A passion for story telling

Born and raised in Germany’s polycentric, formerly industrial region of Ruhrgebiet, Photography Studies College teacher Katrin Koenning said she has always been interested in the idea of a story.

Having attended a Steiner School, which possessed a curriculum embedded in arts and creativity, and growing up under the influence of artistic and musical relatives, Katrin initially aspired to be painter, singer or an astronaut.

It was these roots, which she said had provided the major influence and inspiration for her style of photography.

“My primary interest has always been in the idea of a story,” she said. “I tried a few different modes of story telling (print journalism, radio) before I ended up in photography.”

“It’s what I am most interested in, telling stories. A love for narrative and a general sense of wonder at the world around me is what ultimately drew me to base my practice in documentary.”

While she boasts a long list of achievements, Katrin recently took out one of her biggest awards to date – the prestigious People’s Choice Award in the Bowness Photography Prize for some of her most recent work.

She said for the audience to share her passion for capturing stories through a lens felt amazing.

“It was a humbling, joyful experience and a huge encouragement to my work,” she said. “It meant so much having been chosen solely by the audience of the awards exhibition.”

“At the end of the day, you have a creative practice because you want to touch an audience and when you succeed in that, it is the biggest reward.”

On top of her latest achievement, Katrin is also featured in the new “Photographers Sketchbooks” – a collation of 43 internationally-acclaimed photographers and the development and process of their work.

While story telling remains her major source of inspiration, she said working at the Photography Studies College in Southbank had also played a huge part in her success as a professional photographer.

“I truly love working at PSC; it’s a great place full of passion and commitment,” she said.

“Teaching what you love, alongside people you admire, is a huge privilege – you never stop learning yourself really. The students teach you as much as you teach them.”

To find out more about Katrin and to view more of her work head to www.katrinkoenning.com