Instagrammer: @timoment
Every week I talk to a new photographer on Instagram. They share their favorite locations, camera gear, and the best practices to have on Instagram. This week is Timo Maier, a media design student in South Germany.
What inspired you to start photography? Are there any specific photographers on Instagram that inspire you?
Honestly, I can’t really remember when and how this whole photography thing exactly started. I guess I’ve always been interested in making stuff. I began with drawing comics, later some portraits, and then got into graphic design and animation. At the same time, I bought a camera and started to take photos. Since I had so much fun with taking and editing pictures, I focused more and more on photography.
Inspiration: @finfilm @itsreuben @tinorenato @bejamin @benjaminhardman @andrewtkerns
You have a very minimalistic look to your photos. What do you love about capturing minimalistic photos?
I’m a big fan of simplicity. I like to focus only on the very important parts of an image. Minimalistic photos do have a calm atmosphere and I think simple and clean images are the most pleasuring ones for the eye.
What is the most favorite location you have ever taken photos at? Why?
I don’t really have a specific favorite location. I just take a picture wherever I feel like it needs to be taken. Recently I’m in love with rural places, like open fields and small hills.
How do you go about capturing your images? Do you stumble upon these locations to capture beautiful pictures or is it planned out ahead of time?
It’s a little bit of both. I guess, most of the time I randomly walk into some locations. But sometimes I have an idea in my head that needs to be planned, so I have to find a specific place and the right props I need to get the result I want. It’s also important to choose the best time and weather conditions to shoot in order to get the best lighting result.
What are some tips you can give in minimal photography?
Focus on what really matters. Leave everything that distracts and doesn’t support the message out of frame. Choose simple colors and use only a few for the whole picture. Search for symmetry, clear lines and geometric forms. Also, simply cropping an image can make a huge difference.
What camera gear do you shoot with?
I mainly shoot with my Canon 600D/Rebel T3I with which I use currently. I also still use my 18-55mm kit lense and a Canon 50mm 1.4 lense for portraits. If I don’t have my camera with me, I use my Moto X2.
What advice would you give to the starting photographer?
I consider myself a starting photographer too, so it’s hard to give any advice. I’d say the most important thing is, that you have to love what you’re doing. Try to stay creative, try new things, and practice a lot.
Lastly what advice would you give to the beginning photographer on Instagram trying to expose their work?
I’m on Instagram for half a year now and I can say that in my opinion the most important components are: consistency, quality, individuality and interaction. Also, using the right hashtags and participating in competitions will help you reach a bigger audience.
To see more of Timo's work go here!