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.
IN CONVERSATION WITH ASTRID NEUNDLINGER
TPL: Astrid, when did you start getting interested in photography?
AN: I started 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.
TPL: Where do you find your inspiration?
AN: 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 shooting 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.