Keynote

Interview With Michael Stief

How long have you been in Business as a Professional Photographer ?
20
Any awards or accolades?
I have received countless worldwide awards and prizes, which is beautiful and shows me that my work as a photographer is recognized by the industry. But the biggest award I get in my workshops and in my speaker performances is when I meet people who are grateful and enthusiastic about me and my work. Only through real encounters and exchanges with my students and followers can I experience pure recognition. To be on the same level with the greatest photographers and teachers in the world in our field of photography, to be able to speak at the most famous and largest conferences and to share my knowledge are my greatest honours.
Tell us your favorite quote

Life is only as good as you make it
Share a major life lesson

Believe in your dreams and live them. Have a passion and don’t let anyone stop you. Work hard and achieve your goals, step by step.
What does balance mean to you

To be able to do what I like to do. To pass on my knowledge and to spend a lot of time with my family, to live my life according to my ideas is balance for me.
Why do you teach?

Because I see how many things could be improved photographically, with only small steps, different approaches, changing the views. It’s fun and nice to help others on their way.
Long term plans?

I want to lead a healthy, inspired, happy and successful life. How it is achieved is only up to me. I know that it is necessary to work constantly and consistently on myself. In everything I do, I need a certain down-to-earth attitude and great stamina. The wind of life wants to bend you back and forth like a blade of grass, problems and changes are challenges that I gladly accept and masterMy plans for the future are not too big. I live in the here and now and adapt to different situations spontaneously and intuitively. I use these changes to my advantage and get the best out of the moment.
What is your specialty

Maternity & Portrait Photography, Mentoring, Teaching, Public Speaking
What areas do you serve (geographically location)

International/worldwide
What is the secret to success?

My speciality is to get the best out of the moment and the circumstances I get from life and to work with it. No matter how difficult and hopeless it can sometimes be, I turn the situation into something meaningful and beneficial. I love to teach people, share my experience and take them with me. It is easy for me to create an event and feelings for my counterpart. I am spontaneous and can adapt to any situation.
Where do you want to be in 5 years?

I don’t know what life has planned for me. To be happy, healthy and successful are my main goals. I want to spend a lot of time with my family and at the same time be carefree and satisfied.
Your weakness?

I’m trying to turn my weaknesses into strength. Every weakness can be something meaningful at the same time. It always depends on the eye of the beholder. I am stubborn, impatient, lavish, chaotic, bona fide.
Your strength?

I am creative, persistent, funny, cheerful, full of ideas, generous and always have a positive attitude towards the things that challenge me.