Exclusively Fashion Magazine: Tell me a little about your journey as a fashion photographer from when you began until now?

Eva Mueller: It was a blue eyed journey.  I really got into photography after my move from Germany to New York.  I was a graphic designer then but always looked at photography.  So when I finally arrived in New York, I knew I was in the right place to make the transition.  I took classes and workshops, but mainly taught myself.  I started out with a small job for the Village Voice for their fashion pages.  It was all clear bags and I was very excited. I started to get more work from record labels as well and ended up living part time in London where I worked a lot.  Also the fashion magazines there were much more cutting edge than here and I had a great time.  They would let me do anything.

In the last few years I started to shoot more nudes and abstract stuff and less fashion.  Te magazines don't pay anymore, but they tell you what type of model to use and which designers, so it's much more restrictive than it used to be.  Considered the short shelf life of a fashion magazine, people put a lot of work into a shoot they have to pay for themselves. 

EFM:  What is your typical day like?

EM: There is no such a thing as a typical day.  The most boring it gets when I have a lot of work to do on the computer and I'm in front of the screen all day.  Apart from that each day is different.  I try to travel as much as possible and started shooting portraits of the locals.  This week I'm working on a fashion editorial and I have to edit a whole lot of my abstract work which will go to a few different agencies who are specialized in that type of work.

EFM: What gives you inspiration?

EM: Anything, things I see when I travel or move around, talking to people, art in particular.  I like contemporary art a lot.  There are amazing and inspiring people out there.  I watch films or go to an exhibition to get inspired.

EFM: What do you do in your spare time?

EM: I shoot nudes or abstract stuff and I go clubbing once in a while.  I have many DJ friends and love supporting them while bouncing around on the dance floor.

EFM: How do you prepare for a photo-shoot?

EM: Depends, sometimes I go unprepared and let things happen on the spot.  If it's a more conceptual or technical shoot like the projections, I have a long list of things I have to bring.

EFM: Do you think that it's hard to become a fashion photographer?

EM: Yes and no.  Yes, because it's easier because anyone can afford the necessary equipment. Good cameras and computers are cheaper than ever, no, because there is more competition than ever and all the gear is just a tool in the end.  You still have to have the eye but not only that, having connections is always better than not having them.  That was always the case, unfortunately.

EFM: What skills do you have to have in order to become a fashion photographer?

EM: You have to have a good eye for style, the ability to choose the right model and the right team in order to create an image that lasts.  Very often people work for their own purpose and forget that it's all a team effort.  And being able to talk and convince people why they should work with you always help.

EFM: What is your favorite camera to use?

EM: Right now I'm shooting with the 5D Mark II and I love it.

EFM: Describe your style as a photographer?

EM: Graphic, simple, fun....

EFM: What is the best thing you like about being a photographer?

EM: You meet so many interesting people all the time, and they even take their clothes off, if I ask them to. ; )

EFM: What would you consider your most favorite photo-shoot?

EM: That's a tough one. I love shooting on location because there is more room for spontaneity. I like when the unexpected happens.  The very technical shoots can look very rewarding but its hard work to get there.

Every shoot is so different.  One of my favorite ones was one in White sands New Mexico. Absolutely magical, and all the ingredients were right, so the results were amazing as well.

EFM: What tips can you give to take a great photo?

EM: There are 2 ways. One way is, know your light and your equipment.  The more you know what you're doing the better the quality of the image will be, on the other hand if you see something and capture in at the right moment, it doesn't matter if it’s a point and shoot or a bog camera, but you better get the exposure right!

EFM: What advice can you give to aspiring photographers?

EM: Shoot what you want to shoot.  Pursue your style the way it feels right to you.  Don't let people tell you what to do.  If you try to please people you lose yourself.  You have to be persistent and don't give up, but always try to have as much fun as possible while you shoot. It transpires into your work.

www.evamueller.com