Where are you from?
Usually the answer to this question is pretty straight forward, but in our case it needs a few more words than just a country of origin. Olja was born in Siberia, Russia, but grew up in Crimea. She moved to the south of Germany 14 years ago and she has German citizenship because she has German roots. I was born in Ireland but grew up in the Canary Islands, in Tenerife to be specific. I have both Spanish and Irish citizenship.
How did you two meet and how long have you already been together?
We met in Switzerland in 2011 while doing an internship for the same company in online marketing. It's an interesting story because we both actually lived together before we were a couple. This company had an apartment for interns who were coming from abroad and that's how we started living together and working together. This past July was our 6th anniversary. It's crazy how time flies and we often can't believe everything we have managed to achieve and everything we've been through together.
How did you find yourself in Berlin?
We moved to Berlin together in 2012 because we both had always wanted to move to the German capital. We started to work for different companies and after a while we realized that it was time to do something we were passionate about for a long time - photography. That's why we decided to start our studies in photography in Berlin.
When did each of you individually realise you were interested in photography and wanted to pursue it professionally?
I think we had both always been interested, though we never thought it would become our profession. As a child I used to watch documentaries and really loved nature and wildlife photography (still do). I obviously went in a completely different direction, but I think I had always been interested in photography in general, but just saw it more as a hobby. Olja wanted to start a photography degree right after finishing high school, but to study photography you need to go to a private University and it was pretty expensive. She decided to go to a public university and to study business administrations instead. While studying she thought a lot about her actual dream and once she was done she decided to pursue photography in Berlin after all. I mean if not now, then when, right? Since we both wanted to change something, we decided to trust our gut. The change of paths wasn't easy and our families and friends didn't really get why we had to get a bank loan to study again, especially an art degree, and not just work. Still, our families supported our decision and with time understood that it was the right one for us.
How has your photographic style developed?
As I said earlier I was really interested in wildlife and documentary photography, we also did workshops in Vietnam and New York three years ago, we both enjoyed taking pictures of people on the street and document it, but somehow I think our styles developed with time when shooting and working on different projects and University assignments. Without even being aware of it, you end up finding some kind of direction and approach in your images. Seeing a lot of work from other photographers and artists also shapes your own work. We both started enjoyed more and more staged and fashion photography. You can also check my photography posts about it here and here.
If you are interested in developing your own style, we would suggest to check out museums, galleries and different kinds of magazines, not just one specific genre, since everything can help you get new inspiration and a fresh approach.
I have two questions, first one is about the creative process behind your work, when do you know where to stop ( I'm talking about post process ) knowing that it's an important step in content creation, I've been working on some stuff lately and it seems like I'm struggling to know where to say ok, it's done...
I think it's very personal and it depends a lot on what you want to achieve or what kind of editing you are usually going for. I think the line between it's done or I'm almost there can be a bit a thin one, so we totally understand where you are coming from. In our case the editing is of course important, but it's not the most important thing. You do need the right edit in order to make a good picture an even better one. I think with time, after editing a lot and trying out different things out you eventually find the right one for you and your work. I think knowing when to stop happens intuitively. Often the same picture could have different edits and still work, so it really is a matter of taste. If when you look at it you think it's already there, then it probably is. Just give it a try and see how you feel about it later on when reviewing it again.
Which was your first camera? What lenses do you shoot with?
Olja's first camera was a Canon 60D which she bought right after she finished the internship where we both met. We started taking pictures with this camera for fun whenever we travelled. Right before we started our studies in Photography back in 2013, I bought myself a Canon 5D Mark III which we both have been using since then. Since we bought the 35mm 1.4 from Canon last year, this is usually the lens we shoot with. We also sometimes use a Canon 85mm 1.8.
How do you edit your photos?
Our editing system is pretty basic or at least we think it is. We always edit raw files in Lightroom: colour and light correction if needed, a little grain, sharpness, contrast and then for Instagram we use the VSCO app. Editing can be a lot of fun, and it's good to play around and try out new things to find out about what works best for you. There is a lot of people on Instagram who try to copy what others are doing. We think it's better to find your own style and not just copy what others are doing.
Do you use natural light and/or studio light?
