“Women deserve greater visibility in their professions and passions”

Nikon magazine: What were the steps that led to you becoming a professional photographer? 

Heike: I began as a photo lab technician, before studying to become a photo engineer and certified trainer. I was a lecturer at the Cologne University of Applied Sciences, and I’m also an author of camera books, a speaker, moderator and trainer. Now I give back the support I received as a photography coach and mentor.  

Paula: I started to take photos as an escape from my daily routine as a physiotherapist. Then, I registered as a business, alongside my day job, photographing weddings, families and babies. I always felt something was missing – something more meaningful – and I wanted to learn more about the people in front of the camera. That’s when I specialised in photographing people’s passions and professions to give women, in particular, greater visibility. It’s important to make people visible, especially women who, as is often the case, lack the courage to show themselves.

Has the landscape for female photographers changed in your time as professionals? How do you want to make women feel more visible?

Heike: I still believe that women in photography are still less visible and therefore are booked less often. That’s why networking is such an important aspect. Social media, as well as videography, play a significant role in this.

Paula: It’s important to me to make women visible in a genuine and authentic way in my photography style. The journey to visibility should feel like an exciting adventure. I want to create a sense of belonging by supporting women through the way I work during shoots and through my images.

What have been your biggest lessons growing your career?

Heike: Stay persistent. Even when the path isn’t straightforward, you will overcome the obstacles. Connect with others and openly share knowledge. Positivity comes back when you share positivity and trust your gut. Sometimes it’s OK to turn down assignments or projects that don’t align with you. New doors will always open and better fitting assignments and projects will continue to develop.

Paula: Grow in a niche you feel most comfortable in. Otherwise, create your own niche. Delegate tasks (such as bookkeeping). Take good care of yourself physically and mentally. It’s a marathon not a sprint and it’s important to build in breaks to recharge. I’m not trying to accomplish everything all at once. 

What advice would you give someone who wants to turn their photography hobby into a profession?

Heike: Be disciplined. A certain level of discipline is essential, and you shouldn’t let that intimidate you (especially when it comes to writing proposals or bookkeeping). Know your own worth and position yourself accordingly. Of course, this also requires a certain amount of courage, but courage comes with action. Never lose your curiosity and willingness to try new things.

Paula: If I were to start again, I’d focus more on videography – there’s such a strong demand for it, especially on social media. If you’re passionate about it, your own perspective will develop, and it’s worth working toward that. It’s also important to develop a sense of what you enjoy photographing and to deepen that by simply doing it. Follow your spark – it can only turn out well. I never waited for the images to come to me. Instead, I always asked people if I could accompany them. That’s how I’ve got the images I had envisioned. Through that approach, I developed my portfolio. Further opportunities and assignments followed.

Heike, what led you to become a mentor? And Paula, how did you come to have Heike as your mentor?

Heike: In the many years I have worked in imaging, I’ve always had others supporting me on my journey. I want to offer that same support to other photographers. It feels so good to have someone who believes in you, and I want to pass on that feeling.

Paula: Heike is part of the Nikon Female Facets programme and that’s how I got to know her. In 2021, I attended Heike’s technical webinars, where I learned how to handle my camera. She gave me the confidence I needed with my camera and helped me further develop my creativity.

How does mentoring work and what does personal mentoring give to people they can’t learn online?

Heike: When you create something new for the first time, one of the first steps I recommend is to close any technical gaps in your knowledge, this should be tailored to the specific project and done step by step. Experimenting and making mistakes are also part of the process.

Building a bridge from the often unloved technical aspects to creativity and joy – that is my passion. It should come with a sense of ease. I love helping people shine. I pick them up where they are currently at and help them to take a step further in their photography.

Personal mentoring allows direct, individualised support. It’s not just about the knowledge, it’s about seeing the person behind the camera – with their questions, challenges and goals. A mentor can specifically address personal strengths and obstacles, build connections and provide guidance through experience. The tailored approach and direct interaction make all the difference – and often enable that crucial breakthrough.

How does mentoring work and what does personal mentoring give to people they can’t learn online?

Heike: When you create something new for the first time, one of the first steps I recommend is to close any technical gaps in your knowledge, this should be tailored to the specific project and done step by step. Experimenting and making mistakes are also part of the process.

Building a bridge from the often unloved technical aspects to creativity and joy – that is my passion. It should come with a sense of ease. I love helping people shine. I pick them up where they are currently at and help them to take a step further in their photography.

Personal mentoring allows direct, individualised support. It’s not just about the knowledge, it’s about seeing the person behind the camera – with their questions, challenges and goals. A mentor can specifically address personal strengths and obstacles, build connections and provide guidance through experience. The tailored approach and direct interaction make all the difference – and often enable that crucial breakthrough.

Paula, what were your main takeaways from Nikon Female Facets?

Paula: I received knowledge and empowerment in a transparent way, which gave me the courage to quit my main job and work fully as a photographer. This also led me to create a video challenge (@femaleperspectivestories) to motivate other women and share my knowledge and experiences. I would never have been able to achieve this without the seminars from Heike and the other NFF mentors.

What are your plans, wishes and goals for 2025?

Heike: I’m looking forward to coaching my online photography course SHE CREATIVE to female photographers for six weeks again and Nikon Female Facets 5.0, where I’ll have the opportunity to mentor again. I want to continue supporting photographers of all genders on their journey and pass on my motto: ‘Just go for it!’

Paula: Continue supporting female athletes by taking videos and photos of them. I’ll also be creating small films and uploading them to social media which boosts visibility as moving images encourages our brains to pay more attention.

What’s in the kitbag?

Heike: The Z9 which allows me to work efficiently and creatively. Plus, the NIKKOR Z MC 105mm f/2.8 VR S, the NIKKOR Z MC 50mm f/2.8 S and the NIKKOR Z 135mm f/1.8 S Plena. I always have the NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S to hand, too.

Paula: The Z6III, plus NIKKOR Z 135mm f/1.8 S Plena, NIKKOR Z 35mm f/1.8 S and the NIKKOR Z MC 105mm f/2.8 VR S.

Discover more about the Nikon Female Facets programme here.