Shooting in Austria
The History of Photography in Austria
Most Prominent Austrian Photographers
Last updated on January 22nd, 2025
Last updated on January 22nd, 2025
Few people know that the origins of photography trace back to Austria in the 18th century. Voigtländer, founded in 1756 by Johann Christoph Voigtländer, was one of the oldest companies specializing in photographic technology. Initially, the Vienna-based family business focused on developing essential tools for marine navigation. However, after the founder’s passing in the early 19th century, the company expanded into manufacturing optical devices, such as periscope glasses and theater binoculars.
Following the birth of photography in 1839, Voigtländer produced the first camera lens based on analytical calculations—an important milestone in making photography a practical tool. Designed and calculated by Hungarian-born mathematician József Petzval, these lenses were later refined by Voigtländer’s grandson, who significantly reduced exposure times from 20–30 minutes to just 1–2 minutes. These innovations revolutionized portrait photography, making Voigtländer a cornerstone of the field for decades.
In 1849, Voigtländer introduced the first metal-bodied camera, replacing traditional wooden designs. By 1868, the company had produced 10,000 camera lenses—an impressive achievement for the time. By the late 19th century, Voigtländer had become one of the leading players in the photographic industry.
Few people know that the origins of photography trace back to Austria in the 18th century. Voigtländer, founded in 1756 by Johann Christoph Voigtländer, was one of the oldest companies specializing in photographic technology. Initially, the Vienna-based family business focused on developing essential tools for marine navigation. However, after the founder’s passing in the early 19th century, the company expanded into manufacturing optical devices, such as periscope glasses and theater binoculars.
Following the birth of photography in 1839, Voigtländer produced the first camera lens based on analytical calculations—an important milestone in making photography a practical tool. Designed and calculated by Hungarian-born mathematician József Petzval, these lenses were later refined by Voigtländer’s grandson, who significantly reduced exposure times from 20–30 minutes to just 1–2 minutes. These innovations revolutionized portrait photography, making Voigtländer a cornerstone of the field for decades.
In 1849, Voigtländer introduced the first metal-bodied camera, replacing traditional wooden designs. By 1868, the company had produced 10,000 camera lenses—an impressive achievement for the time. By the late 19th century, Voigtländer had become one of the leading players in the photographic industry.
Camera Clubs
Between 1890 and 1914, revolutionary technical advancements fueled the flourishing art of photography, making camera clubs a vibrant part of social life. Several clubs were established not only in Vienna, but in Graz, Salzburg, and in Linz too, modeled after similar organizations in Britain and France.
The Viennese club aimed to unite photography enthusiasts—both amateurs and professionals. However, as photographic techniques rapidly evolved, amateur members struggled to keep pace and eventually formed their own separate clubs. Camera club members embraced innovation and were dedicated to establishing photography as a recognized art form. In 1894, they launched the monthly journal Wiener Photographische Blätter, which showcased the artistic work of their members.
With the rise of daily newspapers in the early 20th century, photography was no longer solely an artistic pursuit—it also became an essential tool for journalism.
Between the First and Second World Wars, an increasing number of press photographers turned their attention to capturing everyday life and idyllic scenes, seeking to balance the harsh imagery of wartime reporting. Artistic self-expression remained vital, as photography aimed not only to document reality but also to reflect the unique perspective and style of the photographer.
Inge Morath, A Master of Photography
Inge Morath was one of Austria’s most successful female photographers, whose self-expression and realistic portrayal of subjects were key to her distinguished career.
Born as Ingeborg Hermine Mörath in Graz in 1923, she moved with her family to Darmstadt shortly after her birth and later to Berlin. After completing her studies in Berlin and Bucharest, she returned to Austria. Following World War II, she began working as a journalist in Salzburg and later in Vienna. Between 1946 and 1949, she worked as an editor and translator for the United States Information Service, where she edited literary texts, radio plays, and articles, while also serving as the picture editor of the cultural magazine Heute.
