Dreamy Petzval Fashion Portraits by LomoAmigo Svenja Pitz

We already had the honor of introducing Svenja as part of our 5 Questions Series. Her analogue fashion portraits intrigued us so much that we begged the Hamburg-based photographer to test the Petzval lens for us. In this article, you’ll learn why she’s so into the Petzval lens and find enchantment in her dreamy double exposures!

Name: Svenja Pitz
Location: Hamburg, Germany
Occupation: Fashion photographer

Hi Svenja! Please introduce yourself to those who aren’t familiar with your LomoHome pitzeria.

Hello. I’m Svenja and I got into photography while I was writing my doctoral dissertation on European Law. All of a sudden I was able to more freely allocate my time and thus realize my passion for photography. I found the combination of juristic-academic and creative work so enriching. Before I started to photograph, I was more into drawing and painting. But that was just “desk work”. Because my focus is fashion photography, I have a lot to do with other people (models, make-up artists, designers, etc.). I especially appreciate that in contrast to working at my desk.

So, you’re a fashion photographer. How did you get into the business. It’s definitely hard industry to keep up with, right?

I’ve always been most interested in photos of people – whether as an observer or photographer. Especially after photographing my family and friends, I started searching for new “willing” photo subjects. At the beginning, I registered at an online hobby forum for photographers and models and made contacts there. At the same time, I began to post my photos online at other sources like Facebook. Eventually, a model from an agency wrote to me about her interest in working with me. She brought various outfits to the shoot so that we could do a complete fashion series. I enjoyed it so much that I have specialized in fashion photography since then.

Of course, it’s challenging getting established in this field. Fashion photography is simply a dream career for so many. But I believe that if you not only approach it with passion, but also with tenacity, and you do good quality work, that it will all pay off in the long run.

You recently had the chance to work with the new Lomography Petzval Lens and test it with your analogue Nikon camera. How did you like photographing with it?

I really enjoyed it! The optics of the lens is gorgeous, and I was really taken by the “golden” lens. I also liked that the lens is pretty heavy, because you notice immediately that you’re holding high quality equipment in your hand. I had no problem with the manual aperture settings; because I love working with an open aperture, I had it set at 2.2 mostly.

What do you like the most about the lens?

I love working with an open aperture – especially with portraits. The Lomography Petzval Lens is perfect for that with its initial aperture at 2.2. I could also work well with it in difficult lighting situations like in closed rooms. The lens further creates interesting effects with the swirling edges, which bring your focus to the center of the image. Intriguing overlaps can even result out of double exposures.

You experiment a lot with your analogue shots. How do you get these dreamy, beautiful shots in the end? Would you like to share a few tips with the community?

I especially love the double exposures. Through blending two contrasting image subjects come often unexpectedly and surprisingly gorgeous photographs. With portraits I have to be careful, though, that the exposures harmonize well: flowers, landscapes, light effects are often appropriate. Then it’s best to overexpose by one or two apertures, so that both photos get their “space” in the negative. Beautiful shots usually result of light leaks – whether accidental or purposefully. I generally also advise not to use too many special effects on one film… I believe the double exposures are already enough.

Do you have any advice for anyone new to using the Petzval Lens?

You should be careful that you don’t leave any important details in the image on the edge, because it will be blurred by the Petzval’s swirly effect. Of course, you can also use this effect with full intent.

Are there any projects where you would like to use the Petzval Lens again? Or is there a specific person that you would like to photograph with it?

I would gladly photograph Desirée again with it! I’ve known Desirée for years now, as she was one of my first models. Because she’s a dancer, she has great tension in her body and is very expressive.

What are you looking forward to in the future? Interesting photo shoots?

I’m presently scanning negatives from a campaign shoot for the label “German Hamptons”. The owner of the brand wanted that I make Lomo-styled making-of photos, which was a great opportunity to experiment with different films (LomoChrome Purple, Revolog Kolor)! I’m already thrilled with the photos that I’ve scanned so far.

Thank you for taking the time to answer our questions and show us a few of your wonderful Petzval fashion portraits!

Find out more about the Hamburg based photographer at her website, become a fan of hers on Facebook or follow her on Instagram.

The new Petzval Lens is available in the online shop and will be shipped to you immediately! Order yours today for your own piece of photography history!

written by zonderbar on 2014-09-10 #people #fashion #interview #hamburg #portraits #lomoamigo #linse #objektiv #petzval-lens #petzval-objektiv #petzval-artist #lomography-petzval #svenja-pitz #fashion-portraits