MPB Meets: Lifestyle Photographer Anna Fichtner

Interior, fashion and lifestyle photographer Anna Fichtner travels the world, creating photographs for a range of clients and publications. We caught up with Anna to talk about her work, her Canon setup and her plans for the future.

MPB: How did you get into photography? 

AF: For my 13th or 14th birthday, I asked for a digital camera, and it was pretty clear to me that I wanted to become a photographer. Growing up in the countryside, many people said “wouldn't you rather get a proper job?”—but, luckily, my parents always supported me. 

After graduating from school in 2011, I began training as a photographer. 

MPB: What camera and equipment do you use? And how important is your equipment to you as a photographer?

AF: I've been shooting with a Canon since the beginning and at the turn of the year, I added a Canon EOS R5 to my kit, which I'm becoming more and more comfortable with. My kit is my toolset, which has to be robust and reliable. That’s probably why I love my Canon EOS 5D Mark IV so much. As a little tech nerd, I tend to get more excited about a new lens than a pair of shoes!

MPB: You also shoot analogue pictures. Is there any particular reason or influence for that?

AF: Deep down, I would have loved to live in the 60s and 70s. That period has such a lively charm—living in the here and now, no technology—and when I shoot analogue, it's like a little trip back in time. Plus, you only have 36 shots per film—so I think about pressing the button several times before I take a picture. Every moment is precious. Because you also need technical skills for it, you immerse yourself in every scene so that you get the sharpness, exposure and angle right. 

MPB: Do you always shoot by daylight and wait for the best moment for your intro shots?

AF: Through analogue photography, I have learned to be patient, to wait for the moment and have a keen eye for light. And this is reflected in my interior shots, which are created digitally. For me, the connection to my subject is extremely important. Whether it's a person or a space, I want to understand it. With my interior stories, I immerse myself completely. Sometimes I roam through the different rooms for hours before I even take the first photo. In the process, I always ask myself “What do you want to convey to the person in the room? What is the intention behind it? What is the focus?” And since light plays a decisive role in this, I also prefer daylight to capture the right connection for the viewer. 

MPB: Your portraits seem very natural and convey a connection. What's the secret behind making your models “let down their hair”?

AF: Connection is super important to me. Before the shoots, I often talk to the models to test the waters. And the mood on set is, of course, also part of it. I am very easygoing and stay calm even in turbulent situations. That really makes a difference. Finally, I try to create a safe space for my models and to come across as authentic as possible. 

MPB: Many of your pictures were taken in Cape Town. Why is this city so inspiring and special to you? 

AF: When I was going through a creative low in 2017, my gut feeling told me to visit Cape Town. This city is so special to me because it managed to relight my creative fire. For my personal peace of mind, I need nature, space, and solitude to recharge my batteries, but my creative side needs a buzzing city. In Cape Town, I have found my match. Because I've been there several times now, it also feels like a second home and has become my base for the cold winter months.

MPB: Do you have a project you're working on at the moment? 

AF: I'm working on a really exciting project. My client is just starting out with a new fashion brand and, as a photographer, I'm involved in developing their visual language/style. This creative process is really exciting, and shaping a brand from scratch with my ideas makes me incredibly happy!

Read more inspiring interviews on the MPB content hub.