Saskia Hartmann
1. Can you introduce yourself and talk about how you got into photography?
My name is Saskia Hartmann, I'm from Germany and I've actually always been interested in photography. Even as a child, our family dog had to serve as a model in front of the analog camera. Later it was the horses that got me into digital photography and today I specialise in dog photography and capturing unique moments.
2. Where did you study photography?
I have continued to educate myself privately. At first, I attended workshops with renowned horse photographers and learned a lot about manual settings. A year ago, in 2023, I completed the Dogphotography Masters and am continuing my education in this field. I don't like to stand still, so I'm always interested in further training.
3. Do you remember your first shot? What was it?
Oh yes! My first real customer shoot. I was allowed to photograph a Bavarian Mountain Hound and its owners. It made me so excited about it as I still love these pictures today.
4. What equipment do you use?
I work with a Nikon Z8. My favourite lenses are the 105 mm 1.4 and the 300 mm 2.8. I will never give them up ever.
5. What do you hope to achieve?
I want to create unique and emotional images for my clients. I've already achieved this goal, but I'm sticking to it because it gives me great pleasure to make others happy.
6. What compliment inspired/touched you the most?
As one of my mentors said to me: “Your pictures are too good, I have nothing negative to criticise.”
7. What inspires your unique storytelling?
Our dogs will always be a part of our lives, for them, we are their whole life. I would like to capture the short time they are allowed to accompany us in our lives for everyone who wants to. Capture them in pictures that we will have for eternity so that we can always think back to the time we spent together.
8. What THREE (3) words describe your photography style?
Natural, dreamy, and real.
9. Congratulations! As the winner of the European Photography Awards, what does it mean for you and your team to receive this distinction?
Thank you! I am incredibly proud to be among the winners with my picture “Winter is coming”. It makes me happy that I can also convince others with my work.
10. Can you explain a bit about the winning work you entered into the 2024 European Photography Awards, and why you chose to enter this project?
Here in the north of Germany, we actually always have very little or rarely any snow. That's why it's always special for us when some snow comes and stays. I was doubly lucky here! I was allowed to photograph a Samoyed puppy AND we had snow.
I will always remember this day from a photographic point of view. How lucky I was! I am incredibly grateful to the owner for this unique shoot. With so much luck, I just had to try one of these photos in the competition and it worked out, which makes me incredibly happy!
11. How has winning an award developed your career?
So far I can't say anything about it, it's the first year I've actively taken part in competitions.
12. Name 1-3 photographers who have inspired you.
Claudio Piccoli, Anne Geier, and Tanja Brandt.
13. What was the best piece of advice you were given starting out, by a mentor or your role model?
Be natural and be yourself!
14. What advice would you give someone who would like to become a photographer today?
I would say, "Be natural and be yourself!" and stay true to yourself. Your instincts often lead you to your goal, you just have to listen to them.
15. What is your key to success? Any parting words of wisdom?
I think my key is a combination of a lot of independent learning and a great team of international photographers with whom I regularly shoot! Like they say: Teamwork makes dreams work!
16. How do you stay in that space of being receptive to new information and knowledge?
I simply don't like standing still. I love being creative. And I always want to know exactly how something works or was made. Then there's the regular exchange with colleagues and the desire to always be able to capture new unique moments.
17. Which THREE (3) peers, within the photography industry, would you nominate to be a judge in the next European Photography Awards? (You may include yourself within, and please include the email addresses)
There are too many good dog and animal photographers to choose from!
18. Anything else you would like to add to the interview?
No, thank you very much for this opportunity!
