Interview with Alina Behfar

The Magazine For Photographers
Feb 24
4 min read

Welcome to our Interview with Aline Behfar

This week’s Interview with the amazing Alina Behfar, a street photographer from Hamburg, Germany.

You can find her on Instagram as: @alina.beez

Enjoy the amazing Interview ;)

Can you introduce yourself to my readers?

My name is Alina, I started the journey of photography/videography to give the creativity that lives in me a place.

How did your photography journey begin?

Actually it started back in the days with short video clips while matching picture and sound shooting on my iPhone. That was even before Reels were introduced. Then I switched very quickly to Photography with the aim to get the perfect single frame. But I still have fun shooting Video in between

How do you determine the right camera settings for a particular shot?

After years of experimenting with different settings and modes, I now shoot mostly in Manual Mode. It gives me the full creative control I need to get the exact look I want. During nighttime shoots, I always try to keep the ISO low to avoid noise and maintain a clean image. Aperture is more of a creative decision—sometimes I want that dreamy, shallow depth of field, and other times I go for a deeper focus to capture more detail. The key is understanding light and how it interacts with your camera’s sensor. Once you get that, adjusting settings becomes second nature.

You do travel a lot. What location was your favourite to shoot?

Actually, I don’t travel as much as people might think! A lot of my work comes from my hometown, Hamburg, because I believe you don’t have to go far to find interesting scenes. That being said, London has been my favorite place to shoot so far. The city has this incredible mix of modern and historic architecture, constantly changing light, and an energy that makes street photography so exciting. Every corner feels like a new scene waiting to be captured. I also love how unpredictable London can be—it forces you to stay on your toes as a photographer.

How do you edit your photos and what software do you use?

I only use Lightroom. Each photo is edited individually because I believe every image has its own story and feeling, which is hard to capture with presets. I used to try presets, but at some point, I realized they were limiting my creativity. Now, I focus on enhancing what’s already in the photo rather than making every image look the same.

Do you prefer Street-photography or Nature/ Landscape-photography and why?

I shoot Street but I enjoy other genres from other talented people as well. I admire landscape and nature photography, though—some photographers have an incredible way of making nature feel alive in their images. But for me, the energy of the streets, the people, and the spontaneous moments are what I’m most drawn to.

What gear do you use?

Sony a7!V with a Sigma Art 35mm, 1.2 or a Sony GM 24mm and 135mm.

What is your ultimate goal as a photographer?

To always enjoy it. Photography started as a creative outlet, and I never want it to turn into something that feels like pressure. The moment I start forcing creativity, I know I need to take a step back. My goal is to keep evolving, stay curious, and never lose that excitement I had when I first started. If my work resonates with people along the way, that’s a huge bonus.

Do you like to shoot alone or with company and why?

Mostly alone. I put on my headphones, find a good beat, and just get lost in the process. There’s something meditative about wandering through a city, camera in hand, observing everything around me. I do have a few people I can shoot with effectively, but in general, I find that I work best when I don’t have to think about anything except the shot.

What advice would you give to someone who is just starting out in photography?

Try everything. Experiment with different styles, settings, and techniques. Don’t let anyone tell you what’s “right” or “wrong” in photography—there are no strict rules. Some of the best photos come from breaking conventions. Most importantly, shoot for yourself, not for likes or validation. If you enjoy the process, you’ll naturally improve and find your own unique style.

What’s one thing about photography that people often misunderstand?

A lot of people think it’s all about having the best gear, but that’s far from the truth. A great camera can help, sure, but what really makes a difference is how you see the world. Your perspective, your creativity, and your ability to capture emotions matter way more than having the latest camera. Some of my favourite shots were taken with basic equipment because the moment and composition were strong.

How do you stay inspired when you feel creatively stuck?