INSPIRATION

In search of the essential with Alexander Schoenberg

Short profile

Alexander Schoenberg studied music for 15 years before turning to photography in 2015. His work is now exhibited internationally and has received numerous awards. He lives and works in Hamburg. In the interview, he not only explains how he came to photography by chance, but also provides insights into his working method.

portrait Alexander Schönberg.

6 QUESTIONS TO ALEXANDER SCHOENBERG

Can you tell us a bit about how you became a photographer?

It all started in early October 2015. At the time, I’d been producing music and writing lyrics for 15 years, when a doctor unexpectedly suggested that I “just go for more walks.” I immediately realized I was getting bored with simply walking around. Without thinking too much about it, I went to a store and bought a camera straight away. That marked the beginning of my journey into photography.

Ice layer / Ice age / Eiszeit by Alexander Schönberg.

Photo: Alexander Schoenberg

Please share something about your images. What is your special interest? How do you choose the colors, composition, themes etc.? 

For the last five years, I've mostly worked on a project basis. When I find a topic that captivates me, one that feels like it could become a series, I either fully commit to exploring it or don’t pursue it at all. Some series can go on for years and more or less never end, others are just one-offs, it always depends.

Overall, fog and people are central elements in many of my series, both in urban and natural settings. I always adapt the choice of color and composition to the theme of the series, there is no specific approach.

I often follow the principle of 'less is more', constantly asking myself: 'What can I take out of this image?' or 'What’s the essence of this shot?'

Architectural round forms.

Photo: Alexander Schoenberg

Where does this interest come from?

Photography is therapeutic for me—it helps me process my experiences, adds meaning to my life, and has become a grounding force that organizes everything else around it.

When I’m photographing, I feel like I’m in a parallel universe, lost in the endless details of cities or landscapes., beamed away from reality, I have found my way to express myself. I see it as a kind of medium between myself and other people, as each photo feels like an open book.

prominent tree shrouded in fog.

Photo: Alexander Schoenberg

How do you get inspired?

Real life on the street. That’s why street photography is the most important and exciting form for me.

And what inspires you the most? Films, books, or magazines? Or what surrounds you? 

Maybe a few movies, but not really books or magazines. I prefer to create rather than consume, it just fulfills me more.

What are your plans for the rest of the day?

A little walk with a podcast in my ear. ;)

The metallic shimmer of the ultraHD metallic photo prints behind acrylic glass accentuates the motifs from the Ice Age series. The Slimline frames in silver perfectly round off the aesthetics of the abstract ice surfaces.

The motifs were developed on Ilford black and white photo paper and laminated behind acrylic glass. The two rectangular pictures are framed in an aluminum ArtBox. This creates an interplay between the geometric shapes of the motif and the frame, which mutually reinforce each other's effect. 

As a Fine Art Print, which allows for extra-fine tonal value differences, all the nuances and details of the nature shots are highlighted. The Basel floater frame made of walnut wood enhances the statement of the motifs with its floating effect. 

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