Your space, your story: Michael Kagerer

Some photographers chase the perfect shot; others let the shot find them. For Michael, a Munich-based photographer and filmmaker, it has always been a mix of both. With a camera in hand, he has explored breathtaking landscapes, capturing the beauty of the world in striking detail. But beyond the adventure, there’s discipline. In an age where creativity meets commerce, Michael has built a career that balances artistic passion with the realities of client work and digital storytelling. His workspace – carefully designed and meticulously organized – reflects his belief that inspiration thrives in order. In our conversation, Michael opens up about his creative process, the tools and rituals that keep him productive, and why sometimes, the best way to stay inspired is to step away from the camera altogether. Let’s take a look through his lens.

Tell us about your work: how did your adventure with photography begin?

When I dropped out of school, I got my dad’s old camera and started to take pictures of the local nature & wildlife as best as I could. I’ve also traveled to New Zealand for almost 6 months, and shortly before that I bought my first camera. That was a Sony A6000 back then! During my journey in New Zealand, I used that camera pretty much on a daily basis and got used to photography slowly. I’ve also started to post my pictures on Instagram at this time.

I started doing photos when I was around 17 years old, and that’s 10 years now. I would say I’ve felt professional for around 5 years now. That’s when I started doing my first client jobs and productions.

How do you prepare for a photography trip to ensure you get the shots you envision?

When I prepare for shoots nowadays, I always check my gear at home first. That includes cleaning and checking the batteries. I also think about what lenses I will need for the shooting. Sometimes I need almost everything. That's when the bag gets super heavy. But it’s better to have too much gear than not enough with you when you need it!

What inspires you, and where do you look for new ideas?

I’m getting inspired by other photographers on Instagram & YouTube mainly. That’s also the place where I’m looking for new places to travel to.

What kind of photos do you like to take the most?

I really enjoy taking detailed shots of plants and other things in nature. Something like a frozen spiderweb or mushrooms. I would say I love to shoot smaller details.

What’s the most memorable photo you’ve taken while traveling? Can you tell us the story behind it?

My favourites are the moody forest paths of Madeira. I’ve been on a hike for 5 hours completely on my own, and the forest was super misty at this time. I really loved the atmosphere here. I’ve been on Madeira 3 times already, and this time when I took this particular image, I was alone and hiking the forests of Madeira for 3 weeks straight back in 2022. It was one of my first solo adventures, which makes the memories special for me.

Which part of your work gives you more fun: the actual shooting or the post-production? Or do you take it all in as a holistic creative process?

I would say I enjoy both the same, but sometimes when I see the content on my big screen at home, I'm even happier about the results. Of course images also look way better post-editing so maybe it really gives even more satisfaction to see it at this point of the process. It depends on the shooting and sort of content. There are some projects that are quite fun to shoot but not so pleasing to edit afterwards.

As a traveling photographer, you’re in constant motion; you can work anywhere. Do you really need an office?

I really am traveling a lot, and yes, I’m also able to work everywhere, but personally, for me, I love coming home to the place I’m used to, where I know where everything is. A constant office with all my gear as a base to travel from is super important for me. I love it when things are sorted.

What is a workspace for you? How do you define it, and what do you expect from it? How did you hear about Oakywood?

The workspace is super important for getting inspired and staying focused. When I want to work, my space has to be clean and organised. It’s also a place where I can fully zone out and escape reality. That’s why I was looking for a nice desk design to fit my idea of a perfect office. I’ve found Oakywood on Instagram.

What is your work-from-home routine?

My days start with breakfast at around 8. Sometimes I do my emails while having breakfast. I’ve done this interview while having breakfast as well. After that I will usually go to the gym or climbing place to keep myself fit. After lunch I start to work on productions or edit some pictures in my office. Sometimes I keep doing it until very late in the evening.

What are your favourite ways to recover and rest?

My favourite ways to recover and rest are meeting friends or doing Thai massage. Once per year I also go on a trip where I don’t focus on content and just relax. I’m also a big fan of diving.

How do you balance creativity and work organization in your workspace?

When I edit my images, I really like being surrounded with natural materials and plants. I tend to have way too many plants around me all the time. That’s why I love the new desk, as it’s real wood as well. On top of that, it offers me wooden drawers, which are incredible for organizing all my hard drives and cables, for example.

Do you ever face creative blocks? If so, how do you overcome them?

I’ve had several blocks in creativity over the past years. Sometimes I’m also focused on other things more, and then the photography just has to pause for some time. That’s okay for me, and I feel like I need it now and then. It usually comes back within a few weeks from alone.

How do you stay productive while juggling photography, content creation, and traveling?

I’m not pushing myself to stay productive. I’m just going with the jobs that come in and work on them as long as they are finished. If there is no job, I'm not pushing myself to get on the next project as soon as possible. I simply focus on other things in between.

Do you consider yourself a digital nomad? How do you combine work with exploring the places where you work?

I wouldn’t say that I’m a digital nomad. I’m sitting in my home office way too much for that. Maybe that changes in the future, but for now I’m happy to be based in Munich and also got time to meet my friends here.

If it weren’t for photography, what else could you do in life? What are your other passions?

If I weren’t a photographer, I would likely do something animal-related. I just love animals and nature. I think I would always look for something in that direction. I could also think of doing some sport-related jobs, as sports are a big part of my life. I do surfing and climbing very regularly.

Thank you for taking the time to answer our questions!