We chatted with talented, young photographer Kai-Hendrik Schroeder about his work, things that currently inspire him and what he’s looking forward to in the near future. The core of his work describes a softly erotic feminine beauty, often photographed in solitude and privacy, inviting the viewer to scroll down for more. Currently based in Luneburg/Hamburg, Germany but traveling the world one step at a time, he invited us into his world of sensual, soft and delicate beauty.
How would you describe your work?
Well If I have to describe my own work I would call it simple, clean, natural and sensual. I’m always telling my models that I want to photograph them in a “pretend-that-you’re-on-vacation-and-I’m-your-boyfriend-taking-some-pics-of-you” – way. I know that’s kinda silly but I guess that’s the story I want to tell with my pictures.
When did you first become interested in photography?
I became interested in photography about five years ago. I can’t really name a date or reason but my brother was a party photographer at that time and that was pretty cool. I borrowed his Canon 450D a few times. I really discovered my passion for photography at that time and at the age of 17 I bought my own 450D.
Where are you based right now and how is it inspiring you?
I’m originally from a small town in Germany called Lueneburg. Since it’s striking distance to Hamburg I’m always saying that I’m based there – sounds a lot cooler doesn’t it? Hamburg is a beautiful city and everyone who travels Germany should go there. But it’s not very inspiring for me. There are a bunch of things in the world such as traveling or music that inspire me more.
What are your favorite subjects to shoot?
Definitely people. Mainly woman, as you can see in my current work. I love to capture the natural beauty of woman. I’m not a fan of extreme posing. I love to work with professional models but I also really love to work with girls who never really stood in front of a camera before from time to time. They move and act more natural, which is more authentic.
What, besides photography drives your interest?
My girlfriend and me went to Barcelona this summer. Unbelievable but true: that was my first flight ever, at the age of 21. After that I’ve done a road trip through Norway with a very good friend of mine. There is so much to see in the world and I can say traveling is of course one of the things that drive my interests most besides music, movies and (graphic-) design.
What have been some of the most rewarding moments in your career thus far?
It was my dream to achieve one magazine publication this year. Well, I had the honor to get published in more than one magazine this year. This whole thing is growing very fast and I’m very thankful for the pretty good feedback!
What Camera(s) do you use?
I’m currently using a Canon 6D. Sometimes I go analogue with my Yashica T4 or Leica Minilux.
How do you feel about the way your work has progressed so far? How do you see it evolving in the future?
After leaving my studio in the beginning of 2015 I started shooting in a more natural way. No flashes, no make-up artists – just the model, the camera and me. I never really cared about natural light until then because I started with flashes from the beginning. I’m still learning with every shooting passing by and I have so much fun. And that’s what it’s all about: enjoying your work. I’m in love with photography and I work hard every day and every week to push it forward.
What are you currently looking forward to?
I hope that I’ll get the chance to work with some more wonderful people, models, photographers or brands all over the world. And yeah… I would love to get more of a true story behind my editorial shootings.
Favorite song at the moment?
Kid Cudi – Soundtrack 2 My Life
Where do you see yourself in the future?
Well, I hope that I can do what I love for living. I want to wake up everyday in my future life with a smile on my face and just doing what I love.
Three things on your bucket-list right now:
Publish a book!
Travel to the USA
Publish a story for C-Heads Magazine
Words to live by:
‘Choose a job you love and you never have to work a day in your life.’ – Old but gold.
Thank you so much for the interview!
You’re very welcome Eva! Thank you!
Interview –Eva Davidova
www.instagram.com/evvvd
www.khschroeder.com
