The countryside behind Malibu served as the setting for Julia Kiecksee's ‘Is This Desire?’ series. Beauty and gentle eroticism in contrast to dismissive aloofness: the images imbue model Lucynda with strength, self-confidence and sensuality.
You completed studies in photography a couple of years ago. How has your career developed since then, and is it going the way you imagined?
A lot has happened since I completed my studies. The first job I took on was in e-commerce, but I soon discovered that this type of photography was not for me in the long run. For me the creativity was quite simply missing in this type of work, and, because I see myself as an artist rather than I service provider, I went freelance after a year. The short time I worked freelance went very well. I travelled a lot and was lucky with my assignments. If it hadn't been so soon that I received the offer from Modelwerk, where they asked me to work in their new photo studio, I would probably have continued to work freelance. Now I've been a photographer at Germany's largest modelling agency for two and a half year, and I photograph and film our models for their portfolios, or I take Polaroids or Image Videos.
What do you think a photographer needs to do to remain visible on the radar? Do you think it has become more difficult?
A lot has happened since I completed my studies. The first job I took on was in e-commerce, but I soon discovered that this type of photography was not for me in the long run. For me the creativity was quite simply missing in this type of work, and, because I see myself as an artist rather than I service provider, I went freelance after a year. The short time I worked freelance went very well. I travelled a lot and was lucky with my assignments. If it hadn't been so soon that I received the offer from Modelwerk, where they asked me to work in their new photo studio, I would probably have continued to work freelance. Now I've been a photographer at Germany's largest modelling agency for two and a half year, and I photograph and film our models for their portfolios, or I take Polaroids or Image Videos.
You photographed ‘Is This Desire?’ in the Californian desert. What was it that took you there for this photo shoot?
We did the photo shoot shortly before the fires in Malibu. Because it was a lingerie series, we wanted a quiet, idyllic location out in nature, somewhat distant from the hustle and bustle of Los Angeles. I've been flying to California to take pictures regularly since 2009, and I have a set team there who I really love to work with.
What is the series about?
The series is about a young girl who is well aware of her beauty. It's about eroticism and inviolability. Originally we also wanted to photograph a male model, but then we decided against it because we wanted to focus fully on her.
What is your attitude towards female nudity? Do you feel you have to be more careful with it nowadays? Or do you just do your thing? Is it easier as a woman to deal with it?
I've never had a problem with nudity – whether female or male models. Maybe you remember my book Adam & Eve? Back then I photographed over 100 nude models in a black and white series set in a field. I find it something very natural, and it has nothing to do with pornography. Rather there is something very honest about it, and it can have something fragile about it, or also powerful.
Is it difficult to get models to take their clothes off? How was it with Lucynda?
Of course, it does depend on the model, but I must say that so far I've never had a problem with it. I always show the models pictures beforehand showing the direction I'm taking, and that it is never a question of anything extreme. Aesthetics are very important to me, as well as the models' trust. If a girl has any problem with it, I would never force her.
You like photographing with the S and the SL. Which system works best for you?
I photographed with the S for a long time, but nowadays I must say I prefer the SL, because it's handier and the video function is unbeatable!
You prefer to work with zooms rather than fixed focal lengths. Why?
I just find it more beautiful when I'm not tied to a specific focal length and need to change all the time.
You recently filmed a video with the Leica CL. How did you find that camera?
I find the CL super for taking photographs. Filming was a bit trickier than I expected. I had underestimated how difficult it can be to film while holding such a light camera in your hands. It was rather tough to set the sharpness and also hold the camera steady. With a bit of practice and a tripod, it should be easier.