In 1949, with the support of Ernst Haas, she moved to Paris, where she had the opportunity to work as an editor and journalist for the world-renowned photo agency Magnum, founded by Henri Cartier-Bresson, Robert Capa, David "Chim" Seymour, George Rodger, and William Vandivert. It was during this time that she developed a deep interest in photography, leading her to enroll in a photography course in London in 1951, studying under Simon Guttmann.
By 1953, she had begun working as a photographer for Magnum as well as for prestigious magazines such as Vogue, Life, and Paris Match. She quickly gained recognition as an independent photographer, capturing striking images during her travels to Iraq, Iran, Syria, Mexico, Tunisia, the United States, and throughout Europe.
In 1956, she published her first book, Guerre à la tristesse, and in the same year, her first exhibition opened at the Würthle Gallery in Vienna. By the late 1950s, Morath had begun working on numerous film productions. While photographing the set of The Misfits, starring Marilyn Monroe, she met Monroe’s husband, playwright Arthur Miller. Following Monroe and Miller’s divorce, Morath and Miller married in 1962. With him, she shared her passion for travel and the arts.
Throughout the 1970s and 1980s, she held numerous exhibitions in the United States, Europe, and Japan. While she often pursued her own projects, she also welcomed commissioned work. Over time, she became widely recognized for her artistic portrait photography.
In 2010, Vienna’s 12th district honored her legacy by naming Morathgasse after her. Her memory is also preserved in her hometown of Graz, where Inge-Morath-Straße bears her name, and in Salzburg, where Inge-Morath-Platz stands in her honor.
Contemporary Photo Scene in Austria
By the late 20th century, as social norms became more relaxed, the arts gained greater freedom to evolve, allowing for more daring and provocative works to be accepted. While modernization shaped the culture of the era, a deep respect for tradition remained. Abstract imagery, photo collages, artistic self-portraits, fashion photography, and nude studies all became defining elements of visual art during this time.
Austrian photographer Andreas H. Bitesnich capitalized on this shift in moral boundaries, establishing himself as one of the world’s most renowned nude photographers.
Born in Vienna in 1964, Bitesnich began taking photographs in 1988 without formal training. He gained international recognition for his distinctive portrayal of sculptural human forms and his mastery of lighting in nude photography. In addition to fashion and nature photography, his work spans multiple genres. His first book, Nudes, was published in 1998 and won the Kodak Photography Book Prize that same year. Beyond photography, Bitesnich is also known as a talented composer.
Interestingly, one of his former assistants, Mario Schmolka, has become a leading figure in contemporary fashion and portrait photography.
Born in Vienna in 1975, Schmolka pursued his studies in Vienna and later Milan, where he became involved in high-profile productions for brands such as Moschino, Prada, and Versace.
After returning to Vienna, he established himself as an independent photographer, working with international brands and publications such as Vogue Germany, Vanity Fair Italia, Glamour, and Marie Claire, as well as the Austrian fashion and photography magazine Peng!. His first book, Intense (2005), was accompanied by two exhibitions in Vienna. In addition to his work in fashion and beauty photography, he has also captured portraits of celebrities, including Bar Refaeli, Manolo Blahnik, and Tommy Hilfiger. In 2012, he received the Austrian Fashion Award.
In the 21st century, Austria continues to play a significant role in the evolution of photography, just as it did 200 years ago. Numerous museums, galleries, and festivals promote and celebrate photography among both tourists and locals. Vienna’s WestLicht and OstLicht galleries serve as key venues for historical and contemporary exhibitions, as well as festivals such as the Vienna Photobook Festival, which provides a platform for amateur and professional artists to showcase and sell their photobooks.
Austria’s largest photography festival, Eyes On, takes place every two years in November—recognized as the Month of Photography. Hundreds of Austrian and international photographers showcase their work in Vienna’s galleries, museums, libraries, and public spaces. In addition to exhibitions, visitors can attend book launches, concerts, expert talks, and workshops. Furthermore, Graz also hosts notable photography events organized by the journal Camera Austria International. Ultimately, Austria provides talented photographers with numerous opportunities to present their work to the world and achieve international recognition.
