Resiliences from the parallel photo universe

Writing an annual review in the middle of a pandemic feels strange. Above all: at a time when everyone is writing about the biggest crisis in a long time, can I note that I have gotten through this challenge well - even very well - so far? I feel a little like I'm in a parallel universe of photo resilience.

Of course, this is first and foremost due to my great clients. And yes, I worked harder and more than I have in any year. I was even able to gain new customers, even though I once again had no time for self-promotion. Of course, it's no fun to work for 10 hours in a row with a mask on, which in the worst case scenario can also cause your glasses to fog up. I'm glad that my work tools can now focus reliably on their own and my vision is not needed for this.

In fact, I was lucky too. So I had already answered negatively to the request for a lucrative photography job in March because I was booked in Cannes at the same time. A day later, however, this engagement on the Côte d'Azur was canceled. Luckily, the client for the other photo job hadn't read my rejection yet - because it was the weekend.

I used the little free time that I had during the total lockdown in the spring to... my video skills to file. I actually had more planned, but see above... I've decided to make more small videos for 2021.

But there were also disappointments. The two organizations to which I have given a lot of free time and energy in recent years treated me with very little appreciation. Perhaps the old saying "if it costs nothing, it's worth nothing" is true after all. Well, I haven't been on this planet for over 50 years without learning something new. Perhaps certain people can't imagine that you can get involved in something when you don't have much time. The positive thing for me was that I had more time and energy for my customers who pay for my work. and to appreciate.

Of course, in quiet moments I thought about why I got through 2020 so well. From my point of view, the most obvious thing was that I make service-related art rather than abstract photographic art. The latter has my full respect and I enjoy being moved by looking at the works of these artists. My photography is more about making the client happy. This is art too, but different.

Now, of course, I hope that I can continue on my path. Especially since this year has taught one thing: nobody knows what will happen tomorrow. So I remain humble and look forward to the next tasks. The first quarter is usually my weakest, but the first orders are already waiting here...

I now also enjoy the luxury of having my own camera for my private photography needs. The Leica Monochrom gives me incredible freedom because I can concentrate completely on taking photos. Image editing is limited to a few controls. For me, this is local recreation and eye training at the same time. I'll go into more detail when I get the chance, but here I'll show you my private favorite picture from 2020 for the first time. From Heligoland, of course - my only holiday destination this year and hopefully too the first in 2021. I really like being there.

Leica in general: after I decided in 2017 that the M system was too vulnerable for photo jobs and I wandered through various camera manufacturers, the virus with the round red dot caught me again. And thanks to my recent purchase, I am now fully prepared for all the tasks that arise. It recently occurred to me, quite by chance, that I own the latest cameras from Leica.

This year the Leica SL2 was also able to prove to me that the resolution is sufficient for an 18/1 billboard. My biggest print in 2020.

Enough raving: I wish all readers a wonderful 2021. Lots of love, lots of luck, lots of success and of course good health! I'm looking forward to the new year!