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Kerstin Maier
@kerstingetslost
Photographer based in Germany
When I was a child I loved being in my local little forest. There were exactly three trees that were suitable for climbing, and that was what I did very often. I would climb up and sit there for hours, even read books up there. I would also roam the forest and explore everything that could be found in it; little flowers, patches of light, all the different scents, and the changing atmosphere. I still enjoy doing these things and I gain strength from them – so I am really grateful that I haven’t lost it on the way growing up. I didn’t have a camera back then, but I can still see, remember, and feel everything.
"Nevertheless, it’s so good to be able to capture everything now, to be able to show and explain these feelings to others."
I’ve often had people tell me how they loved the emotion in my landscape photography and how it had made them stop and have a look around and soak in their own surroundings more consciously now. Isn’t that the most wonderful thought? I can actually get people to be aware of the nature that surrounds them when they had forgotten how to do that and had stopped noticing all the beautiful little things in nature.
"Another passion of mine is solo traveling, and it was more a coincidence than a wish when I first went on a journey on my own."
I have always been drawn to Great Britain since I love the language and countryside, and when I wanted to go to a festival and explore the south of England, nobody wanted to come. So I decided to go on my own, and this is when it all kicked off. I loved it so much. I was able to do whatever I wanted, at my own speed or rather, slowness. After that, I went on holidays and trips with others as well of course, but the solo traveling still gives me the most joy.
"Once I realized how easy it was to just start the car and drive over to Great Britain or into the mountains or other places, it all fell into place."
This was what I wanted to do and what I still love to do. Just get going and get lost on purpose. Nowadays I’m exploring places with my own VW Caddy which is converted into a little micro camper – it is my happy place. It’s perfect for exploring, camping, and taking photos, because I can be out there without having to go back anywhere. It’s particularly great when you love witnessing sunrises and sunsets. My eyes were opened by the first gorgeous sunrises and sunsets I observed. If it wasn’t for photography I probably wouldn’t really have seen any – and I would’ve been missing out on a lot! The very moment the first sunlight hits your face is unbelievably overwhelming. The feeling gets me every single time.
When I’m traveling, I’m mostly on my own. I love the freedom and the unlimited possibilities; sometimes I change my mind about what to do and what to see within an hour. Of course, there are times when you have to be somewhere at an exact time to get a good shot, but after that, it’s basically exploring and seeing what else will come up – I like my adventures to be playful. And then, I also love coming home – Maybe even more than leaving. Or maybe I love traveling because I love coming home.
I have a beautiful local hill where I live, and it has been a landmark for me all my life. It’s the kind you see when you return from a journey and the moment you first spot it, you just know you are home. When I witnessed a beautiful sunrise there earlier in 2021, I instantly knew one of the photos would be my favorite for quite some time. What I would love to say is, wherever you are, whatever Heimat means to you, take notice of the feeling, foster it, nourish it and visit your Heimat as often as you can. This can be mentally, just thinking about it, or actually going there and exploring it.
"I am all about freedom, roots, and companionship."
Perhaps, a result of this is that I am really non-technical in my photography; I rarely use more than my camera and a couple of lenses, sometimes a filter. I kind of know the basic rules, but often just break them or forget them and follow my feelings when being out shooting. I’m sure I could get better-quality photos if I were a bit more thorough and accurate, but that’s just not who I am. I am a bit sloppy, and I tend to not care so much about my equipment. I remember a situation when I was out shooting with other photographers and once again one of my lenses rolled off a park bench and hit the ground. One of the others looked at me and said: “Boy, I’m glad I’m not a piece of equipment of yours.” I thought that was really funny and so true. Up to this day, I haven’t gotten round to setting up insurance for my stuff. It’s mostly used and old stuff, and whenever I buy a new camera I plan on getting the insurance, but then I forget about it again.
"In contrast, what I do care a lot about are the landscapes I shoot or the people I photograph on wedding or portrait shootings."
I would say my real passion lies in the landscape photography field, but I also really like to take photos of people who enjoy being out there as much as I do, or who have a similar view on life like I have, and for the last couple of years most of my customers actually were like that. I would take their pictures but simultaneously also chat with them about topics we are interested in. There is so much to gain when engaging with other like-minded people, and if I get to take their photographs on top, it’s so satisfying and fulfilling.
Another great aspect that shifts my focus away from the technical side of things is the wonderful community that’s out there. I met so many random people over the years, on rocks at sunrise or in fields in the evenings, that share the passion for photography. I really made a lot of friends this way.
Those people also inspire me tremendously, in one way or the other, through their photographs or our conversations. I really admire photographers that are able to tell stories through their landscape pictures. I know it’s like a thing at the moment, and everybody tries to do that, but I want to convey stories with my pictures as well – I want to deliver feelings more than just photos of places. Observing the work of others and listening to their talent helps me grow and achieve my own goals too.
Something else that oddly enough contributes to keeping me focused on my environment and goals is my short-sightedness. Without my glasses, I can’t see very far and this actually makes me stay in my own bubble. I don’t receive much distraction from the outside world which really helps to focus on a small area and to discover it. However, even from a young age, I was able to sit still at a spot and watch my surroundings. The longer you sit somewhere, the more you become aware of everything that is around you. And to me, that translates into happiness.
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