It is truly astounding, when you stop to think about it, how humankind has changed the face of the earth through its extensive interventions on the natural landscape. In his Untitled series, 28 year-old Austrian photographer Sebastian Reiser explores the traces of the human presence in several locations across Europe.

Hello Sebastian, thank you for this interview. What are your main interests as a photographer?

For me photography is a good reason to get out and visit interesting places, explore new things, see the world from a different perspective. For example, in many of my recent photos I try to highlight the relationship between nature and men, as made visible by the conspicuous presence of technology built by humans. It is impressive and sometimes bizarre how this looks.

What is Untitled about in particular?

Untitled originated from the photos of special places I visited over the last years. After putting them together, I recognized a pattern in the traces that humans leave behind in the environment.

Where were the Untitled pictures taken?

Croatia, Italy, Slovenia and Austria. But the most photos I took here in Graz, where I live.

Please share with us a bit about your creative process for Untitled.

I never have a concept before I start taking pictures. I rather like to go outside and explore. I already have a huge archive of photos and I am still exploring new things with pictures I have taken years ago, for example. I try to collect pictures which might fit together well. This gives me new ideas and perspectives for my photography.

Mention the skill that you think is most critical in the education of a photographer.

Less thinking, more gut feeling. Trying to find you own language in photography. You will need strength and persistence to do it and follow your own way.

We think not enough people even realize that they can enjoy photography just like they enjoy films or music, and not necessarily as photographers but simply as viewers. What would you tell these people to pique their interest in photography?

Good question. I guess starting to photograph is a good way. Start following photographers you like. Inspiration is one the biggest influence for me and I think I am not the only one.

If you could change or improve one thing about the photography industry, what would it be?

Never let film photography die.

 

Do you have any other passion besides photography?

I started to experiment with video. Maybe this is a next step.

Choose your #threewordsforphotography.

Explore. Feel. Joy.