Life Photos of Foreign Beauties: Issue 174 - Amateur Model’s Poised Daily Portraits

Berlin-based amateur model Lena Schmidt, 26, takes the spotlight in Issue 174, with a series of posed yet natural photos capturing her in everyday Berlin settings. Shot by photographer Kai Berger, the collection balances intentionality and ease—Schmidt poses in her apartment’s sunlit kitchen, outside a historic bookstore, and along a tree-lined canal, each stance styled but never stiff.

Berger, who specializes in lifestyle photography, worked with Schmidt to craft poses that feel “lived-in.” “We practiced small adjustments—tilting the chin, relaxing the shoulders—to make posed moments look spontaneous,” he said. Schmidt, a freelance translator with a 170cm frame, wears her go-to outfits: tailored linen trousers, oversized knit sweaters, and ankle boots from local brands like Berlin Threads, paired with dainty gold necklaces.

Standout images include Schmidt leaning against a weathered brick wall, one hand tucked into her sweater pocket and the other holding a vintage camera, her gaze soft but focused. Another shows her seated at a café table, a latte in front of her, fingers gently curled around the mug—posed, yet evoking the calm of a weekend morning. Schmidt’s minimal makeup (a touch of blush, clear lip gloss) keeps the focus on her warm smile.

Schmidt, who started modeling as a hobby after friends noticed her eye for styling, says the shoot felt like “dressing up my daily life.” “I love finding beauty in ordinary places, then making them feel special with a little pose,” she explained. The series avoids over-the-top backdrops, using Berlin’s iconic cobblestone streets and cozy corner shops as natural stages.

Readers have praised the issue for its “relatable glamour.” Unlike overly styled editorials, Schmidt’s photos show that poise can fit into daily routines. “It’s about looking polished without losing that ‘I just threw this on’ vibe,” Berger noted. For Schmidt, that’s the appeal: “Posing doesn’t have to feel fake. It’s about showing the best version of your everyday self.”