Ever feel stuck in a routine? Like you know you’re good at what you do, but something’s missing? Maybe that spark of excitement just isn’t there anymore. Family & portrait photographer Didi Von Boch has definitely been there.

She was starting to feel a little burnt out until she discovered something that changed everything – remote shooting. It wasn’t easy – there were hurdles and tough moments. But by embracing the different, she found new inspiration, deeper connections, and even grew as a person.

If you’re into photography, get ready for some serious inspiration. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just love taking pictures, Didi’s story is one you’ll want to hear. Let’s dive in!

Demystifying the Remote Process

I came across Didi’s work and I was immediately drawn to her aesthetic. But then learning about her remote process? It totally blew me away. This is something I’ve never seen before – Didi’s work wasn’t just captivating, it pushed me outside my comfort zone, a zone I’m actively trying to expand. How does she do it? Well, Didi captures stunning photographs remotely, all from her San Fransisco living room!

She dived into her fascinating approach, “I use an app called something like Claus or Shutter app. These apps allow me to ‘lock into’ a client’s phone camera – their iPhone – and use it to take pictures, even if we’re miles apart.”

Didi credits the rise of these apps to the limitations imposed by the pandemic. “Remember when everyone was doing those ‘window’ or ‘retroversion’ photos during COVID?  Those virtual shoots inspired me,” she explained, “and with these apps, I felt like I had stumbled onto something incredible.”

While the technical aspects are interesting, there’s a bigger takeaway here.  Didi emphasizes the importance of exploration and embracing new possibilities: “These apps allow me to shoot anywhere in the world,” she shared. “I can collaborate with clients in Australia or anywhere else, without ever having to be there physically.”

The Hardest Battles

Didi opens up about the challenges she faced in embracing remote shooting. “It’s definitely more work than an in-person shoot,” she admits. From logistical problems to surrendering control, she navigated a landscape filled with a lot of uncertainty. “Giving up control is something crazy,” she reflects, highlighting the internal struggle that comes with trusting technology and letting go of familiar routines.

Photography Alignment and Creative Growth

As a child, Didi always had an eye for capturing moments. “I always stopped, like, took screenshots,” she recalls, reminiscing about her early fascination with images. “I always wanted to do movies.” Despite this initial interest in filmmaking, her journey eventually led her to photography, where she found her true passion. Today, her work is a blend of remote and in-person shoots, with a focus on authenticity and connection. “I wouldn’t say it’s 100% remote,” she explains, emphasizing her love for the traditional process. “I just never, you know, I want to do everything and all the time and every day.”

For Didi, the allure of remote shooting lies in its spontaneity. “Sometimes I wake up in the morning and I, like, need to shoot,” she admits. The freedom to pursue her creative impulses without constraints is what sets remote shooting apart. “You just think about who could end in a call,” she says, marveling at the possibilities. This flexibility allows her to tap into her instincts and create meaningful images on the fly.

Her creative process is driven by a deep sense of intuition and a desire to push boundaries. “I’m a huge egoist,” she confesses, acknowledging her relentless pursuit of artistic expression. Even in the early stages of her career, she made a conscious effort to infuse her vision into every shoot, regardless of client expectations. “I always added my extra time and my vision on the end,” she explains, highlighting her commitment to authenticity.

Over time, Didi’s confidence in her artistic vision has grown, allowing her to attract clients who align with her values. “I have my clients now I’m 95% aligned with,” she proudly declares. This alignment has enabled her to prioritize her own creative fulfillment without compromising her integrity. “Keeping the frame for yourself is the most important thing in the world,” she asserts, emphasizing the importance of staying true to one’s vision.

Despite the challenges she faced along the way, Didi remains steadfast in her belief that authenticity is the key to long-term success. “I really do think we shouldn’t do stuff that we don’t want to do,” she reflects. Her journey from studio photography in Germany to remote shooting in San Francisco has been marked by resilience and determination. “I believe in work and I believe in consistency,” she says, underscoring the importance of showing up and putting in the effort, day in and day out.

Navigating the World of Social Media and Artistic Expression

Navigating the world of social media as an artist can be both exhilarating and challenging. Didi Von Boch shares her insights into how platforms like Instagram have shaped her creative journey and the importance of staying true to one’s vision despite external pressures.

For Didi, Instagram has been a powerful tool for connecting with clients and showcasing her work. “It’s the best thing in the world that ever happened to me,” she exclaims, highlighting the opportunities for networking and exposure that the platform provides. Despite the benefits, she acknowledges the inherent challenges of navigating the platform’s rules and regulations. “I don’t agree with the rules,” she admits, referencing Instagram’s policies on nudity and censorship. However, she recognizes the importance of playing by the rules to avoid being penalized or banned from the platform.

