Stefan Milev: Instagram
Stefan Milev: Website

Way to professional photography – Tips, role models & work

FIV: In times of the Internet and social media, photographers are indispensable and can be found in almost every niche. How did you come to your field? Is there a story how you came to become a photographer?

Stefan: I call my niche simple craft, photography. Not everybody is able to do that, although it seems that the whole social media is made up of photographers.
“Bobo – My mother’s childhood friend” is my story. We had many photos lying around at home, one was very special – a self-portrait double exposure of my mother and him – that was the foundation for my photography.

FIV: As a photographer, you are often under time pressure or in a hurry. What tips can you give us to help you get through the whole thing?

Stefan: You cannot turn the clock! Most of the time I am very absorbed in my work and I don’t like to be put under pressure. It is best not to pay attention to the time. And if there is not enough time, there is a new day.

FIV: Your paintings seem to have a certain style. Do you have a role model or what do you get inspired by? What do you want to express with your work?

Stefan: My work consists of many thoughts, dreams, personalities, fantasies and moments, the expression is the photo itself. I don’t know if this can be called “style”.

FIV: What exactly do you do in your work and what things should you pay special attention to? Would you say that work can become monotonous? What do you find appealing in your work and what is your recipe for a lack of drive?

Stefan: My work ties in with the interface of modernity, in which I search for and open up new possibilities of representation and ways of doing things through the invention of photography and the examination of this technique.
Special attention: Motifs and possibilities of representation from Surrealism, Abstraction, Expressionism and Naturalism, but also from early photography and silent film cinema, return. Despite the visible inspiration and references to art historical models, my works are not mere imitations or replicas. Rather, I succeed in taking up the aesthetics and transferring them to current pictorial themes. In doing so, my pictorial language is used in its mode of action to focus on levels of the dream, the grotesque and the subconscious. Thereby temporal levels are inscribed in my works, which link the past with the present and stimulate fantasies and visions with their visionary character.

Or, to describe it in simplified words: “Mental freedom is the air I breathe. In general I am influenced by life, I feel myself as an observer and visualist who loves simplicity and time”. Limitation and standstill feel incredibly unnatural to me. Perfection is very important to me, and when I have achieved it, I show the imperfect to potentiate the perfect, it can’t get monotonous.

FIV: Stefan, would you say that being a photographer is a normal job like any other, or does a photographer sacrifice a part of his free time?

Stefan: My free time is very important to me, I use it consciously to reflect, to recharge my batteries and to feel. I would never sacrifice my free time, because it is a very important good, we all should appreciate that more, just like boredom!

FIV: When you think about the future, where do you see yourself in 5 years? What are your plans? I’m sure you already have some projects lined up.

Stefan: To answer this question adequately, I will probably need 5 years. Currently I am working on a project called “SMPH” which consists of many different series. There are many artists involved, the project lives on/with the time. Beyond that there are further plans, so answer follows in 5 years…

FIV: There are many good commercial photographers in almost every industry, how would you say your work stands out from the competition?

Stefan: Everything they can do, I can do better

FIV: Becoming self-employed is always a risky business and a big step. Where did your self-confidence for this step come from? Did you get support from someone special?

Stefan: The encouragement comes from my mother. The support always comes from my wife.

FIV: We know that the job of a photographer involves a lot of work. Do you work alone or do you have employees or partners who support you in your work?

Stefan: Basically I do everything alone, but this would never be possible without my helpers, assistants, friends and family.

FIV: Your style is very artistic. You bring elements into your photographs, such as flowers or shadow plays. How do you know how you want to portray the model, where do you get your creativity from?

Stefan: Many elements are used consciously, others are the result of mistakes. Mistakes bring me forward.

FIV: Under your pictures (sometimes even in the picture) there are quotations. What do you associate with these quotations? Or in other words: How do you come up with the titles of the photo series?

Stfean: The quotes/titles reflect my personal feelings, my emotions.

FIV: Last but not least, what would interest me very much is: what has been your greatest success so far? How did you feel about it?

Stefan: Photography is my life, it is happening now and yesterday is memories, my photographs. The morning, are my thoughts and my dreams, they are uncertain and free

Stefan Milev: Instagram
Stefan Milev: Website

Ladies: Sneakers, Ballerinas, Pumps & Co.

Are you looking for cool sneakers that also decorate your feet in the evening and don’t look too casual? Then the extravagant models from Kennel & Schmenger are just right for you! The perfect version of casual elegance! Your plain go-to models have slowly but surely run out of steam and you want to stock up your wardrobe with some modern kicks. Versions with colourful stones and cool details are all the rage right now, and there’s plenty to choose from!

You can never go wrong with white sneakers and they are super easy to combine! Whether with casual jeans or a playful floral dress, you can combine a simple white sneaker both during the day and in the evening. But now you can do without a boring model, because the absolute trend shoe is now a white sneaker with colorful stones and small details, such as animal print, or zippers. Especially the trendy metallic details catch the eye and are real eye-catchers.

