme in mind, such as incorporating negative space into each photo.
TPL: Who are your favourite artists and photographers?
AN: My absolute favorite is Elizaveta Porodina. Her work always inspires me - it is as creative as it is versatile. Apart from her, I admire the work of Vivian Maier and Martin Parr.
TPL: Has your style of photographing changed since you first started?
AN: I used to experiment a lot with post processing in the beginning, which is no longer part of my style. I mostly use my phone to take photos now, and I enjoy the spontaneity that comes with it. Before smartphones I used to pack up one or two cameras and head out with a project in mind. Although that had its advantages, I prefer the more documentary approach that comes with bringing my phone i.e. camera everywhere I go.
TPL: Do you think equipment is important in achieving your vision in your photography? What would you say to someone just starting out?
AN: From my early days using a cheap camera I learned that creativity does not necessarily need high quality equipment. That is not a requirement for taking interesting photos. I think what counts is developing an eye for interesting scenes, places and motifs, and cultivating your own style. Having a smartphone camera with me at all times gave me back my photographic eye, and that's what counted.
To beginners I'd recommend to experiment, not to be too harsh a critic of their own work, and most importantly to have fun with it.
TPL: If I wasn't photographing what would I be doing?
AN: I am grateful for being able to work creatively and take photos in my day job. I can bring my hobby and my work together this way. It helps me with remaining creative in my spare time, too, and keeping my eye out for my next photo.
Astrid's story is a reminder that technology can bring us new passions and open up exciting opportunities for creativity. Through embracing her smart phone and joining Instagram, she was able to rediscover her love of photography, and unlock a new level of creativity. If you want to join Astrid on her journey and be inspired by her eye-catching photos, connect with her on Instagram today.
