Katharina Mikhrin’s imagery: “Most important are the people.”

St. Petersburg-born photographer Katharina Mikhrin has enriched Westend61’s portfolio for more than five years. Depicting interpersonal relationships and emotions is a focus of her work. Other images speak of the self-confidence of strong women. We chatted with her to learn more about her development as a photographer and her sources of inspiration.

Hi Katharina, we’ve already published two interviews with you on our blog. So you’re almost a regular. The last interview was a little while ago. It was at the beginning of the Corona pandemic. In the meantime, the world has changed. What has happened to you since then?

A lot! I’m almost finished with my studies in photography at the FH Dortmund. I also started giving online seminars for aspiring stock photographers and founded a club for women, which now counts around 200 female photographers.

Today we want to talk a little bit about inspiration with you. But first, we want to know why you chose stock photography and Westend61.

I came to stock photography by accident. I didn’t start taking pictures until I was 39. After my first year, I realized I didn’t where photography would take me. I wanted to make money but was brand new to the market—no clients, no budget, two small children at home, and on top we were building our house. Looking back, it was a stressful time, but one thing I knew was that I wanted to work, and I wanted to make money with photography.

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Then I happened to see an ad from Westend61 on Facebook. I took a closer look at the website and thought, “No way, I’m not getting in there.” I compared my skills to the many photographers in the portfolio and didn’t think I was good enough. But – and I’m thankful for it in this case – Facebook ads can be a pain in the ass… and after Westend61 showed up there for the fifth time, I just went for it. They seemed to want it! So, I applied, and after a few days, I already got the acceptance. Since then, my whole life has changed! I am very grateful that Westend61 believed in my potential and my early work.

We had a very good feeling, and you proved us right! One of your productions contains images that can be counted among the more famous ones in the whole Westend61 portfolio. For example, we see your husband holding two sunflowers in front of his eyes while carrying your daughter on his shoulders. For us, this production stands for sustainability above all. What do these images represent for you? How did the production come about?

The picture with the sunflowers is from 2019, so I already had a pretty clear idea of preparing for a photo shoot: I already had images in my head, bought matching clothes, and then created the mood board and concept.

The images from the Sunflower series embody the love of nature and sustainability. The protagonists are in the middle of nature. A second image, perhaps the most famous of mine, I photographed in 2018 in the same field. This picture shows love in the family, fun, and safety simultaneously. By the way, a funny note about these pictures: My university professor is an advertising photographer, and he got my image as a reference for an advertising campaign in Switzerland.

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Then, right away, another question about your images. Which image from your portfolio is your personal favorite?

That is a difficult question because I am very critical of my work. Almost every series in my portfolio has its own story and reminds me of something.
For example, this little series I photographed with my kids, who are my “partners-in-crime,” so to speak, in 2018. I saw a beautiful meadow with daisies from the car. I very quickly decided to photograph there. I already had images in my head: children and daisies – what could be better? At that point, I didn’t know too much about planning and concepts. It was just a gut feeling. That’s how it can work, of course.

The daisies grew everywhere, but they had thorns, and it was also very warm.
For me, these images are metaphors for life. Thorns and daisies growing together are entirely normal. It goes with my favorite motto, “Per Aspera ad Astra – Over rough paths, you reach the stars”; so here, “Through the thorns to the daisies.”

In our first interview in 2018, you were still relatively new to stock photography. Now, four years later, what advice would you give to photographers who want to get into stock photography?

Just start! Keep producing new images, and be patient. Stock photography is diverse. There is a wide range of subjects and areas. You can try everything. If you keep at it, you’ll find your subject.

What inspires you in your work?

Love of people and freedom – but most importantly, people. They inspire me a lot.

Is there a photo that you would like to take one day? If so, which one?

Sure, I would love to repeat my bestseller. There’s another idea I want to realize: a little story about everyday life as it is – maybe with me as the model. I’m sure you’ll see the pictures soon.

And last but not least: We ask all photographers to choose an inspiring photo from the Westend61 portfolio (it can’t be your own) – which one would you like to show us?

I love Antje Merkel’s pictures very much. The picture with the mother and the baby radiates so much love and tenderness. I could watch it on a movie screen—just this picture, for hours.

Thank you, Katharina. As always, it was very comfortable talking to you.