We both usually only shoot with available light, both outdoors and indoors, even when at the studio. We just love that natural feel that you get and like the fact that available light cannot be controlled and is always different, the mood you can achieve is unique. We have shot with studio light for work and depending on what you want to achieve one or the other could be the best option.
How do you shoot your videos in a blurry format?
We got so many questions about this. For the vintage and blurry videos we use an app called 8mm, but you can also look for other VHS apps and choose your favourite.
What are your tips and tricks to be an Instagrammer?
I don't know if there are any tricks, but we would suggest to be active and post regularly. Also to be consistent with your content. I think Instagram works well for people who choose a topic, approach, idea and stick to it. It's good to check out accounts which are related to the kind of content you are producing for inspiration to give you ideas and get your started. We hope that helps.
If you were not a photographer (of course you are one of the best!) What do you think you would do?
First of all thank you so much for the sweet words! That's a tough question to be honest. While I was studying my previous degree in Spain I was actually interested in creating logos and corporate identities for brands. I found it very creative and really enjoyed it. I like playing around with ideas and the photoshop tools. Though I didn't really do it a lot I worked a bit with logos at an internship I did in Madrid right before I moved to Germany. It was fun!
Olja would definitely do something in design and fashion and she also likes interior design, so who knows :)
How did u guys start blogging and did you have any inspiration?
Olja started her first blog around the time we started with our photography studies, but because of University and part-time jobs there was never really enough time to work on it properly. We tried to organise ourselves and find more time for Instagram and the blog in our free time, but it wasn't easy. With time we decided that it shouldn't only be our hobby and wanted to take it more seriously. We both started getting more and more work so we decided to take the risk and quit our part-time jobs to do this full-time. It wasn't an easy decision to start a second degree in photography four years ago since we both had already studied previously, but we wanted a change and to go in a more creative direction. You have to trust yourself and your feelings and also ask yourself what it is that you want and where it is that you want to go. If you want to change something in your life, you should definitely do it, there's always a way. Inspiration is everywhere, on social media, on the streets, at museums and in art books. We both find inspiration everywhere, especially when traveling. We are always looking forward to going somewhere new and to getting new inspiration.
Olja is very beautiful but why she's hiding her face on almost all of the photos? I guess it's part of your style (obviously)
Olja never planned to become a blogger, it just happened and perhaps for a reason. She is actually a shy girl and to be in front of the camera was not always comfortable for her, but she is changing this and seeing this as an opportunity to be more open and more comfortable with herself. The photos of her on Instagram have actually helped her to gain more confidence in herself. To show herself more and more has definitely been a challenge. To be able to grow as a person sometimes you just have to get out of your comfort zone in your own way.
As to my photos, in the beginning it wasn't really a conscious decision. Somehow I was more attracted to this, I thought it was more mysterious and that it could make others relate to the feeling or mood more easily as anyone could be part of the story. Portraits are usually all about the person you are photographing, in my case it's not just about that, it's also about myself, my world, but at the same time our world. Some people that told me that perhaps my intention was to keep part of Olja's identity to myself, instead of giving it to the viewer right away. This actually made a lot of sense. This is my artwork and it's nice to keep a part of it private, in a way I think it's more intimate and personal.
Can you tell us more about the time you lived in Korea?
There is so much that can be told. We did a blog post about Seoul and our time there, check it out here, but if you guys have more specific questions about this country or living there, please let us know in the comments below.
What was your favorite Memory together?
We met in the summer of 2011 at Lake Constance. It's such a beautiful place during that time of the year. We have great memories of that time. Spending time at the lake, going for walks and just getting to know each other. We made already so many memories together all over the World, but you know how we met to be exactly at the right place at the same time, we both are really greatful for this and love to think about these times.
What's a tradition or routine you two have together?
Our traditions and routines usually include some healthy food. Either going to a café to enjoy a smoothie bowl and avocado toast, or just preparing avocado toast and drinking tea at home. Breakfast is our favourite meal. When we travel, finding a good place for breakfast is important to us. This will be the biggest meal of the day and keeps us going and working all day.
