Today we’d like to introduce you to Simona Berger.
Hi Simona, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today.
Born and raised in Terracina, Italy, I grew up surrounded by history and beauty. I discovered a passion for photography when I moved to the USA, and my husband bought me my first camera. I studied the Science of Photography at the Art Institute and the New York Institute of Photography. When my husband retired from active duty in the US Navy, we moved back to his hometown, and I decided to open a studio to share my passion with models and clients in Saint Peters, MO. My work is not for everyone: it’s exclusive to the person I shoot. Everyone gets their concept, and my editing style changes every time. I get excited brainstorming with my models and clients because I love to see what we can come up with. Sometimes, a piece of fabric, a thrift store find, or a headdress inspires me. There is no set of rules which makes my brand unique.
Can you talk to us about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Smooth road? Not. I am a perfectionist, and I always strive to make each image better than the last one. I thought that I could operate a business with no problems as long as I took amazing photographs. I was so wrong! Starting a new business is difficult, and I still struggle with marketing. It takes away from my art and makes me lose focus. But it’s a necessary evil, and someone must care for it, right?
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I am a Fine Art and Conceptual Portrait Photographer. My style is primarily dark and moody, but I don’t disdain light and color if my subject inspires me. Every person is different from the others, not only in their appearance but also in the way they are. I capture the way they make me feel. I try to establish a deep connection with every one of my subjects because that’s the best way to capture not how they look but what they are. I am proud of my work, but I am even more proud of my relationships with each of my subjects. A couple of months ago, one of my models introduced me to another photographer calling me saying: “This is Simona Berger; she is the mom.” Why? Because I genuinely care for them, and they feel it. The result of this deep friendship is what you see in my photographs. I get to know them on a level where, when I get some ideas, I always know which model best represents them.
What matters most to you?
On a personal level, I would say my family. On a professional level, what matters the most is the freedom to express me. Why? Because we all need a “release valve.” We all should be able to let loose feelings and thoughts constructively. To me, that “release valve” is my art.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.simonabergerphotography.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/simonabergerphotography/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/simonabergerphotography
Image Credits
Kim Jay, Jacob Dillon, Mel De Wever, Lucy Tobey, Nikki Serenity, Natalia Cantwell, Julia Wagner, Amanda Zelonis, Bibi Dazzle
