Picture title: The owls birch © Anton Trexler | NPOTY 2023 Runner-Up | Category Youth
Behind the Lens: Anton Trexler
…What inspires you to photograph? Are there specific themes, locations, or people that particularly intrigue you?
“I’ve been fascinated by photography since I was a kid, maybe around 11, I’m not entirely sure when it really clicked for me. My parents didn’t guide me in this, so I learned everything on my own, mostly through…
Name: Anton Trexler
Age: 19 – Anton just celebrated his birthday a week after this interview
Occupation: I’m about to start studying Psychology at the University of Cologne.
Current residence: Wiesbaden, Germany
Social media: Website – Instagram
Behind the Lens: Anton Trexler
What inspires you to photograph? Are there specific themes, locations, or people that particularly intrigue you?
“I’ve been fascinated by photography since I was a kid, maybe around 11. I’m not entirely sure when it really clicked for me. My parents didn’t guide me in this, so I learned everything on my own, mostly through the internet. My photography friends live far away, and we mostly stay in touch online.
I’m now leading the Youth Department at the German Community of Photography. Together with friends, we get inspired by other photographers on Instagram and other platforms. We organize competitions where awards are given, based on nine submitted photos. It’s incredibly inspiring to see how different people express their creativity.
I’m mostly interested in capturing the most authentic, natural look. So far, I’ve focused entirely on photographing in Germany. So many options and challenges to be found here!”
“Friends” © Anton Trexler
Description: When I was 15 years old, I took the train one hour to the south to visit a nature reserve where I could photograph birds. Known from Instagram I met a friend there, which was also my age. We spent some hours photographing when we suddenly discovered, how the starlings grouped on the electric lines. As one of 500 taken photos from this situation this was my result, which was also my first international success.
* Colorado environment competition – Youth winner 2021
How did you come to know about NPOTY and/or Nature Talks?
“I found out about NPOTY (Nature Photographer of the Year) through friends. It’s one of the top five photography competitions I participate in, and it’s really significant in the world of nature photog-raphy.”
Why did you think your submitted photo could be the contender for NPOTY? Can you tell us the story behind your submitted photo? What makes this photo special to you?
“When submitting my photo, I thought a lot about what might catch the jury’s eye. I’m always curious about the psychology behind their choices. Do they focus more on aesthetics, or are they drawn to cultural significance? I try to anticipate that when selecting a photo.
For me, every photo tells a story. My submission was special because I believed it conveyed more than just a beautiful image. It had deeper meaning.”
“Situations” © Anton Trexler
Description: One morning, I knew the red moon would rise around 5 AM, so I headed to a plateau where I’d have a clear view. While waiting, I came across a blackbird singing. I found the perfect angle and captured the shot with the moon in the background.
* Glanzlichter der Naturfotografie – Youth Winner 2023
How did you prepare for this photoshoot? Do you have a specific workflow or checklist that you followed?
“Preparation for this particular photo involved daily observation. Every day, I would bike to school and keep an eye on a long-eared owl perched in a tree along my route. I kept trying to capture the perfect moment, experimenting with long shutter speeds. I had to return several times to get the right shot – often dealing with the owl’s eyes being closed – but eventually, I got the photo I was after.”
Could you share some of your other favourite photos with us? Or a specific moment when a photo evoked a powerful emotion in you while taking it?
“Of course! I have many other photos that are close to my heart, and each one has a unique story. Some of these images evoke strong emotions that I felt while capturing them. I’m happy to share with you my award winning pictures. “
How would you describe your photographic style? Are there certain techniques or approaches that are characteristic of your work?
“I’d say my photographic style is still evolving, but I always focus on emotion. I’m constantly thinking about the feeling I want to convey with each image. It’s not just about capturing a scene; it’s about expressing an emotion that resonates with people.”
“Cities” © Anton Trexler
Location: Alexanderplatz Berlin, Germany
Description: I made several trips to Berlin to photograph foxes, but I found Alexanderplatz even more fascinating during the day. The starlings there lead their urban lives, interacting with the 500,000 people who pass through the square daily.* GDT Nature photographer of the year – Youth Winner 2022 & Asferico Concorso – Youth Winner 2022
What challenges do you (often) encounter while photographing and how do you deal with them?
