LeFu

 

Norbert Schueller is a photographer and media designer from Germany.

„LeFu“ is the pseudonym and brand he created in 2010 to publish his people- and

fashionphotography.
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Which place do you call home?

Actually i am living in the western part of Germany, a small city near Cologne and Düsseldorf. But on my travels i found some great places i have a special connection to: the scottish Highlands, Paris or Lanzarote to name a few.

How did you get into photography?

At the age of 16 i got my first SLR-camera and started with landscape and stilllife photography. During my education for becoming a media designer i had photography lessons too. In late 2009 i bought my first digital DSLR-camera and entered the world of fashion- and modelphotography.

As you look through the viewfinder, what is the most critical moment in capturing your image?

For me who loves to shoot on location, it’s more critical to find the right spot to shoot from. To explore the location and think about possible perspectives. Only after these decisions were made, i start taking pictures.

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How would you describe your style?

Worshipping feminine beauty is the main aspect of my work. I want to take pictures everybody in my team, especially the model, is happy with and

proud of. Exclusiveness is another very important thing. Either it’s the model, my team, the location or other circumstances that make every

shooting unique. Repetitions are boring.

What do you think makes a truly memorable photo?

When the atmosphere on set is special, you can see it in the pictures. We know each of us has someone or something that inspires our life and work.

Can you tell us the true basis of your inspiration?

First of all it’s feminine beauty that inspires me. And the challenge of doing something i have never done before.

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What does fashion mean to you?

Fashion is a significant, more or less obvious part in the world of beauty. It creates and is influenced by things that are chic or not. It’s an art defining, interpreting or rejecting standards.

What’s the craziest/funniest thing that ever happened in one of your shoots?

In 2015 i was keen to shoot swimwear on a well known spot on Mallorca, but the weather was everything but cooperative. Heavy clouds, heavy wind, rain and thunder storm. So we had to adapt to the situation and made some dramatic, extroverted fashion shots. Do to the toughness of my model, we succeeded under these terrible, crazy circumstances and had a good laugh afterwards while drinking some hot tea to warm up again.

What photographers from the past or present have influenced you the most?

Russell James, whom i met in Berlin in 2011 for an interview with FotoTV, was and still is one of the photographers i look up to. Not only his amazing work, but his aura and philosophy impressed and influenced me enormously. Outstanding down-to-earth guy.

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What has been your favorite photo location or session?

Difficult to pick one out of the many great places i have been and the gorgeous, lovely people i was lucky to work with. But working in Cape Town was truely a dream come true.

What type of cameras do you shoot with?

Canon DSLRs, right now 5D MKIII and sometimes PhaseOne.

If you had to choose one lens which one would it be and why?

Canons EF 70-200 2.8 IS II is right now the lens i use the most, because it gives me enough flexibility in creating the „right frame“ on location and is very effective when it comes to compressing and blurring the background. In combination with the 5D Body it also helps combining a shooting with a fitness workout for the upper body. 😉

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Do you prefer flash or daylight?

I prefer to have a flash light on set to have more control over the lighting situation.

What is your favorite photography accessory, other than your camera?

My ipod and some loudspeakers.

How important is Photoshop in your final images?

Besides a powerful RAW-Converter it’s the main tool in my postproduction. It’s essential.

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How important is a website and social media for your business?

It’s very important to use a website and social media platforms to present yourself and to interact very quickly with clients and team members. If you don’t use these „tools“ as photographer nowadays, you simply don’t exist.

Do you listen to music while doing your shooting? If so, what are you playing right now?

I use music in pre- and postproduction to get into the right mood for the projects. If possible, i like music while shooting as well, as long as it brings good energy and does not interfer communication on set. Any kind of music that suits these purposes, is fine for me.

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What advice do you have for somebody who wants to pursue photography?

Stay open-minded to ideas and trends, but don’t follow them all. Experiment as much as possible, know yourself, stay authentic and always respect the individual

infront of your camera. If the model feels comfortable, he or she will trust you and you all will be rewarded with great shots and memorable experiences.

What lies ahead for you?

I just came back from South Africa, but hopefully i can go there again next season. In the meantime i will travel through Europe to meet new or reunite with lovely, creative people for new projects.

LeFu www.futografie.de