Photoshoot + Interview: 'Love Me or Leave Me' by Tender is the Night Photography

Stefanie Tenner from Tender Is The Night Photography is celebrated for her breath-taking and stunning photoshoots, just like this one featured on the blog today.

'Love Me or Leave Me' is an hommage to two of the photographer's favourite eras - the 20s and 30s, along with the glitz, glamour, and drama that often goes hand-in-hand with them.

You might recognise Stefanie’s signature photography style from her two previous features here on the Whim blog, 'Ginger Doll' and 'Sister Saint'. Today, we're honoured to also be able to share an exclusive interview with the talented photographer. Keep reading!

Q: When did your love of photography first blossom?

A: I started with photography about three years ago, in autumn 2013. I had some friends being involved in photography and first I tried myself out in front of the camera. But that never really satisfied me. I had so many pictures in my head that I wanted to create but I realized that as long as I am not taking the initiative and do them on my own, it won´t work.

I remember seeing the documentary about Vivian Maier at the cinema in Brighton and her life, her way to take photos and how she saw the world fascinated me. So I gave it a try and it was so much fun and turned out very well. In the beginning I mainly photographed friends and after I decided to publish the results, other people contacted me for more projects... and here I am.

Q: What inspires your creativity the most and why?

A: Of course other photographers are always a big inspiration but mostly inspiring for me are movies / series and music.

I love, for example, "American Horror Story - Coven" (which one of my models in 2013 suggested me to watch, and it was worth it). I love vintage music from the 20s and 30s as well as dark, romantic and dramatic stuff. Music gives me so many inspirations that I love to interpret in my pictures. And I often hear that those influences are very obvious.

Nature also is a big source of creativity for me. So often I see spots that tell me "You have to take photos here!" and immediately I get an idea in my head.

Q: Please tell us a little more about this beautiful collection of images you have shared with us; what was the experience like planning and capturing these?

A: The set I am sharing with you is called "Love me or leave me", which is a song by Ruth Etting from 1929. I wanted to create a hommage to this decade that is not too much of a cliche, still modern. The model Josefin fits perfectly with that style with her ivory skin and her dramatic eyes.

I did the styling and make up myself this time, what I always used to do in the beginning. Also Josefin was one of the first models ever in-front of my camera three years ago (and a friend already before) so it was already a bit of a nostalgic atmosphere and we spent a great day together having breakfast, talking a lot and of course – taking photos.

Q: What does an average day in the life of Stefanie look like?

A: An average day for me starts pretty early since I am a full-time teacher. I work currently at a primary school in Berlin and I love to work with children and teenagers. My photo projects I do mostly on weekends.

After school I like to hang out with friends, eating cake or watching movies together. Unlike my photos I am more the spring and summer type. Winter always makes me a little couch potato. But right now I have a good reason to be one.

Q: Lastly, what do you hope to achieve with your photography in 2017; do you have any upcoming, exciting plans that you would like to share with us?

A: After my break I had I realized how much I missed photography. It satisfies me and makes me happy so much. It´s a feeling of independence, so in 2017 I want to improve my skills, try some new things and work with new people.

Though I am planning shootings at the moment only until February because one little break is required – my most exciting plan for 2017 and probably favorite model will be my son that will be born in spring 2017. So I am not quite sure when I can keep going – but I will, promised! With a lot new inspirations, I am sure!

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We want to thank Stefanie for taking the time to answer our interview questions and encourage you to view more whimsical work from Tender is the Night Photography by visiting her Tumblr or following along on Facebook and Instagram (@steffi_tenderisthenight). Enjoy!