From the series "Plastic Propaganda"From the magazine SchnappschussNo. 55
Either... Or
Black or white?
Either... Or!? In the new section of our Schnappschuss magazine, we present photographers with a choice. We start with Hamburg photographer Peter K?hn. The former electrician, remedial teacher and hobby photographer at the time was caught by Cartier-Bresson at an exhibition and decided that day "I'm going to take photos like that tomorrow!"
Several years and a degree under Prof. Jochen Blume later, Peter K?hn can look back on many projects and numerous commissions. The constant is always the portrait.
"For a good portrait, a smile is as important as an electric wing mirror."
Black or white?
I imagine I take high-contrast photos. When looking at black and white photographs, the countless tones in between also count, of course. But my fascination definitely belongs to the blacks. Ultimately, they are what move me.
Old or modern?
My daily work is modern. Photoshop, Lightroom and other programs. Unless customers request otherwise, I think of every image idea as a finished print on the wall, not as a jpg preview on the computer. Today's print technology offers everything for this. Any digital file can be processed into an analog negative. This leaves a lot of scope for the final presentation of my work. In black and white, I prefer analog techniques such as the silver gelatine print, which reaches its peak with the lith print. For me, the supreme discipline in color printing is dye-transfer printing. In my opinion, both cannot be imitated digitally. One small drawback is the production costs, but these are easily forgotten when you look at the final print.
The actor Karl Heinz von HasselDream or memory?
Unlike Helmut Newton and Karl Lagerfeld, I don't have dreams that become a picture idea the day after. It may sound banal, but for me it's my involvement with people and the memories from my own life that shape what I do.
Interpretation or statement?
I can only do my work myself. It is exciting to face the interpretations of others. That can sometimes hurt, but it's very instructive.
The actor August Zirner"My words were not enough to describe what interests me about people and things."
Spontaneous or planned?
Every photographer will probably find it difficult to answer this question, as they can do both. When I think about the work ahead of me, I see a lot more staged photos.
A planned set provides the framework for the actors. This is particularly helpful for short photo shoots.
Photography or words?
My words are not enough to describe what interests me about people and things.
The journalist Stefan AustPortrait or landscape?
An interesting question that I've never thought about before. I usually take the camera "up to my eye". But the format actually depends on the image idea.
Talent or technique?
Workshops and tutorials have exploded in popularity in recent years. A "whole new" business area has emerged. For me, technology will always be the assistant to talent.
"I see myself, you see yourself."
Portrait photography is always a game of mutual vanities
The violinist Hsin Hua HsiehCrazy or down-to-earth?
I often regret not having been crazier in my work so far. However, after looking at David LaChapelle's work, everyone has to admit to working down-to-earth...
Art or business?
Who wouldn't want to combine the two? But do they really have to? I separate the two. Business is business and in most cases clearly defined. Art gives you much more space, but also demands a lot from you. The photography process is often the shortest part. The entire artistic process (from idea to completion) is what makes it so appealing. But still...
Photography has become a profession. I can't imagine going back to my hobby today.
The director Leander HaussmannCelebrity or model?
Models don't take up much space in my work. Even if I don't like the word, professional models often have poses that are sometimes difficult to "solve". I often prefer models who come from a semi-professional background. The work takes longer, but the results are more authentic. Working with so-called celebrities is my favorite thing. People who have achieved a high level of professionalism in one area fascinate me. "Celebrities" know about their impact on the public and, especially actors, can jump into a wide variety of roles. This can mean that not only do two projects collide, but external circumstances limit the time available. In other words: taking a good portrait in 8 minutes. Something you have to get used to if you want to work in this field.
Setting the tone or executing?
I see myself, you see yourself. Portrait photography is always a game of mutual vanities. The 2.5-hour photo session with an actor from Hamburg developed into a permanent battle for the direction of the shoot. Neither of us "won", but afterwards we were both exhausted and tried to keep our composure towards the other... It was different with an actor who lives in Bavaria and had a guest appearance in Hamburg. He canceled the 10-minute appointment scheduled by the agency. We met in peace the day after and discussed the individual stations I had set up over a coffee and worked through them dutifully. This left time for conversation afterwards. How important his flute is to him, where he bought it and that he wants to support his son, who is also an actor, for as long as he can. And yes, he then played Jethro Tull in the echoing studio. Locomotive Breath in jazz style. Memories of earlier times came flooding back.
Blog or exhibition?
Even though I'm starting a blog at the end of the year, for me the exhibition or book is the final version of my work. The way of viewing is simply more truthful.
Heart or mind?
There are many different requirements in photography. In portrait photography, you don't necessarily have to understand your subject, but you should always engage with the person and try to empathize with them. This is one of the ways you can create the picture. For me, portraits are clearly heartfelt
Yes or no?
Raise the camera and smile. A trained, almost acquired behavior. I've never understood it. Do we also smile constantly in life? Well, you can use a smile
naturally, but for a good portrait a smile is as important as an electric wing mirror.
Photographer's website:
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