⭐ 5,0 Google Bewertung | Fotograf aus Jena | Portrait-, Paar-, Babybauch- & Boudoirfotografie | Ruhige & entspannte Fotoshootings | Persönliche Betreuung
About me – your photographer in Jena & Thuringia
It's me!
I am Sebastian Häfner or simply Basti, a photographer from Jena in Thuringia.
I photograph individuals, couples, families, and animals with calm, authentic style. My approach is attentive, personal, and focused on capturing the essence of each scene. You can find an overview of my photoshoots in Jena here.
My photos are taken in a relaxed atmosphere and without unnecessary pressure.
As a photographer, I travel in Jena, Thuringia, Saxony, Saxony-Anhalt and throughout Germany.
Private & personal
I live with my wife, our twin daughters, and our menagerie of dogs, cats, and guinea pigs in idyllic Laasdorf near Jena. The tranquility of the surroundings, the proximity to nature, and the changing light are an important source of inspiration for me.
What photography means to me
Photography is more than a job for me.
It is my creative outlet and my way of paying attention.
You can also find examples of my work in my portfolio.
I'm not interested in perfect poses, but in real situations, honest expressions, and small details that bring images to life. You can also find insights into my work on my photography blog.
What began as a hobby is now a central part of my life.
With the camera, I can transform everyday situations into lasting memories.
What motivates me?
I am fascinated by the small, often unnoticed moments:
an honest laugh, a calm gaze, or the play of light in a situation.
These moments tell stories without being loud.
I capture these moments exactly as they are:
authentic, genuine and vibrant.
My working methods
It's important to me that you feel comfortable in front of my camera. Even if you've never been in front of a camera before, I'll calmly guide you through the shoot.
This is the only way to create authentic images that show your personality.
I take my time, listen to your wishes and create a calm atmosphere.
The more relaxed the shoot, the more natural the pictures will be.
My values
My photography is based on authenticity, tranquility, intimacy, and respect. I work attentively, without pressure, and with the aim of creating images that have meaning and bring lasting joy.
It is irrelevant whether it is a portrait, a couple's shoot, animal photography or an outdoor shoot – respectful treatment of humans and animals is always the focus.
Further development & looking ahead
I regularly pursue further education, both professionally and creatively. This includes workshops on image composition, lighting, posing, and camera techniques, as well as the continuous development of my image editing skills.
This continuous development is not an obligation for me, but a natural part of my work. My goal is not to chase trends, but to constantly refine my photography.
Short & personal
My profile
Year of manufacture: 1985
Born in: Apolda
Grew up in: Jena
Marital status: Married
Children: 2 twin girls
Pets: dog, cat, guinea pig
Hobbies: Cycling, photography, relaxing
Favorite color: Blue
Music during the shoot: Soft background music for a relaxed atmosphere
Creative balance: Coffee and camera
Camera brand: Nikon, zoom lenses and prime lenses
Photographic style: Natural, calm, and authentic
Favorite locations for photoshoots: Outdoors, urban locations and home shoots
Special passion: Capturing real moments – portrait, couple, maternity, family and pet photography
Why a bastion tour photoshoot?
I accompany people in Jena, Thuringia, Saxony, Saxony-Anhalt and throughout Germany.
My goal is to create authentic and emotional images that will still bring joy years later.
I value a relaxed atmosphere, individuality, and results that reflect each person's personality. Every photoshoot is conducted calmly, attentively, and personally.
Press & Insights
My work has also been featured in the regional press. The following article provides insight into my path to photography and my working methods.
Newspaper article from the OTZ - Saale-Holzland district:
From hobbyist to professional: Photographer from Saale-Holzland takes the plunge
August 26, 2025, 5:00 PM
Sebastian Häfner from Laasdorf now pursues his hobby, photography, professionally.
© Funke Media Thuringia | Larissa König
Sebastian Häfner from Laasdorf has turned his hobby into a profession – or at least a part-time one. A photographer, he initially took pictures just for fun, later offering his photos for sale on online platforms. Now he works even more professionally, putting not only effort into the actual shooting itself, but also investing considerable patience and expertise in the subsequent editing. It's a creative endeavor, quite different from his previous office job.
“I used to photograph a lot of nature. At some point, I also started photographing people and created a website and an Instagram profile,” he says. Sebastian Häfner began with classic portrait photography as well as couple and family photos. Later, he added nude and lingerie photography to his repertoire. “It’s important to me that the photos look aesthetic and aren’t sexual,” the photographer says. Wedding photography has also been added to his portfolio. “I’m basically an all-around photographer,” says Sebastian Häfner.
Saale-Holzland: Photographer acquires knowledge independently
He has also tried his hand at animal photography. He says it requires patience above all else. "I started by photographing my own dog, and later others." The finished results can be viewed on his website and his social media channels. He has two profiles on Instagram – one open to animal photography and another that is only accessible to those 18 and older due to some of the more explicit content.
“I’ve actually never attended a course and taught myself everything. If I want to know something, I look it up in books or use YouTube for tutorials,” says Sebastian Häfner. He explains that digital photography itself is fast. However, the subsequent editing on the computer requires not only time but also experience. He often takes around 1,000 photos per shoot. In the end, this results in 30 to 35 successful images, which the clients receive fully edited. The photographer estimates that each photo takes about half an hour to edit.
Saale-Holzland: East Thuringian photo meeting for the community
Sebastian Häfner values professional exchange with other photographers from the region. That's why he regularly meets with other photographers at the East Thuringian Photo Meetup. There, they not only discuss technical details but also put their skills into practice. This meetup attracts not only photographers but also models, who often pose in special outfits.
The entire process is free for everyone and based on what's called a "TFP" model. In photography, TFP stands for "Time for Prints" (or more modernly, "Time for Pictures" or "Time for Photos"). This is a collaborative agreement between photographer and model where no money changes hands.
Instead, both invest their time and in return receive the resulting images for their own use, which they can then usually use for sedcards, social media or their portfolio.
In short: Everyone works together without pay to create images that all participants can use. The East Thuringian Photo Meetup also aims to expand the community and foster greater exchange among its members. New faces are therefore always welcome.
"We would be particularly pleased to welcome more models who are interested in participating." The next East Thuringian photo meet-up is scheduled to take place on an alpaca farm in Saalfeld.
Source: OTZ Saale-Holzlandkreis