Another routine is that when we have some time in the evenings we enjoy watching a movie together. Olja doesn't know many movies, but I've seen many and I usually know what is out there so it's my job to find the movies for us to watch. I really enjoy watching movies again and again and I actually really enjoy re-watching a movie that she hasn't seen because it feels like we are enjoying it for the first time together.
Do you want children in the future?
Yes, we both love children and will definitely want a family at some point.
Do you speak french?
No, we don't speak French. Olja speaks Russian, English and German and I speak Spanish, English and German. We actually speak German to each other even though it's not our mother tongue.
Where are you guys travelling to next?
This past month was pretty busy, but right now we have no plans. We love Berlin in summer, but it's really depressing in winter time, so we hope to go somewhere warm for a little while. Two years ago we spent three months traveling in Bali and Thailand. Do you guys have any suggestions?
I always liked your long brim hats, can you tell me where to find them?
I have two hats, a black one and a dark green one. They are from the Australian brand Lack of Color. Unfortunately they don't have these models anymore, but they have many other different hats.
If you guys have any other questions, feel free to ask them in comments below.
Mauricio & Olja
Ребята, к сожалению, вопросов на русском было очень мало, поэтому отвечаю только на них! Остальное смотрите выше на английском, если вдруг интересно узнать больше.
Оля, спасибо Вам за возможность познакомиться поближе. Мне интересно, как вы познакомились с любимым? Где родились и раньше жили? В каком уни учились?
Я родилась в Омске, но когда мне был годик, родители переехали в Крым. Именно там я выросла, а в мои 14 лет мы всей семьей переехали в Германию и вот уже в ноябре будет ровно 14 лет, как я живу здесь. В Германии я всегда жила и училась на юге, в небольшом городке на границе с Францией и Швейцарией, там же я поступила после школы в экономический университет. Во время учебы проходила полугодовую практику в Швейцарии в фирме по онлайн-маркетингу и вот именно там, 6 лет назад, я познакомилась с Маурисио. Он тогда учился в Испании и тоже проходил практику в этой же фирме. Самое интересное, что наша фирма, где мы проходили практику, предоставила квартиру для практикантов и, так получилось, что перед тем как мы решили быть парой, пол года были с Маурисио соседями, жили под одной крышей вместе с другими ребятами из Франции и Германии, просто были друзьями. После практики мы оба вернулись домой, я в Германию, а Маурисио в Испанию, чтобы закончить учебу. После окончания мы вместе переехали в Берлин и оба решили начать новую учебу, а именно бакалавра по фотографии. Я хотела учиться фотографии сразу после школы, но тогда не было возможности, и, так получилось, что я пошла на экономику, благодаря чему познакомилась с Маурисио :) В итоге, после окончания уни, была возможность работать по полученной профессии и уже даже было место, но... я решила "если не сейчас, то когда идти к своей мечте". Вот таким образом мы оказались в Берлине и до сих пор здесь живем и сейчас заканчиваем учебу по дизайну и фотографии. Сейчас я с уверенностью могу сказать, что это было самым верным решением и хорошо, что я себя тогда смогла услышать.
Расскажите о том как вы познакомились, вашу историю. Как ты переехала в Германию, как выучила англ.,немецкий. Секрет того, как начать заниматься тем что нравится.
Насчет переезда в Германию: у меня немецкие корни по папиной линии, поэтому переехать в Германию для нас не было проблемой, тем более, что большинство родственников уже давно жили здесь. Мне только исполнилось 15 лет и я совсем не знала языка. Переезд получился спонтанным, поэтому пришлось учить язык уже в Германии и, честно скажу, это было непросто. Сложно сразу попасть в немецкую школу и не понимать языка, а найти общий язык с немецкими ребятами и влиться в их круг было еще сложнее. Позади много слез и много ночей с учебниками, заучиванием всего наизусть при этом не понимая даже половины, но все это уже пережито и, раз так получилось, значит так надо было. Такие ситуации многому учат, понимаешь и смотришь на вещи другими глазами. Если вы хотите выучить новый язык, для этого надо терпение и время, а у меня его почти не было, мне нужно было как можно быстрее освоится и влиться в учебу. Если вы учитесь на родном языке, это счастье, цените это и используйте это время, чтобы учить другие языки без давления, а просто постепенно наслаждаясь процессом! Насчет английского - после переезда в Германию я учила только немецкий и это была главная цель, поэтому английским я почти не занималась. Но когда 6 лет назад я познакомилась с Маурисио (а он по национальности на половину испанец и на половину ирландец), его немецкий был чуть лучше моего английского, поэтому мы общались на смеси немецкого и английского, и со временем благодаря общению с ним и его семьей, а так же фильмам на английском, которые мы всегда смотрим вместе, мой английский становился лучше и лучше. Сейчас я могу на нем общаться без проблем, но иногда делаю конечно же ошибки. Очень хочу пожить в англоговорящих странах, чтобы закрепить язык, кто знает может быть когда-нибудь это получится :)
Как начать заниматься тем, что нравится?