In the face of adversity, Didi has learned to adapt and diversify her approach to social media. “In the beginning, it was 80% Facebook and 20% Instagram,” she reveals, describing her initial strategy for building an online presence. However, she soon realized the need to expand her reach and engage with different audiences. “I try to shift it and spread out into mentoring, learning, and videos,” she explains, emphasizing the importance of diversifying one’s content to appeal to a broader audience.

Despite her efforts to stay true to her artistic vision, Didi has faced criticism and censorship on social media. “I had somebody who was bullying me,” she recalls, describing a traumatic experience with online harassment. Despite the challenges, she remained committed to her craft and found ways to navigate the negativity. “It took me at least three months to get over this,” she admits, highlighting the emotional toll of cyberbullying.

Through it all, Didi remains steadfast in her belief in the power of art to inspire and provoke dialogue. We both agree that art is a dialogue and that it can help create meaningful connections through creativity. Despite the challenges of social media and the pressures of censorship, she remains optimistic about the future of art in the digital age – art is a dialogue and it’s up to us to keep the conversation going.

Embracing Discomfort

Didi’s all about shaking things up, you know? In a world obsessed with comfort, her art is like a big, bold reminder that sometimes the best stuff comes from the hard stuff. “I think sitting with the quietness and the fear that comes to it is hard,” she admits. But guess what? She thinks that’s kind of the point! “It’s inviting us to be uncomfortable,” she says. Seems crazy, right? But hear her out – she believes it’s by pushing ourselves outside our comfort zones that we really grow and create something special.

The Art of Trust

For Didi, remote shooting isn’t just about capturing images; it’s about building trust. “I don’t need small talk to make somebody come from within,” she explains. By creating a safe space where clients can let their guard down, she fosters authentic connections that shine through in her work. “Giving the woman or the mothers the room where they can just be is essential,” she emphasizes, underscoring the importance of mutual trust and respect in the photographer-client relationship.

The Beauty of Imperfection

Didi’s work flips the script on society’s obsession with perfection and polish. Her art challenges the notion that we must avoid sadness, grief, and discomfort. Instead, she dives into those raw, real emotions, aiming to capture the true essence of what it means to be human – flaws, vulnerabilities, and all. Her photography celebrates the messy, sometimes awkward, but always beautiful side of life, subtly asserting that it’s okay to be uncomfortable.

The Journey of Self-Discovery

For Didi, photography is more than just a profession; it’s a journey of self-discovery. “I’m completely instinct-driven,” she confesses, highlighting her intuitive approach to art-making. Whether she’s shooting in-person or remotely, she trusts her instincts to guide her, allowing the creative process to unfold organically. “I’m completely zoomed in,” she shares, describing the immersive experience of being in the moment.

Remote Photography Techniques and Creative Process

With her work in remote photography, Didi combines technical expertise with a profound understanding of human connection. Utilizing remote shooting platforms, she navigates the complexities of capturing authentic moments from afar, embracing the imperfections and challenges inherent in the process. 

From troubleshooting technical glitches to improvising creative solutions, she demonstrates an unparalleled adaptability and resourcefulness that sets her apart in the field. Through mentoring and workshops, she shares her insights and experiences, empowering aspiring photographers to explore the possibilities of remote shooting and embrace the transformative power of digital technology.

Balancing Act

Despite her enthusiasm for remote shooting, Didi acknowledges the importance of balance. “I need to balance,” she admits, recognizing the mental and emotional toll of constant innovation. While remote shooting offers great flexibility and convenience, she values the richness of in-person interactions and the tactile experience of traditional photography. “Every photographer has clients who love them,” she acknowledges, highlighting the need to strike a balance between old and new.

Mentoring the Next Generation

As a mentor, Didi shares her expertise with aspiring photographers, guiding them on their own creative journeys. “I think it helps a lot of people to get in there,” she notes, emphasizing the importance of hands-on experience and practical learning. Through workshops and one-on-one sessions, she empowers others to embrace remote shooting and explore the possibilities of digital technology. “The best thing you learn is to stick with something,” she advises, encouraging budding photographers to persevere in the face of challenges.

Final Thoughts

So, does remote photography seem a little wild and intimidating to you? It’s okay if it does! Maybe taking those first steps into something new feels a bit scary. But Didi’s story shows us the amazing things that can happen when we dare to try.  

If you’re even a little curious or want to inject fresh energy into how you work, her journey is definitely worth exploring. She’s not saying you need to ditch everything you’re doing now, but who knows – maybe a little dose of remote shooting could be the perfect addition. After all, as Didi learned, sometimes the best solutions are found by breaking the rules and doing WTF you want to do.

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