A master photographer from Istein, Germany, has developed a unique approach to portrait photography that focuses on making her subjects forget about the camera entirely during shoots. Simone Fischer-Trefzer has now received international recognition for her innovative work with a nomination for the prestigious Luminar Elite Photo Award.
Fischer-Trefzer, who operates her own studio in Istein, specializes in creating perfect moments for special photographs by establishing an environment where her subjects feel completely natural and unaware of being photographed. Her technique involves building such strong rapport with clients that the camera essentially becomes invisible, allowing for authentic, spontaneous captures that reveal genuine emotions and expressions.
The photographer's journey began long before the digital photography revolution transformed the industry. "I've been through the entire era," Fischer-Trefzer explains, reflecting on her extensive career that spans both analog and digital periods. "I worked with those large format cameras - four by five inch view cameras for commercial photography work." These large format cameras, she notes, produced exceptionally detailed negatives that required significant technical expertise to operate effectively.
Fischer-Trefzer's mastery extends beyond just technical camera skills to encompass the complete craft of traditional photography, including the artistry and aesthetic vision required for professional work. Her experience with large format commercial photography has given her a deep understanding of lighting, composition, and the patience required to capture the perfect shot - skills that translate seamlessly to her current approach of making subjects comfortable enough to forget they're being photographed.
The Luminar Elite Photo Award nomination represents a significant milestone in Fischer-Trefzer's career, highlighting how her unique methodology of camera invisibility has resonated with international photography communities. Her work demonstrates that technical proficiency combined with genuine human connection can create photographs that transcend typical portrait photography, capturing subjects in their most authentic states.
