About
Family photographer in Maida Vale
Studio photographer in Maida Vale
Hi,
I am Annika, a professional photographer based in Maida Vale, West London.
I am originally from Northern Germany but have been living in London, and indeed in Maida Vale, for almost 20 years now. A few years back we lived in Switzerland for a short while, but we missed London so much, we just had to come back.
A family photographer
I am mum to three wonderful children who are growing up way too fast. In fact, that’s why I started photographing them, trying to record the enormous changes these little beings go through. Trying to soak it all up and not forget. In addition, I am always amazed by how different their personalities are from each other. No child is like the other, and that is just as true for siblings. These experiences made me realise that I would love to help other families, too, and create mementos of these fleeting times. Capturing authentic images, not only of your children, but of your whole family, that will bring you joy for many years, long after your children may have left the nest.
My journey into photography
I originally trained as a doctor in Germany and worked as a paediatrician both in Switzerland and in London. A few years back, after having three children myself, I found that my priorities had shifted. I needed to nurture my creative side more. So I decided to go back to college and passed a National Diploma in Photography with double Distinction. From there on I never looked back and put all my passion into learning and improving my skills. The first, and for me very important step, was to get a professional accreditation from the Master Photographers Association (MPA). Apart from being a ‘Certified Photographer’, which confirms that I am working to a professional standard, I qualified as a Licentiate with the MPA. Of course, I have a valid DBS (CRB) certificate.
Natural beauty
There is no other way to say this: I like to create beautiful images. My portraits are no edgy, uncompromising snapshots, but timeless and tasteful pieces of art. My style is simple and uncluttered to allow you to focus on the sitter’s personality. I don’t want the viewer to be distracted by meaningless details. Instead they should find joy in appreciating the beauty that shines in every single person and in their unique character. A lot of thought and preparation goes into the creation of my portraits to make them look effortless, natural and – beautiful.
My creative process
Editing your images is a big part of the process and I fully embrace it. Sometimes, in particular for commercial shoots, I have a final image in mind that we start together in the studio and that I then finish in post-processing. Other times I see an image from a session and love to emphasise certain aspects of it. Over the years I have learned to love and to manipulate with photoshop. At its simplest form this is ‘house keeping’ like tidying up distracting bits in the background, removing a little blemish and stray hair or cleaning a toddler’s runny nose. But it can also be changing a sky for an outdoor shoot to a more dramatic one or altering a backdrop in the studio. Indeed, I even swap heads from one image to the next. The possibilities are (almost) endless.
Alternative processes
No doubt, digital image manipulation is fantastic and has its uses. However, I find great joy in physically creating a piece of art. First I fell in love with traditional darkroom printing when I was at college. Then I discovered alternative processes and experimented with printing on fabric, glass and even leaves. Now I still have a passion for creating cyanotypes (Blue Prints). The slow process of coating a luxury paper, exposing it in the sun and washing it, actually relaxes me and makes me smile!
When I am not in the studio or in front of my computer (preferably with a coffee in my hand), you will find me spending as much time as possible outdoors. London has so many beautiful parks and is surrounded by amazing countryside. If you would like to see what else I am up to – just have a look at my blog or follow our family adventures on instagram. Below you will find some more information about my photography and some past projects.
I am very much looking forward to planning your photo session with you!
Quality
I am setting high standards for my work and will only deliver high quality images and prints. Of course, excellent lighting and purposeful posing are the foundation in every session. In addition, post-processing is an important part of my work. As a result I strive to make your images look perfect and exactly as you love them, without looking over-edited.
Creativity
I am keen to experiment and to find creative ways to express myself. This can be through photography as well as digital manipulation. I am excited about the possibilities that digital editing has to offer.
During my time at college I fell in love with experimental photography. This love still carries forward into my passion for Blue Prints. Uniquely, I make them accessible for my portrait clients.
Honesty
Above all, I aim to provide authentic portraits that reflect the sitter’s personality. I can describe myself as relaxed and calm, qualities that translate into my sessions. In turn, once the sitter is relaxed, you will see their true, honest self.
Importantly, I value transparency, fairness and open communication. I will never try to talk you into anything you are not comfortable with.
Would you like to find out more about my sessions? Would you like to book your photography session?
A green business
Keeping Earth healthy and reducing the negative impact we have on her, is very important to me. I therefore try to run my business carbon neutral and avoid unnecessary plastic and car journeys. All my decoration items and props are reused as much as possible and your prints and wall art are sourced from environmentally conscious suppliers. In addition, I will plant trees in your child’s name for any purchased silver or gold collection to offset the carbon footprint. To date I have planted more than 2000 trees, a proper little forest!
Studio photographer in Maida Vale
Professional Qualifications with the Master Photographers Association
I achieved these professional qualifications with the MPA at the start of my career as a studio photographer and before opening my studio in Maida Vale. They gave fantastic support and advice and while I am not currently a member anymore, I will, for sure, one day go back and rejoin.
Awards
Where you could have seen my work
Exhibitions
- London Photo Show, Bargehouse Oxotower, London, November 2020
- Inspired NAPCP (National Association of professional Child Photographers) Gallery Event 2019, Atlanta, USA
- Members Summer Show of the London Print Studio (Group Exhibition), London Print Studio, August 2017
- Out of the Blue (Solo Exhibition), Maida Hill Place, London, December 2016
- Luminance (Group Exhibition), Kensington and Chelsea College, London, July 2016
Publications
My images have been featured in
- Maida Unveiled Magazine, 2020
- NAPCP (National Association of professional Child Photographers) Inspired Magazine, 2019
- Smallish Magazine, 2017
Spielraum - Fairy Tale inspired images
I am passionate about giving children enough space and possibilities to play and I am fascinated by their endless creativity. In my mini series ‘Spielraum’ I capture my young son at play while out in the countryside and visualise his imagination through editing, thereby creating images that remind of fairy tales. Some of the images were exhibited in The London Photo Show in the Bargehouse/ Oxotower, London in November 2020 and in the Inspired NAPCP Gallery Event 2019 in Atlanta, USA.
Tents at Night
My family and I love camping. It’s so easy with kids – they love the freedom and can run wild all day. And when it gets quite, the colourful tents make quite a pretty sight.
Release me
These images are part of the ‘Release me’ series that I created when I first fell in love with digital manipulation. Most of the others I wouldn’t want to display anymore as my skills do have improved a lot since then! But these three images are firm favourites of mine.
Blue Prints
I love experimenting with Blue Prints and even had a whole exhibition dedicated to them. Strictly speaking, Blue Prints is not always the best name as I also tone them to grey or brown. If you would like to know more about my Blue Prints and how I craft them, you can find some information here. I would love to combine blue prints more with my work as a studio photographer.
Would you like to find out more about my sessions? Would you like to book your photography session?