Kennel & Schmenger has great models right now and gives yesterday’s boring model a kick in the pants! The brand has a super modern design and focuses on current trends. High-quality leather materials and small details immediately conquer the hearts of young customers.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BzgKER1CYEe/

https://www.instagram.com/p/Bx-Ob_VCqpH/

Ballerinas and flats – summer trend!

The light summer shoe looks super nice worn and automatically gives your feet a feminine touch! Also this year there are again fancy models in cool colors. The ballerina is no longer the outdated and conventional shoe. Cool details, like silver buckles and open straps, as well as bows and stones spice up the models and should not be missing in your wardrobe.

Another cool alternative are loafers and loafers! Both in plain colors, as well as in animal print and neon colors, they are simply away an absolute must-have! Of course, the cool models are also available in the assortment of the German brand!

https://www.instagram.com/p/ByNcrO4iQqs/

Summer trend! There are some shoes that represent casualness, sun, beach and sea as well as a relaxed attitude to life like hardly anything else. Espadrilles are definitely one of them, which are experiencing a real fashion revival again this year and score points with a variety of facets. More about the summer look with espadrilles.

Pumps – chic on heels

High shoes are also provided, yet the flat sneaker models are the absolute favorites of the customers! Here we also find fancy models in gaudy tones, but also bright and simple shades. Trendy mules are stealing the show this summer from the classic cut versions. Combining these styles is not difficult and you can wear them with everything without compromising!

https://www.instagram.com/p/BnrShZvHW1n/

Ankle boot – animal print and crystals

Not only in the autumn and winter months, the short booties are used! Especially in summer, the casual booties look great with the little summer dress and refine the outfit. Decorated with rivets and sparkling crystals, they are real eye-catchers and put the boring models absolutely and everywhere the show! Even the trendy animal print looks really great in the form of cool cowboy booties. With a minimal heel height, or 10 cm, you can choose freely and customize them to fit your lifestyle!

https://www.instagram.com/p/ByQW9V6hLDY/

Men

Models and materials

There is also a stylish option for the modern man! Whether the simple version in white, grey and black, or the more striking version with print and color. Kennel & Schmenger also uses high-quality materials here, such as smooth leather and suede. The perfect combination of classic shoe models and trendy colors and patterns is used here great and allows men to prove their skills in terms of combination!

Styles

White / Black

Especially classic colors like white and black are super timeless and can be combined with everything! The white models are a cool alternative to cute ballerinas and espadrilles, especially in summer. It’s a good thing that Kennel & Schmenger also has a few playful versions in its range. Whether with the latest animal prints or hip metallic details, the classic models will spice up any of your outfits! Silky bows or colourful stones adorn your favourite sneakers and are real eye-catchers on the grey streets of the city centre.

The dark models in black or navy blue are also extremely popular and are a successful change to the classic white model. Especially for evenings they are a comfortable alternative to high shoes.

Also as a color combination black and white models look really trendy! You can combine them with all outfits and are even not limited in the rest of your color choice, really practical or?

https://www.instagram.com/p/BzTGDceC3Lg/

All about: Kennel & Schmenger

Made in Germany: The story behind it!

Since 1918, the German label has been producing handmade footwear, mainly from leather and refining it with cool and eye-catching details. They create and produce timeless basics that are easy to combine, yet deliver a real eye-catcher! The head office is located in Pirmasens, in Rhineland-Palatinate. Especially the young and modern clientele of the company is into the hip shoe models, but also older people can wear the fancier models and complete their look with them. The unbeatable advantage of the German label, you have different occasions but only need one shoe! The cool, yet elegant shoe versions allow you to combine them both casually and chic and always be up to date on the road.

Even if you’re not quite familiar with creative combinations yet, there’s some inspiration on the blog and newsletter. The individual models are super high quality and perfect for every situation!

Baby and kids shoes

Kennel & Schmenger produces stylish models in current combinations for both women and men. So far, models for babies and children are not yet covered. But if you’re looking for a cool alternative for the little ones, why not put your handicraft skills to good use and knit them some cute shoes? Here you’ll find everything from instructions to size charts and everything else you need to know!

……. Knitting baby shoes.

Sale: Buy cheap and at a good price? K&S Outlet

Sales and discount campaigns take place regularly, both in the stores and in the online shop. In addition, there is a Kennel & Schmenger store in the Dutch outlet, where you can buy the goods at a much lower price and get great bargains!

Kennel & Schmenger Online Shop

Kennel & Schmenger products can be found in one of their stores or you can order them online. With fast and reliable delivery, you can order your favourites to your home at any time and even for free. Take a look at the website and find your dream shoe that suits every occasion!

Tips: The perfect shoe size

Size chart: Convert shoe size (EU, UK and USA)

Here you can find a size chart that is really handy and will make your life easier! Especially in international companies it is really helpful to know how to convert your shoe size, or what exactly your shoe size is!

