by Yvette Depaepe 

Brigitte Nietsch's portfolio is very inspiring when it comes to animal photography as well as architecture photography.  Her pictures are convincing because of the high technical level but also because of the wonderful artistic form.  To Brigitte, Photography is passion and pure relaxation.
Thanks for sharing your wonderful work on 1x and for taking the time for this interview, dear friend!  

'Blyth's Hornbill'

Briefly tell us about yourself, your hobbies and other jobs.
I live in Düsseldorf and currently enjoy a well-earned retirement. For many years,
I was in charge of the clerical administration department in a large furniture store.

What first attracted you to photography?
Since 2011, I am almost every day in search for motifs in architecture, in the wild or in the zoo. People already asked me if I was living in the zoo.
For me it has become clear that I love animals and spending a lot of time in the zoo with them. I enjoy watching them, talking with them , all with the intention of  photographing them.
The best moment to photograph animals is in the morning when nobody is in the zoo.
Than you will be rewarded with very special moments: moments to never forget!

'The most beautiful monkey, I know ....'

This Rotschenklige Kleideraffe (Red-crested Duck Monkey) is always the highlight in the Köln zoo for me.  He is the last of his kind living in Europe.

'Photoshoot of Lea and Suria'

Lea likes to show her daughter Suria

'Being mom is not easy'

'he has it on it, like a model ...'

'Color flash for dark days ..'

'silent sepia'

Three years ago, the winter was very cold and the animals were not outdoors.  I decided to try out architecture and abstract photography.  I still have a lot to learn to improve my skills in this category.

'Perfect wave'

'Der Einschlag ...'

'Spiegelungen / reflections

'underway in the underground'

'Underground ...'


I also like to search for my motifs in architecture where light and shades as well as perspective are important.  My photo 'Timetunnel' is a good example and for me, a successful view.

'Timetunnel ...'

'vibrations ...'

What gear do you use (camera, lenses, bag)?
My equipment to photograph animals are a LumixG9 and a Leica DG Vario-Elmar 100-400 mm lens (+ my tripod).
For architecture and abstract photography, I use a Lumixgx8 with an Olympus12-40mm and an Olympus 7-14mm lens.

What is your most important advice to a beginner in Animal Photography and how do you get started?
My advice for beginners: never ever lose your patience because not every shot is successful.  It takes a lot of practice and stamina.  But when it works,look at the result.  This is Ernst, the Mandrill.

'The greeting'

Describe your favourite photograph taken by you and why it is special to you? 
My favourite photo and the beginning of my career is:

'Little dreamer with button eyes'

This little Andean bear was laying at the top of 'his' tree. I thought he was sleeping but when I looked at  the picture on my PC, I saw that he was watching me.

Many thanks to Yvette and the editors who introduced me through this interview.

Brigitte Nietsch