Masters of Light: Silvia Steinbach
Where? Bremen
When? Since 2005
What? Industrial/Science photography
Favourite equipment? Maxima Furiosa – Canon R5
Silvia Steinbach is a scientific and industrial photographer based in Lower Saxony, Germany. After studying photo design in Dortmund, she launched her freelance career in 2005 and has since worked with scientific institutes and industrial companies across Germany and internationally. Her mission is to make complex technologies and processes visually accessible. With a precise technical approach, masterful control of light, and a sharp eye for detail, Silvia creates images that are both informative and visually impactful.
What is your main field in photography?
I work exclusively for scientific institutes and industrial clients. My focus is on revealing the unseen—turning complex technologies and processes into compelling images. Light is my most important tool. It defines whether an image simply documents, or truly communicates. That’s exactly why I get hired: to use light in a way that clarifies and elevates the subject matter.
What equipment do you use?
I work with the Canon R system, primarily the R5, paired with a set of fast prime lenses ranging from 14 to 200 mm. My lighting kit includes a balanced mix of flashes (100–600 W) and continuous lights of various sizes and intensities—giving me full control on any set.
Which Maxima products have you used?
I regularly use the Maxima Furiosa (800 W) and the Maxima Rapida (200 W with battery). These fixtures have become an integral part of my workflow, both in studio and on location.
Can you tell us a little more about your preferred lighting strategy?
In industrial and scientific photography, lighting is everything. Even small changes can dramatically alter how a subject is perceived. That’s why I rely heavily on continuous light—it allows me and my clients to see results in real time, speeding up the process without compromising quality.
With Maxima, I can quickly dial in the perfect look, adjusting color temperature between 2600K and 6800K on the fly. This flexibility is essential when I combine light sources—like using flash and continuous light together to visualize machinery in motion. Maxima lights give me the creative range and precision I need to work fast and stay focused.
What are the characteristics of Maxima that you enjoyed most?
Maxima stands out for two things: quality and reliability. The Furiosa delivers enough power for outdoor shoots while maintaining consistency. The Rapida is incredibly compact and lightweight, yet powerful—making it almost as intuitive to use as a flashlight. That’s a huge plus when I’m working on the move.
Maxima’s compatibility with a wide range of light modifiers gives me the freedom to shape my light exactly how I need it. And the build quality is top-notch. I often shoot in harsh industrial environments, and Maxima lights have proven to be as tough and dependable as I need them to be.
