Hi Frank, it is nice to talk to you! Can you first tell us something about yourself? Who are you, where are you from and where do you live now? Tell us something about your personal background.
Hello, I´m Frank, I was born in Stuttgart and still live here. In between I was gone for a short time but not for long. I like my hometown very much. I am married and the father of one daughter. I will soon be middle-aged, but I still feel young and chirpy. In my actual job I work as a media producer in an event agency. The job as a photographer can also be wonderfully combined with that, so I often end up as an event photographer as well.
You are a Digital Creator – what exactly do you do in this profession? When did you discover your passion for photography?
It all started with Instagram, when I had uploaded the first pictures in 2012 and I got feedback from other photographers, my passion was awakened. Two years later I went to my first Insta-meet and connected with other photographers. That was a really nice time. In my actual job I work in the event business and at the same time as a Digital Creator, where I mostly work with local companies and create all types of content.
Your heart clearly beats for Stuttgart! What do you love the most about the city?
Oh yes, Stuttgart is my hometown and my first love. I think the thing I like the most about Stuttgart is that it is so diverse and not too big. There are great views of the city due to its basin location. My friends here are also very important to me.
You even created the hashtag #stuttgartgram and are the admin of the profile @igersstuttgart - what made you create it?
Back then I wanted to tag my Stuttgart pictures accordingly, for a short time I even wanted to rename myself Stuttgartgram, but I thought it should be more of a hashtag for everyone. Today, the hashtag has around 118,000 posts. But at least I have secured the domain stuttgartgram.de.
I came to @igersstuttgart via the many Instameets and since I was always there anyway, I became a member at some point. Today we are still 3 people who take care of the account. Unfortunately, almost none Instameets could take place last two years because of the pandemic, but we hope that we can organise something again in summer. There are already plenty of ideas.
Your Instagram feed is filled with great urban photography and landscape images. How did you develop your style and what do you look for most in your photography?
Like so many things, it doesn't develop overnight, it's a process. In the beginning, you pay attention to the rough stuff and are happy when you have the camera under control, and after a few years you pay attention to the small details. Many friends always ask why I am stopping here… I am constantly scanning my surroundings and training my eye. I pay most attention to including the surroundings in the picture, looking for lines, shapes and colours. For example, when I photograph a person, I try to create a kind of stage that they enter. So, the background plays an important role for me and of course, so does the light.
I think it's important to stay constant but maybe try something different to take the next step. I, for example, find a lot of inspiration in analogue photography, its limitation brings me further in digital photography or even changes the perspective on my photography.
What inspires you and why?
I get a lot of inspiration from other photographers but also from art and film. My photography is often quite graphic, so I feel very secure in graphic design, and I read a lot of books or websites on the subject. I think the biggest source is Instagram, as there are so many creative people with great ideas on there, whom you can learn from a lot for yourself. Travelling and visiting other countries is also a great source of inspiration. In the last two years, I was mainly at home and couldn't travel much, so I tried to get to know my city in a new way and walked around all the districts, looking for new corners and was sometimes successful with that.
Can you tell us a bit about your creative process? Do you try to plan your images in advance or are they more spontaneous shots? Do you edit your images a lot?
I can't really say exactly. I often plan my shoots and go to a location that interests me beforehand and see when the light is best there, for example. Then I come back again and again to get to know the spot better. On the other hand, pictures are often taken by chance, so one of my most important tips is to always have a camera in your bag, even if it's just a "small" version. Then you don't miss spontaneous moments. After taking pictures, I usually edit my pictures. I do this in Lightroom, as I shoot in raw it is always necessary to make a few adjustments. I always straighten the lines / horizon and clean up the image and crop it a bit, often I put a look over it to emphasise the mood of the image.
When and why did you start sharing your pictures on Instagram?
It was in September 2012, when I just wanted to try out Instagram, somehow it was strange to do it so publicly, but through the community I got feedback right away and that motivated me to continue. The exchange and later the meetings with other Instagrammers were also really good and valuable and helped me develop my photography skills.
Do you have a favourite image that you have shared? Can you tell us the story behind it?
Yes indeed, I have always liked the picture of the TV tower.
The picture was taken on my way to work and as is often the case, it was a coincidence that I was in the right place at the right time and, most importantly, that I had a camera with me. The weather was actually really bad, it had just rained, and the clouds were still hanging in the forest and shrouding the TV tower, when suddenly everything cleared up and the weather cleared the tower for the most part. After a few minutes, the moment was already over.
What do you think about your IG community? Do you connect with them a lot and maybe get new ideas that way?
Absolutely, I network a lot on Instagram, ask a lot of questions to people I follow myself but also like to answer questions. I also often arrange to meet up via Instagram to take photos together or to exchange ideas. On my own blog I have a series called "On a roll with...". I meet up with a photographer and we talk and shoot a roll of film together. If you want to have a look, please go here: www.frankhoerner.de/blog. Without Instagram, none of this would be possible.
Can you name some of your favourite Instagrammers who inspire you?
It’s hard to pick the right ones. There are so many, but I'll name 5 Instagrammers who impress me. Their pictures always grab me anew.
@thomas_k for his urban city shots
@pangea and the @germanroamers for their landscape pictures
@benbernschneider for my analogue soft spot and creative streak
@salufi for my romantic side
@corneliusbierer for his Stuttgart pictures
Of course, there are many more that inspire me and it is always difficult to pick out the 5 from such a large community.
Do you still write postcards?
To be honest, very rarely, but in certain moments it's always something special and valuable in the digital age, something analogue like that. I'm always happy when there's a postcard in my letterbox.
Did you know Pickmotion before our cooperation? If so, how did you hear about us?
Yes, I became aware of you via Instagram. When you approached me for a cooperation, I was immediately captivated and was proud to see my motifs on a postcard.
APM-0219 & APM-0218
By now, there are two beautiful Art Posters with motifs by @frankfox13 to discover in our shop - including his favourite picture! We also offer custom-made picture frames in three colours to match! A beautiful decoration for your home or as a gift to your loved ones!
