Capturing Stunning Photographs for Holidays, Family Occasions, and Dating: Insights from a Professional Photographer in Munich
Munich-based portrait photographer Paul Köninger is known for his ability to capture authentic and beautiful portraits. His approach focuses on natural emotion and genuine connection with the subject.
According to Köninger, the key principles for creating stunning portraits include:
- Building Trust and Comfort: Köninger believes that the best portraits emerge when the subject feels relaxed and comfortable. Establishing a friendly rapport helps people open up and express their true selves.
- Natural Light and Minimal Equipment: Köninger often uses natural light and simple setups to preserve the natural look of the skin and environment, avoiding overly staged or artificial effects.
- Observing Subtle Expressions: He pays close attention to small, spontaneous expressions and gestures that reveal personality and mood — these nuances make a portrait feel alive and authentic.
- Being Patient and Present: Rather than rushing, he spends time with his subjects to capture moments that genuinely represent them beyond posed smiles.
- Storytelling through Portraits: Köninger likes to convey the story or essence of the person in his photos, making portraits not just images, but windows into an individual’s character.
In everyday life, Köninger believes that people are overwhelmed with images. He advises against a busy background that distracts from the people in the photo. Instead, he recommends finding a simple, uncluttered setting that allows the subject to stand out.
For group photos, Köninger recommends taking them during a relaxed event when everyone has eaten and is chatting. This helps to capture genuine moments of interaction and connection.
Köninger also emphasizes the importance of not deleting good photos that weren't taken. Every person is photogenic, and it's essential to have a variety of photos to choose from.
When it comes to online dating, Köninger suggests using pictures that show what you enjoy doing. He warns against using filters and photo editing software, as well as avoiding forced or fake smiles, which he refers to as "photo grin."
In his new book, Every Person is Photogenic, published by Edition Sturmauge, Köninger dedicates a chapter to the best photos for online dating. The book is priced at 24.80 €.
Through his work and teachings, Köninger has learned that capturing an individual's personality requires time and the right attitude. By following his principles, anyone can create portraits that are both visually beautiful and deeply authentic.
In his new book, Every Person is Photogenic, Paul Köninger emphasizes that people should use photos on online dating profiles that show their lifestyle and hobbies, rather than using filtered or forced images.
When taking group photos, Köninger advises waiting for a relaxed event such as a home-and-garden party or travel trip to capture genuine interactions and connections.
