Catching up with Juliane Falk

Capturing beautiful people is the best description for Juliane’s work. This Amsterdam based photographer knows exactly how to select these stunning faces wrapped up in colorful clothes, surrounded by a balance between clean and grungy aesthetics. She told me there’s some more cool stuff coming up, but before we delve into that, let’s have a lil convo with Juliane herself.

Can you introduce yourself?

My name is Juliane Falk and I’m a 23 year old photographer from Amsterdam.

How long have you been a photographer?

I followed an education in photography for four years and after that I started freelancing fulltime. I’ve been doing freelance work for a little more than three years now.

What camera do you use to take photo’s with now, and why that certain type of camera?

I now use a Canon 5D mark 3 because it gives you beautiful results.

What made you come up with the idea of photographing?

During high school I had to do a mini-internship. I googled some creative professions and the profession photographer popped up. Thereafter, I did an internship at an independent photographer in Rotterdam. She was in her twenties and already had her own business. She had really exciting projects and nice clients every day. After that experience, I decided to study photography at Grafisch Lyceum in Rotterdam.

Did the Grafisch Lyceum help you a lot after you graduated?

Hmm haha, I surely did gain a lot of experience, but I learned the most during my one year internship at Richard Terborg. The study was sometimes quite long-winded. Nowadays you can make it pretty far without an education.

A while ago you were working in Paris, which must feel like a little holiday. Do you bring your camera everywhere?

It kind of depends on which job I have. For instance I did a job for Nike where I had to follow bloggers for three days long. In that case, I always have my camera with me. When I have a ‘normal shoot’ I leave my camera at the hotel when I don’t necessarily need it.

When you work together with, for instance, a model that you already know or a good friend, how do you handle their criticism and how direct are you when it comes to giving feedback?

I often photograph people I already know and a lot of the models have become friends overtime. I think giving feedback is a lot easier when you already know that person because both persons know they can tell each other when something bothers them.

What is needed for you to establish a collaboration?

Some type of connection or understanding. You have to be on the same page to start working together.

If you had to come up with one person with whom you really want to collaborate, who would it be?

Rihanna!

What does a model need to get your attention? How do you scout your models?

You need to have an interesting appearance, not just a pretty face. Most of the times I scout my models through Instagram. I have a file on my laptop in which I write down the names when I come across a cool model. When I’m looking for a model for a shoot this is the first file I go through.

In your eyes, what skills do you need to have to become a succesful photographer?

When you’re a photographer it’s really important to make people feel at ease and create a nice environment during a shoot. If you don’t do this it will always shine through in your photo’s.

What do you think are your strengths and how do they help you as a young creative?

I think one of my strong points is that I’m capable of bonding with someone quite quickly and make them feel at ease, one of my weaknesses is that I could be a little more business-oriented sometimes.

How do you feel about the evolution of technology in the fashion and photography industry?

I’m a real fan of new technology and love taking a look at the newest cameras.

What influence did the internet have on your career?

The internet has a really big influence on my career. My Instagram kind of became my portfolio and through that a lot of people visit my website. This brings in a lot of new jobs. Without the internet I wouldn’t know how to promote my work.

Where do you see yourself in five years?

I still see myself as an independent photographer, maybe even with a couple of employees. One thing I know for sure is that I will be traveling a lot for big assignments.

What is your advice to everyone starting their own business?

To work really hard, to take risks and to not shy away from small numbers when you just start off! These are the things I always try to tell my interns.

Do you want to see more of her work? Check it out here!