Through the lens: Eva-Maria Mrazek

She has had quite a few interesting personalities in front of her lens. On top of her focus on portrait and business photography, Eva-Maria Mrazek captures special moods and angles in nature and architecture as Eva trifft. [Eva meets]. We were able to talk to the winner of the 2017 Game Changer Award about her favourite motifs, UNESCO World Heritage and the best spots for stunning sunsets.

Dear Eva, how did you get into photography and how long have you been doing it?

It was very much a coincidence. 16 years ago, I just happened upon it, and very quickly fell in love with it. Taking photographs came easily to me from the beginning. In 2011 I took the next step and became self-employed; since then I have been working as Eva trifft.

Is Salzburg a photogenic town in your opinion, and if yes, then why?

The town's backdrop is simply stunning. When you walk along the banks of the river Salzach and look at the structure of the town, with the fortress as a "crown" – that truly is special – no matter from which side you approach. This fascination usually still overcomes me when I go into the Old Town. Even if I just take a picture with my mobile phone – there's always time for one. (laughs)

Which Salzburg-shooting do you like to remember particularly?

Once, I got a friend and my then hairdresser to act as models. The two of them had to pretend to be a couple in all the most special places around Salzburg for so long that they ended up meeting privately afterwards. Now they have two kids.

You also do architectural photography. Which historical building stands out for you in Salzburg?

For me, the heart of the town is the Cathedral. I have the honour of photographing for Salzburg Cathedral and finding its special corners – and there are a lot of them. I generally love looking at churches when I'm out and about. Since a book project that I was allowed to photograph and that dealt with heads and masks in churches, I look more closely again.

WHAT MAKES SALZBURG UNIQUE FOR YOU?

Salzburg is so special for me because of the charming little city centre we have. There are always little corners, nooks and crannies where you can discover something. That's interesting for photographers. It's also nice to live there, especially because you're right in the middle of nature. From the city, you can go straight up the mountain, and that's a piece of quality of life that I wouldn't want to miss. And the view of the city from the Gaisberg, for example, is magnificent.

INSIDER TIPS

What do you need for the perfect city photo?

One useful tip I can give: just change your perspective every now and then. Don't always shoot from a standing position. Shoot subjects from the ground, for example, to create a sense of closeness to the subject.

Which Salzburg photo subject would you choose to document the 'UNESCO World Heritage Site' and why?

I can think of so many special angles, but for me it will probably always be the view from the Marko Feingold footbridge to the fortress that triggers this love of the town. That's why I would go for this classic and just capture it in a beautiful morning light.

Where is your favourite place to stop for a coffee during a shoot day?

Actually, I rarely take long breaks during a shoot. But on the way into town I like to go to welovecoffee and get a coffee to go. The former toll booth at the Mozartsteg footbridge is not only charming, but you can also get very good coffee there – and in sustainable paper cups, too.

Where do you like to meet friends in town?

Basically, I like to meet where you can sit outside. The Café am Kai is a place I really like. But also the Erentrudisalm – there you have a different view of the city. Or simply grab a picnic blanket and sit on the bank of the Salzach river.

Which place would you choose for sunset pictures?

There are so many beautiful places that shine even more in this special light. It's hard to choose! In nature, it's the Gaisberg and the view you have of the town from up there. I love our local mountain and the fact that you can start hiking directly from town. But Hellbrunn also has a lot of charm when you stand in front of the big meadow and you can see the town in the background. And, because I like it there at the moment: at the Überfuhrsteg – with a view towards Salzburg, many people enjoy the evening here on the bridge. For me, it's a nice and cosy place to be – and for taking photos, of course.