“I’m definitely a perfectionist. Whenever I take a photo, I ask myself: Does this capture the emotion I want? If not, I’ll consider taking another shot. I’ve even scrapped technically good photos because they didn’t convey the right feeling. For me, the emotion is more important than technical perfection.”
How important is post-processing for your work? Can you tell us about your image editing and retouching process?
“Post-processing is incredibly important to me. A RAW photo is just a record of the moment. It’s through editing in Lightroom and Photoshop that I add the color, emotion, and life that I envisioned when I took the shot.”
Are there specific projects or collaborations that you are particularly proud of? What made these experiences so memorable?
“I’ve recently started doing event photography to earn some extra income. I plan to continue this while studying psychology in Cologne, hopefully covering about 20% of my income with photography. It’s something I’m proud of because I’ve managed to combine my passion with work.”
Do you engage in photography full-time, or do you have other activities from which you derive your daily income?
“Right now, I balance photography with my studies, and event photography helps supplement my income. I hope to continue this while attending university.”
“Light” © Anton Trexler
Location: Apnnenin Mountains, Italy
Description: When I was visiting the award ceremony in Italy of Asferico Concorso 2022, I spent one more day in the Apnnenin Mountains to look for the chamois. Luckily I found one, when the sun set over the village and burned the threes surrounding me into orange fire.* GDT Nature photographer of the year – 2. Place Youth 2023 & Montphoto – Youth Winner 2023
How do you stay inspired and continue to develop yourself as a photographer? Are there sources or activities that you regularly use to remain creative?
“For me, creativity doesn’t come only from photography. It’s more like an energy that’s spread everywhere. Recently, I started learning the guitar, and even though it seems totally unrelated, it helps me feel emotions more deeply and understand art in different forms. If we follow the flow of life, creativity will naturally happen.”
What equipment do you enjoy using and why? Do you have a preference for certain lenses, cameras, or accessories?
“I tend to go for budget-friendly lenses. I often buy them second-hand, even if they have minor defects. It’s a more affordable way to keep shooting. Accepting its minor defects makes my photography challenging and satisfying at the same time. I like using zoom lenses like the 24-70mm and 70-200mm. I’m not particularly interested in macro photography, but I do use a tripod when needed.
“Community 1” © Anton Trexler
Location: My garden in my hometown Wiesbaden, Germany
Description: When my friend Felix visited me during the summer holiday, we spent the night quietly sitting in my garden, waiting until 4 AM to capture the perfect moment with the camera. I’ve been photographing garden dormice in my hometown near Frankfurt for years, and I’ve spent countless evenings watching these little, hyperactive creatures as they climb down from my attic just as the city begins to fall asleep.* WPOTY – Highly commended 2023
If you could give one tip to another photographer, what would that tip be?
“My advice would be to start by photographing your local surroundings and focus on a single subject. But that’s just the surface level of the advice 😉
When I started photography at 11, I never thought about making money or becoming successful. If I had, I don’t think it would have happened the way it did. I took photos simply because I was addicted to it. I was passionate, and the only reason I kept going was that I couldn’t resist the urge to go out and shoot – whether it was during holidays or even early in the mornings before school.
I believe that if you truly love what you’re doing, greatness will follow naturally. That’s the most important thing. Don’t put pressure on yourself. And if it doesn’t turn out to be “great”, that’s okay! The time you spent doing something you love is always worthwhile. That, I believe, is what truly matters. Don’t let the pressure of success take the fun out of your passion.”
“Community 2” © Anton Trexler
Location: My garden in my hometown Wiesbaden, Germany
Description: When my friend Felix visited me during the summer holiday, we spent the night quietly sitting in my garden, waiting until 4 AM to capture the perfect moment with the camera. I’ve been photographing garden dormice in my hometown near Frankfurt for years, and I’ve spent countless evenings watching these little, hyperactive creatures as they climb down from my attic just as the city begins to fall asleep.
