Interview with Portrait Photographer Ingo Rösler

Lifestyle - Interview

by Melisa Kaya

The company is a legal entity, but customers or business partners do not deal with documents establishing a company, but with real people. In fact, the true face of a company is the faces of individuals working in there. It is not necessary to discuss the importance of the first impression. The first impression in this technology era is getting from companies' websites, business networks, and what appears on the online and social media. At this point, the photographs that will reflect the company's philosophy and vision come into play, and the importance of professional portrait photography is better understood at this point. I talked with Ingo Rösler and asked him about his career and the importance of portrait photography.

Ingo, before talking about photography, could you tell us about yourself? Who is Ingo Rösler?

I was born into a typical German middle-class family and spent my entire childhood and most young-adult life in Germany. After high school and a period of jobbing in different areas, ranging from truck driver to disability care worker - I pursued a career as a journalist, while photography was just a nice hobby, although I published photos in the newspaper I worked at. Only in my thirties - several years after moving to Brazil - I discovered my passion for creative photography and decided to make a living as a photographer. I didn’t take the shortest road to photography, but I believe my photography benefits from the rich experiences I was able to make on the way.

photo by Ingo Rösler

When did you get your first camera? Do you remember the first photo that you shoot with it?

Like most photographers I had my first encounter with photography in my childhood. At the age of 8, I got an old Voigtländer camera from my grandpa. The first developed film was a major deception, and the first images are not worth remembering, but I got over it and started to enjoy making photographs in that slow pace that mechanical and fully manual camera demanded.

photo by Ingo Rösler

How did you decide to pursue a career in photography? What inspired you?

The short answer is: photography as a universal language. After working as a freelance journalist in Brazil for several years I felt increasingly stuck with my native German language. It tied my professional life to German media and required to maintain a foreigner’s perspective on Brazil which worked against my desire to feel home and strike roots. Photography helped me to get out of this expatriate ‘bubble’ and to get in touch with Brazil and Brazilians. However, even after living for almost two decades in Brazil, the aesthetics of my work still shows some German influence.

How would you describe your photographic approach?

Every job begins with a clear understanding of my client’s needs and goals. So before I press any camera button, I ask a lot of questions. For professional and business portrait clients, the more I know about their job profile, brand or industry, the easier it will be for me to direct them to the most adequate expression and posture and to hit the sweet spot with regards to lighting and style. The conversation also helps to create a trusting atmosphere, which is essential for candid and engaging portraits. Working with normal folks who often don’t feel comfortable in a studio setting, can be challenging, but it is also quite satisfying to highlight their qualities and exceed their expectations.

photo by Ingo Rösler

How did you decide to establish your own studio?

While many thousand photographers are offering their services in Rio, there is a shortness of specialized photographers that serving more demanding market segments. I established my studio with the ambition to make higher-end portraiture accessible for non-celebrities and to help local businesses to present themselves in a good light on their websites and marketing collateral to a global market.

What type of services do you offer to your clients?

Apart from shooting portraits in my studio, I produce business portraits at my clients’ offices. I also do photography for editorial and advertising clients around the world. All of my clients benefit from careful Photoshop editing techniques and attention to details. I ensure consistent quality to whoever hires me.

photo by Ingo Rösler

What is the importance of portrait photos for businessperson and companies? Why should they work with a professional photographer?

Being a small business owner myself I understand the importance of cutting expenses, but never underestimate the value created by high-quality corporate portraits or product images create for a company. A professional photographer is able to produce images that help to build the reputation of a brand or company and engage customers, while self-produced material or cheap stock images do exactly the opposite.

Which factors determine the project budget?

It depends on each project. Photographer and assistant fees, usage rights, hair and makeup stylist fees, fees for post-production and file handling, expenses for location, equipment, catering, transport.

photo by Ingo Rösler

What are your expectations from your clients for a successful collaboration?

Good communication is essential for any kind of successful collaboration.

Could your clients use the photographs in any publication, book covers, catalog, packagings, website, billboards or other platforms where they want?

Yes, for sure. Any usage can be agreed.

What advice would you give to photographers who want to pursue a career in portrait photography?

First of all, being a people’s person is more important than mastering sophisticated lighting techniques. You should enjoy interacting with your subjects and making them feel comfortable in front of your lens. Secondly, develop your own style. Your photography doesn't need to please every human being on Earth. Just don’t be afraid to show your vision and style.

What is your favorite photograph that you have ever taken?

photo by Ingo Rösler

What do you think about social media? How can our readers follow you?

Consistent social media activities can be effective, although most new clients find me through Google or by recommendation. I’m on Instagram: @ingorosler

What is next for you?

My son Noah, who will be born next month.

Thank you Ingo for your time and I wish a long and happy life for Noah.

For more information, please click here to visit the website of Ingo Rösler

Tuesday, January 15, 2019.

All photos are the property of their respective owners.