Interview with Daniela Brugger | Fascinating the World with Photography

Hello, I'm Daniela Brugger, and photography has always been a deep fascination of mine. This passion eventually led me to pursue formal training at the Prager Fotoschule (Pfsö) in Linz, where I honed my skills and turned my love for photography into a profession. Capturing the world through my lens allows me to express my creativity and connect with people in a unique and meaningful way. My journey in photography is a blend of lifelong curiosity and dedicated learning, and I'm excited to share my perspective with you through my work.

I studied photography at the Prager Fotoschule (Pfsö) in Linz, Austria. This institution provided me with a strong foundation in both the technical and creative aspects of photography, helping me to refine my skills and deepen my passion for the art form. I completed my studies with a diploma and honours.

Yes, I do remember my first shot! It was of my cat. I was 13 years old when I bought a small camera with my own money, and my cat became my very first subject. That moment marked the beginning of my photography journey, capturing the things I loved most.

I switch between different cameras depending on the project. Sometimes, I even prefer using analog cameras for a more classic and timeless feel. My choice of equipment is always tailored to the specific needs and creative vision of each project.

Lately, I have been focusing more on the human impact on climate change, and I hope to raise awareness through my work. My goal is to use photography as a powerful tool to inspire change and encourage people to think more critically about their relationship with the environment.

The compliment that touched me the most was when someone told me that my photos don’t just capture moments but emotions and stories. They said my work made them feel connected to the subjects in a way they hadn’t experienced before. Knowing that my photography can evoke such deep emotions and create a lasting impact on someone was incredibly inspiring and reaffirmed my passion for what I do.

My unique storytelling is inspired by a deep curiosity about the world and a desire to capture the beauty and complexity of everyday life. I draw inspiration from nature, human emotions, and the subtle details that often go unnoticed. Additionally, the challenges we face as a society, such as climate change and social justice, fuel my passion for creating images that not only tell a story but also provoke thought and inspire change. My goal is to convey a narrative that resonates on both a personal and universal level, encouraging viewers to see the world from a new perspective.

Three words that describe my photography style are: Emotive, thought-provoking, and authentic.

Thank you so much! Winning the European Photography Awards is an incredible honour for me. It’s a validation of the hard work, creativity, and passion I pour into my photography. This distinction motivates me to continue pushing boundaries and telling stories that resonate with people. It’s also a reminder that the effort I’ve put into my craft is recognised and appreciated, which inspires me to keep evolving and exploring new ideas. I’m excited to see where this journey takes me next!

Certainly! The winning work I entered into the 2024 European Photography Awards is titled "0.32m." This project focuses on the impact that glacier melting has on our environment. Specifically, it illustrates how the melting of glaciers, which contributes to a sea level rise of just 0.32 meters, can have drastic and far-reaching effects on landscapes, ecosystems, and communities.

I chose to enter this project because I wanted to shed light on the tangible consequences of climate change, particularly the melting of glaciers—a phenomenon that often feels distant and abstract. By visualising the significant impact of such a seemingly small increase in sea level, I aimed to make the issue more relatable and urgent for viewers. My hope is that this project not only raises awareness but also inspires action to protect our planet before these changes become irreversible.

Winning the award hasn't immediately transformed my career, but it has given me a significant boost in self-confidence and is a great honour. It reassures me that I'm on the right path with my work and motivates me to continue pushing my creative boundaries. This recognition is deeply meaningful to me, and it inspires me to keep pursuing my passion with even greater dedication.

Gideon Mendel - His work, particularly focused on social issues and climate change, has been incredibly influential. Mendel’s powerful series on flooding and the human impact of climate change, such as his "Drowning World" project, inspires me to use photography as a tool for raising awareness about critical global issues. His ability to convey deep empathy and urgency through his images has significantly shaped my own approach to addressing environmental themes in my work.

Dorothea Lange - As a pioneering photojournalist, Lange's powerful images, particularly from the Great Depression, demonstrate the profound impact that photography can have on social awareness and change. Her commitment to capturing the human condition with empathy and honesty is something I deeply admire.

The best piece of advice I was given when starting out was to "shoot with intention." A mentor once told me that every photograph should have a purpose, whether it’s to tell a story, evoke an emotion, or highlight a particular subject. This advice encouraged me to think more deeply about my work, focusing not just on the technical aspects but also on the message and impact of each image. It reminded me that photography isn’t just about capturing what’s in front of the lens, but about conveying a deeper narrative or feeling through the image.

Tell Stories That Matter: Photography has the power to influence and inspire. Use your work to tell stories that are meaningful to you and that can resonate with others. Whether it’s capturing the beauty of everyday life or addressing important social issues, your images can make a difference.

I wouldn’t say I’m truly successful yet, but I’m definitely working hard toward it. The key for me has been persistence, passion, and a willingness to keep learning and growing. I believe that success isn’t just about reaching a destination but about the journey and the continuous effort to improve and create meaningful work.

My parting words of wisdom would be: Stay true to your vision, be patient with your progress, and never lose sight of why you started. Success is often the result of consistent effort and dedication, so keep pushing forward, even when the path is challenging. Every step you take brings you closer to your goals.

By staying curious, open to feedback, and willing to explore new territories, I keep myself receptive to new information and continually evolve as a photographer.

I’d just like to add that photography, for me, is not just about creating beautiful images—it’s about telling stories, capturing emotions, and making a connection with the viewer. I believe that as photographers, we have a unique ability to influence how people see the world, and that’s a responsibility I take seriously.

Also, I’d encourage anyone pursuing a creative path to be patient with themselves and to enjoy the process. The journey of growth and discovery is as important as any final outcome. Don’t be afraid to take risks, make mistakes, and most importantly, stay true to your own vision.

Thank you for the opportunity to share my thoughts and experiences!