Below is a Q&A I was able to do with photographer Mario Klemm. Mario has been into photography for quite some time as you will find out. During the Q&A Mario answers many questions pertaining to photography but also life in general. You do not need to be a photographer to get value out of this article. I would consider myself an amateur photographer and have definitely found value in the answers Mario provided from a photography prospective but also a work ethic and life perspective. Other links to Mario and any others featured in his photos will be at the end of the article along with a huge gallery of his photography! Comment what picture is your favorite and one thing you learned! Then share with a friend who likes car or photography!

Myself - Question (Q)

Mario Klemm - Answer (A)

Mario Klemm: Photographer Extraordinaire

Q: Tell me a little about yourself.

A: My Name is Mario, and I am from Germany. I live in Dresden which is in the eastern part of Germany. Since I was a boy, I loved to play with Matchbox and Hot Wheels. I also loved to play Need for Speed. My favorite cars were the Lamborghini Diablo and Dodge Viper.

Q: Who or what got you into photography?

A: I started taking pictures of animals with analog cameras and later I would take photos of die-cast cars in 1:18 and would try to get them to look like real cars.

Q: Did you go to school for photography?

A: I learned to do photography with analog cameras from taking the pictures all the way to getting the physical picture in my hands. Meaning using red light rooms, getting the film out of the camera, then into the liquid and finally getting the photo using photo paper.

Q: How long have you been a photographer?

A: I have been doing photography since 2002. However, I have been doing digital and car photography since 2009. I have done photo shoots since 2010 and it has gotten more and more serious over time.

Q: What gear do you use?

A: I use different Canon cameras. I like canon cameras because I know how to use them, how to navigate their menus, so they are just easy to use to me. I tried a Nikon some years ago because my Canon was broken, and the pictures were horrible because I was not able to use it as easily. But I would not say Canon is better than Sony or Nikon, I have just used Canon for years. Now I work with an EOS R and want to get a new cam soon but cannot decide which Canon I will pick. We will see.

Q: Does gear actually matter?

A: Gear matters depending on the stuff you want to shoot. If you want to get high-end prints, you should use a better cam. But for social media and so it does not matter in my opinion. You can take great pictures with any cam you want. It is you behind the lens.

Q: Tips for someone getting into car photography or photography in general?

A: If you like to take photos, just start, and see what you prefer. In my opinion you must feel the pictures. For me, I always have the result in my head and arrange everything to get it. Like the right spot for the right car.

Right car + right spot = this! (AUDI R8)

Q: Can you make a living doing car photography?

A: I think you can do it; it just depends on your customers.

Q: Do you like more full car shots or more macro details shots?

A: Full car shoots.

Q: Have you ever had imposter syndrome? If so, what do you do to overcome it?

A: Yes, I think everybody will get to a point where they get imposter syndrome. It will pass.

Q: Who or what inspires you now that you have been shooting for a while?

A: I love cars and like to take pictures of them, it is my passion. Photography, cars, and bikes are my passions.

Q: What is the best and then the worst part of being a photographer?

A: The best part is getting in touch with a lot of new people and going to new places. The worst part is trying to always find new locations in places you know and have used almost every cool spot. Or do not know the location and need a great spot within half an hour… LOL

Q: What in your opinion makes a photo good or bad?

A: The whole composition of the picture. If the light, car/bike, and location fit together.

A great example of right light, right car, right color, and framing! (Shelby Cobra Daytona)

Q: How do you define success as a photographer?

A: Of course, being able to pay for life from your photography. Also, getting positive feedback and new clients because of your previous work.

Q: What city that you have visited has the best car culture?

A: I cannot pick just one city. I loved the area around San Francisco and L.A but Stockholm is great. All kinds of cars and really nice car people over there.

Q: Best way to find locations to shoot?

A: Driving around and just seeing them. I drive around and see spots or locations where I would love to take photos and keep them in mind. Then if I have the right car for the location, I go there.

Q: What is your opinion of photography versus other creative outlets like video?

A: If it is good, I like it. Videos are a lot of work and pre-work to plan everything but there are great videos to enjoy on YouTube or social media.

Q: What is your favorite shoot you have done vs the shoot everyone else thinks is your best?

A: Oh, that is tough. I do not know if there is one favorite shoot I have done. I have a lot of great memories attached to a lot of photoshoots. So, it is hard to pick my favorite shoot, maybe the one I prefer is not the best, but it is great to look back on the memories…

Q: When you go out on a shoot, do you have a certain routine? Rollers, details, and then full car. Or maybe not with the photography but always with a certain drink or song or something to get you in the right headspace?

A: I have no special routine. I love to drink NOCCO's (fitness-oriented drink) especially during summer and just have a great time. I take the shoot how it comes. I talk to the owner, then start with stills and details, usually after that is rolling shots. It always depends on the customers/clients and location.

Q: What can be the worst part of working with a client?

A: When a client wants to tell me how to take the photos and what is the right spot, etc. Luckily, I have not had many clients like this.

Q: What mode or settings do you most commonly use? Or even what settings or skills do you think every photographer should focus on and learn more about?

A: I always use manual mode. Everyone should use the mode that works best for them and that they feel the most comfortable with.

Q: What programs do you use for post-processing?

A: I use Photoshop and Lightroom for post-processing.

Q: What is your editing/posting workflow?

A: I start editing and retouching the pictures and post them when it feels right. Sometimes I have so many photos ready to post that I cannot decide which car first. Or I do not like the pictures for a moment or feel they are not the best. LOL

Q: Best tips for editing and things that are overused or underused when editing?

A: Like I said, I have the photos in mind I want to get and try to optimize lights, brightness, and mood of the pic.

Q: Advice for photographers trying to grow their audience? (Own website, word of mouth, IG, Twitter, etc.)

A: I do not think I am the best to talk about this. For me I think I get the most from satisfied customers who refer new customers through word of mouth.

Q: Tell me about your car?

A: I have a regular Mercedes C 300E wagon. But it has 700nM of torque and it goes fast enough to hit the Autobahn.

Q: Where do you see yourself in the next few years?

A: I will soon run my own studio to shoot cars and bikes. I will also start my online shop.

Q: Final thoughts or advice for aspiring photographers or someone who has been doing photography for a while but wants to elevate their career to the next level?

A: That's a tough question. It is not easy to tell someone how to do it. You need your own style and some unique ideas to stand out from all the other spotters and photographers. And finally, the customers decide if they like your pictures or prefer other styles. But keep on doing what you prefer like exotics or classics. Shoot the cars you prefer and have a passion for these will help you get better pictures. That is the reason I do not do weddings; I get a lot of requests but do not do the jobs. I just do not feel comfortable or passionate about shooting weddings. Do what you love!

Mario was gracious enough to send over a ton of his work so here is a huge gallery of everything that has not been shown previously. Muscle cars, super cars, bikes, behind the scenes, and more! Enjoy! (Pictures include cars from @v8_Werk and @chromecars)