Table from CM Models.

Too tight or too big – tips & tricks for comfortable shoes

Are you looking for comfortable shoes that are neither too tight nor too big, but don’t know exactly where to focus your attention? This article will really help you out and give you some real insider tips to never make a wrong size purchase again!

Here you can find all the new GNTM contestants 2020

The grand finale of Germany’s next Topmodel – The show, the location & the stars

The final took place this year in Düsseldorf, to be exact in the ISS Dome, a breathtaking arena. After the first finals of the casting show traditionally took place in the Lanxess Arena in Cologne, the show has returned to the Rhineland after several excursions, including the 2016 finals in Mallorca or 2015 in New York. This year, special security precautions were in place and the show was delayed by a few minutes to avoid a surprise like in 2013. Due to the time delay, cell phones were not allowed for the audience. You can see my backstage impressions and the show live on site here:

GNTM: The first video after the big final

The motto for the finale of Heidi Klum’s TV show is like every year, big, bigger, glitter & fireworks. We have seen a lot in the last years & seasons, from flying models to glittering dresses, crowns and of course lots of fireworks. This year Heidi outdid herself again with her show. Magician Hans Klok appeared at the beginning of the show and ‘conjured’ not only the finalists but also Heidi herself on stage. Spectacular dresses and various walks followed. The highlights were not only the walk of the drag queens, which not only set a great example in the scene but also in society and conveyed a positive message, but also appearances by world stars such as Rita Ora and Shawn Mendes. So that glitter and shine were not missing, Heidi did not miss the chance to let her Victoria’s Secret experience flow into the show and thus let the Top 2 float down the catwalk with breathtaking, extendable wings. Further show acts by rapper Cro, to whose performance Team Schwarz walked the catwalk & Vincent Weiss, to whose voice the Top 2 completed a shoot live on stage with star photographer Rankin, followed.

The show concluded with the big announcement of the winner. Julianna and Toni stood tensely next to Heidi, while the covers of the two could be seen on the big screen. Heidi made it exciting as always and finally crowned Toni Germany’s next Topmodel 2018. The crowd cheered, the family, drag queens, judges & contestants stormed the stage and congratulated the beautiful winner.

The finalists – the last 4 will fight for the title Germany’s next Topmodel 2018

Normally, it is customary to let three girls enter the final, but this has not proven successful in recent years, which is why in 2018 again four girls fought in the final for the great title of Germany’s next Topmodel & the cover of the German Harper’s Bazaar. But what qualified these four of all to the final and what the winner says about her victory.

Germany’s next Topmodel 2018 Toni – Team Michael

The girl with the beautiful face. She knows she has a great responsibility as a role model and model and uses it wisely. The final she mastered with bravura not only the vertical catwalk looked like child’s play, also the walk with the drag queens, huge dresses and the highlight of the show, the walk with the giant retractable angel wings à la Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show she mastered without error. The victory is more than deserved by the changeable Toni. Celebrated by her family, the audience and the jury, she looked at her cover for the German Harper’s Bazaar when Heidi announced her name as the winner.

#tgang there are 6 days left until the grand finale of #GNTM2018 ??â I am really looking forward to next Thursday and will give it my all ? have a great start to the weekend ? #germanysnexttopmodel #finale #harpersbazaar ©Regan Cameron

A post shared by TONI (@toni.topmodel.2018) on May 18, 2018 at 3:33 PDT

2nd place Julianna – Team Michael & the candidate with the most beautiful voice

The curly-haired girl in Team Michael has turned her hobby into a profession, as her talent for singing now earns her a living. She has been modeling since she was 15 and thus convinces with her experience. The limelight is made for her, as she proved in the final and convinced the audience with her show. In the end, she was only beaten by one candidate and thus occupied second place.

It was an awesome shoot! I had so much fun! ??? I am sooo excited for the FINALEE! @harpersbazaargermany ?⺠ProSieben/Martin Ehleben

A post shared by Julianna (@julianna.topmodel.2018) on May 18, 2018 at 3:43 PDT

3rd place Pia – Team Michael & the girl with the curves

The beautiful blonde has a great role model function for young girls thanks to her not exactly typical model measurements. She follows in the footsteps of Gigi Hadid & Co. who have changed the fashion world with their feminine curves. She is very authentic and full of life and convinces her fans and the jury of herself. In the final she delivered a strong show and was celebrated by the audience for it.

4th place Christina – last from Team Thomas

The beautiful 21 year old is the last to represent Team Thomas with pride. She already gained experience in numerous Miss elections and thus probably had a starting advantage in GNTM. Only in the middle of the season she suddenly overtook many of the girls and was considered the favorite. In the final, she was eliminated in the first decision, but managed the walk with the drag queens with flying colors.

Here you can find all the new GNTM contestants 2020