@maschalinka and @milortensia are two streams that relate to each other, complement each other and exchange ideas. How does that happen?
We are sisters and best friends, we have the same interests and preferences. That's why we usually go out together and now even share a camera. We have several, but somehow we always end up taking only one with us. In the end, experience shows that the subjects are similar and we also look for subjects in which one of us is in the photo and can therefore be the best model for the other. That's always very practical. Sometimes we post the same photos because we have a little rule that you can post the pictures you took yourself and the ones in which you can see yourself. Of course, this sometimes overlaps and definitely makes the connection between our two Instagram profiles clearly visible.
Two sisters who work together very closely – does that always work out or do they sometimes argue?
Because of the sharing of the camera, there is actually a bit of a fight now and then, if you can call it that. One of them claims that it was her picture, but the other is "sure" that it was hers, etc. But in the end, it doesn't really matter. We're sisters, after all, and we're happy for the other one to have almost anything. We've actually thought about doing something together from time to time. That would be really great.
What fascinates you about the mountains?
We grew up in the middle of Germany in a hilly landscape, but even as children we went to the mountains with our parents from time to time. And now that we live in the middle of the city, we really enjoy using the weekends to get out of the city. Luckily, it's not that far from Munich. It's always a bit like taking a deep breath and recharging your batteries for everyday city life. The landscape in the mountains is so varied, depending on the altitude, whether there is a lake nearby or what time of year. And then you stand there between these majestic peaks. It's great. But what we like best is standing up at the summit and looking into the distance. At snow-covered peaks, into valleys or at clouds. It's the best feeling and you forget every strenuous step of the climb.
The quote by François Lelord describes our fascination with the mountains very well: “Happiness is a good hike in the midst of beautiful, unknown mountains.”
You are fans of wanderlust, so you are often surrounded by the best natural scenery – describe what a typical shoot looks like for you, is it a spontaneous coincidence, an inspiration or do you plan it precisely?
We don't go out into nature for the photos, but rather the other way around. We go out into nature because we feel good there. The photos then simply capture the beautiful moments and motifs. It's actually always very spontaneous. Of course we think about where we could go, but then when we get there we just let nature and the scenery have an effect on us and inspire us. You see a boulder that someone could stand on or something like that. And you can't plan what nature looks like. We leave it all to nature itself.
How did you get into photography and eventually Instagram?
We have always loved taking photos. It started with the first small analogue children's cameras in primary school and then with photo shoots in our teenage years with friends. It was mainly through travelling, now with a DSLR camera, that we discovered our love of photography. We discovered Instagram some years ago through an acquaintance. But we never thought back then that it would become our favourite social network and so popular. We use Instagram as a place for inspiration in terms of photography. Nothing more and nothing less.
What do you like to photograph most?
We used to love our kittens and the odd still life, but now we really prefer beautiful landscapes. Mountains, sea... Germany or somewhere else. It doesn't matter. Next we would like to ask friends if they would be willing to let us take portraits. But then we would prefer to do it outside in the middle of a beautiful landscape.
What camera equipment do you take with you on your mountain tours?
We are pretty frugal and only take the bare essentials with us. Usually that's just our Canon 50d, nothing else. We're not that technically savvy - much more important to us than having the perfect equipment is an eye for beautiful subjects in combination with great locations. And then capturing the moment.
How far would you go for a good photo?
Phew, that's a difficult question... sometimes you climb up little ledges or something to get a really good photo. So every now and then we do take a little risks. But we're probably pretty balanced.
What was your best photo experience and why?
Once two years ago we were together in the Atacama Desert in Peru. When the sun set at the end of the dunes, that was one of the most beautiful photo experiences we had together. Sand hills as far as the eye could see and every few minutes the colors and light of the sunset changed. Sometimes you know that it is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that will never come again and then you almost go crazy because you want to take the best photos to capture what it feels like.
And finally: mountains or sea? Which captivates you more?
You can definitely hear that... mountains. The sea is vast and infinitely beautiful and we really like being there. But the mountains are so diverse, fascinating and majestic that they impress us more.
