Interview With Christian Kleiman From New Zealand

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Christian Kleiman

Christian Kleiman has a knack in aerial photography where he shows perspectives different from what others are used to seeing.

Interview With Christian Kleiman From New Zealand

Interview With The 2022 London Photography Awards Platinum Winner – Christian Kleiman

1Can you introduce yourself and talk about how you got into photography?

I started photography in 2006 when I discovered how to obtain photos from a self-built remote-controlled camera system that I used to hang on a flying parasail towed by my boat.

First I specialized in aerial photography where I started taking pictures from my “flying camera” to other boats in sailing races. When I decided to make a living out of photography I specialized as well in 360 panoramic photography, and by merging these two techniques, aerial and 360, I managed to create 360 aerial panoramic photos which back at that time in 2012, was only developed by just a few photographers.

After service as a professional photographer in aerial photography, immersive photography, and the creation of virtual tours, I moved to New Zealand in 2014 where I’m currently established as a fine art photographer pursuing projects in which I can apply my creative techniques and discover new ways of expression.

Coming from a nautical background, I evolved in an environment surrounded by the sea. Always aware of the complete scene, as far as the eyes can see. This has marked an extraordinary influence in the way I represent my creations which are based on images where you can “see it all”.

2Where did you study photography?
I’m self-taught. I walk on top of many trials and errors.
3Do you remember your first shot? What was it?

My first shots were done at my workshop where I managed all the trial and errors with the remote-controlled servos to trigger the camera and operate its cradle.

I remember my first aerial shot was obtained from a helium balloon to a near roundabout. When I saw the results, I got amazed by the perspective. Only birds had the privilege to get this view as, at that time, drones with cameras didn’t exist.

4What equipment do you use?

- Canon EOS 5DMkIII

- Sigma 8mm fisheye lens

- Manfrotto Tripod

- Manfrotto Panoramic Head

5What do you hope to achieve?
Exposure and recognition.
6What compliment inspired/touched you the most?

“The strength of this work lies in your ability to show us something new or interesting about Paris in a way that we may have never seen before”

- LensCulture Reviewer Feedback –

7What inspires your unique storytelling?

I hope it will awake a different way to perceive reality.

I find that a Tiny Planet can express in a unique and special way as within any landscape another hidden one is unexpected unless the secret of this reality is revealed.

8What THREE (3) words describe your photography style?
Surreal, Fantasy, and Conceptual.
9Congratulations! As the winner of the London Photography Awards, what does it mean for you and your team to receive this distinction?
I feel honored, proud, and humbled.
10How has winning an award developed your career?
It confirms that my work is validated by the best, and it’s a testimony of accomplishment in my career as an Artist.
11What was the best piece of advice you were given starting out, by a mentor or your role model?

Never give up! If you believe in it, sooner or later you will see it for real.

- Napoleon Hill –

12What advice would you give someone who would like to become a photographer today?

For professional photographers: Learn about equipment and software to achieve your mastering. Be aware of your concurrence and mark their highlights as your starting point.

For Fine Art photographers: Express through your images what you like and what moves you. There is no perfect image but there is a perfect expression.

13What is your key to success? Any parting words of wisdom?
One step at a time. Step by step with a clear perspective of what you want to achieve.
14How do you stay in that space of being receptive to new information and knowledge?
By acknowledging and being aware of the constant stream of the universal rhythm of truth.



Winning Entry

Tiny Planet-sur-Seine l 2022

Tiny Planet-sur-Seine

Tiny Planet-sur-Seine covers a series of images that portray a concept of specific locations provoking an awakening to see them differently by…
(Read more at London Photography Awards)


Christian Kleiman

Christian Kleiman has a knack in aerial photography where he shows perspectives different from what others are used to seeing.


Read about this article with Lucia Drietomská from Slovakia, Platinum winner of the 2022 London Photography Awards.

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