Thanks for having me. I'm Tanja and I do staged fantasy photography. I was born in Germany but for the last 15 years, Austria and especially Vienna have been my home. I have learned a lot. From working as an Automobile saleswoman to a waitress and graphic designer. The latter is my real job. Basically, photography was part of my education at the Media Design University in Munich. Since I have always been at home in the realm of fantasy and I enjoy photography as a balance to my otherwise very digital work, it was clear what I would do. Today I turn my dreams into real pictures.

Definitely through my education in Munich. It was there that I first had the time and the equipment to deal more closely with the subject of photography. Unfortunately, I can't draw very well, so I used my basic knowledge from my education to get my ideas out of my head and into the real world. Often everything looks like chaos but in the end, it usually comes out the way I envisioned it to be and it conveys the message I wanted to show everyone from the beginning. That is exactly what drives me. To make dreams become real, to evoke the feeling of magic in people when they see my work.

In your own words please describe your style as a photographer? 

Realistically dreamy. An image of reality that doesn't exist.

Sure. It wasn't as magical as one would like to believe. It was simply part of my education.

To be able to really say something here. I would have to work much more commercially. My photography is a niche and always will be. I am glad that diversity and openness are not a problem in my bubble.

I think the most challenging thing is certainly understanding from the outside. All these productions often need weeks of preparation. People who only see a "photo" usually can't understand the value of this work and you quickly end up in a seedy nerd section. But I think you have to rise above it and never forget that we are all different and that's a good thing.  

I don't believe any artist is immune to self-doubt. Occasionally, the ideas sneak up on you and fill you with dread for the entire circus. It might be challenging to break such creative blocks on your own. I'm grateful that I have a vibrant, caring bubble around me that, no matter what, always encourages me. True happiness comes from real friends.

My interest is photography. I am a gamer too, I enjoy playing "Warhammer and Magic: The Gathering". If a game has me entirely engrossed, I can easily spend weekends lying motionless on the couch. My desire to escape reality thus is not a new one.

I think the biggest strength is that I portray what life could be like in another reality. Regardless of who we are. I find that there is fantasy in everyone.

I have been asking myself this question for 10 years. I do what I like and hope that others like it too. That is enough for me.

Difficult decision. But I think I love the pictures where I tried something new, like fire. One of my current favorites is a photo we took in the middle of the night. It shows my friend Sasha as a passionate knight. The staging just has it all. Something mystical, an exciting element of fire, a model with expression, and most importantly a story.

I think that since I am not really financially dependent on what I do as a photographer, I just can't say anything about it. I personally don't see myself as part of this industry.

My first camera was a Canon 500d with the standard kit lens. Currently, I use the Canon EOS R with a 24-70mm 2.8 the most. It's an "always on" lens. But I am also a friend of fixed focal lengths like 50mm or 85mm. What I never miss is my mini Sun-bouncer. I love that thing.

I don't really feel that my career as a photographer is a career because I'm not financially dependent on it. But still, there have been a few experiences that I don't want to m. Once a year I go to the Vienna ComicCon with my friend Sophie from Cinnamon Panther and I'm always incredibly surprised who knows all my pictures. The feeling of inspiring others with photos in real life, away from social media, is really incredible. Also, the moment when the whole plan finally comes together and you see the finished picture on the camera. Simply great. You know what all the stress is for.

For me, it's critical that each of my models convey a single message to the public. Strength. Regardless of how they seem in my pictures. These ideas, among others, are what inspire me to represent strong women. Yet, I also like staging fantasy boudoir picture shoots. I adore presenting my models as fierce and self-confident in their femininity. Because the world needs that kind of image. Women who are powerful, independent, and self-assured in anything and everything they do.

Since I am mainly a graphic designer, I have been working with Adobe Photoshop longer than I have been taking photographs. So it is logical that I also use these skills to finish my pictures. Many people find it easier to start with Lightroom. But I have found that if you know Photoshop well, the other Adobe programs are much easier to learn. Even if Photoshop seems so overwhelming at the beginning. It's like any magic that is powerful. You have to learn it before you can use it.

My last project was very personal. I went through a major physical change last year and at the beginning of this year, it finally happened. I want to be a fantasy model as well as a photographer and I also want to be in front of other cameras. My wardrobe is so big and I can use it twice this way. The wonderful Elerie photographed me as an elven warrior and winter elf. I am so happy with this decision.

So I am currently planning twice for the coming flower season. Shootings for me and shootings with others.

I don't know if you can call it surreal. But there was this one moment that was just incredibly brazen. 

I was shooting in a magnolia bush with a model who was wearing a beautiful floral dress. It was a little spontaneous shoot. There were only three of us. Suddenly I feel someone's breath on my shoulder and the model looks strange. When I turn around, a stranger is right behind me with his mobile phone taking pictures of my model. I turn around and ask him if he could have asked before. His answer was "Then she could have said no" This was so unexpectedly disgusting that I was glad when he quickly trotted away. I think we were all a little perplexed by the experience. 

I mean, especially when you take a lot of pictures outside, you always have onlookers. This one was just particularly brazen and it never happened again.

What are you doing when you are not working? 

I like to play video games. Or meet up with my friends to play Warhammer or just chat. I just like it quiet and cozy, surrounded by positive vibes and energy.

Do epic shit! A motto that my dear friend Hajnalka recently showed me. And she is simply right. Time is too short for boredom.