Хм.. Все зависит только от вас самих! Задайте себе вопросы: "Насколько сильно мне хочется этим заниматься? Какой первый шаг нужно сейчас сделать к своей мечте?" Если ты чувствуешь, что что-то нужно менять, не надо боятся! Если что-то отпускаешь в жизни, открывается сразу новая дверь, путь к чему-то новому. Если хочешь изменений, то обязательно нужно сделать первый шаг, что-то отпустить, чтобы эта дверь открылась. Очень важно прислушаться к себе, поверить в свои силы и не оглядываясь идти вперед. Мне очень помогли книги Ронда Берн: "Тайна", "Магия", "Сила". Если до сих пор их не читали, очень советую, и есть хорошая книга Джерри Хикс называется "Отношения и Закон притяжения." Еще я писала несколько постов в блоге для вдохновения: Inspirational quotes for everyday, 15 ideas to feel happier, How to be happy today!
Чем любите заниматься в свободное время?
В свободное время обожаю просто гулять пешком. Это мое любимое занятие - просто идешь и наслаждаться прогулкой, не надо никуда спешить и ни о чем думать, и независимо в каком я городе - Берлин, Париж, Лос-Анджелес или просто красивый небольшой городок.
Какой Ваш самый любимый город, где бы вы хотели остаться жить навсегда?
Сложный вопрос, который мы кстати задаем себе очень часто и до сих пор не нашли ответа. Я люблю Берлин, он "удобный", недорогой и очень атмосферный город и, на данный момент, нам здесь уютно, но это не тот город, в котором бы я хотела остаться жить навсегда. Я просто обожаю Нью-Йорк, Лондон и Париж и точно не отказалась бы пожить в этих городах какое-то время, но тоже не навсегда. Надеюсь когда-нибудь отвечу себе на этот вопрос и найду свой город. Кстати, любите ли вы ваш город? Или хотелось бы куда-то переехать? Рассказывайте, какие ваши любимые города?
Какую программу для обработки сториз в стиле tv 80-x используете? Очень уж нравится!
App называется 8mm (по-моему он платный, если я не ошибаюсь).
Веганы ли вы? И как этому пришли?
Сразу скажу - мы не веганы, но стараемся питаться близко к этому уже три года. Что это значит? Мы не ставим себе никакие рамки, но стараемся питаться по-другому, т.е мы не едим мясо, но очень редко рыбу. Мы не пьем, не едим и не покупаем домой молочные продукты, но если получается так, что нет возможности, например в поездках, найти полностью веганское меню, мы можем съесть пиццу с сыром или например круассан, который испечен на сливочном масле. В общем получается так, что когда мы дома - мы почти всегда как веганы, просто потому что просто обожаем все эти smothies, bowl, свежевыжетые соки, овощи и фрукты, а в Берлине еще так много вкусных и полезных кафешек. Сейчас все больше и больше кафе, где можно найти очень вкусные фавли из гречневой муки с кокосовым йогуртом или салаты из овощей и батата. Мы оба очень любим зелень, фрукты, овощи, пьем много свежих соков. Еще мы стараемся покупать organic / bio продукты или фрукты, которые не содержат химии. В общем как-то так. Если у вас еще какие-то вопросы на эту тему, спрашивайте в комментариях.
Кстати, если хотите узнать еще немного обо мне, прочитайте вот этот пост! Спасибо огромное за ваши вопросы, если я еще что-то забыла, спрашивайте в комментариях ниже.
Обнимаю,
Оля
