Can you tell us a bit about how you became a photographer? And tell us something about your pictures.

I studied biology between 2013 and 2018. During this time, I bought my first and soon after, my second camera. She accompanied me on trips to New Zealand and, most notably, to Norway for my Master's degree. I spent about six months out of two and a half years on Spitsbergen, the place where I truly discovered my love for nature photography. Since then, my camera, no matter how heavy, has never stayed at home.

It's important to me that my photographs remain as natural as possible and have minimal impact on the animals' lives. For me, encouraging animals to perform tricks or exhibit "natural" behavior through the use of sounds, additional feeding, or other aids has little to do with genuine animal and nature photography. I prefer a purist approach.

While it’s almost impossible to photograph wildlife without some level of influence, I believe it's our responsibility to do everything we can to minimize that impact ‒ or, when necessary, refrain entirely.

Photo: Gunnar Dresler

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

Golden plovers will often approach you if you sit quietly and give both them and yourself time. You'll notice them continuing to forage as they circle around you.

Sea eagles, on the other hand, are much more challenging. Photographing them requires not just time but also luck ‒ and often the willingness to venture out in harsh weather. The sea eagle in this picture, for instance, was captured in 80 km/h winds on the cliffs of Runde, when it suddenly appeared in front of me. While I’ve taken photos from dedicated photography vantage points in the past, I find that this style of wildlife photography often lacks authenticity and is no longer for me.

In terms of composition, I often rely on the famous "Rule of Thirds." However, I’ve increasingly prioritized capturing animals within their natural habitats. This approach allows me to learn more about the animals ‒ their needs for survival and, more importantly, what we must protect. It’s not about showcasing them for admiration; it’s about recognizing their intrinsic value alongside the habitats they inhabit.

Regarding color, I strive to get the RAW files as close to the original scene as possible. However, I do often tone down strong blue and green hues and adjust their brightness. I also aim to give each photo a dominant color ‒ for instance, the interplay of the eagle against the blue sea, or the golden plover amidst the vibrant green vegetation of the summer mountains.

What do you give for Christmas and why? What occasions are there, and which products would be suitable?

I enjoy giving photos and photo products as gifts because they can decorate a home for years, inspire thought, or simply bring relaxation and fascination. Acrylic prints, for instance, add a touch of vibrancy to photographs. Acrylic blocks, in particular, look stunning when placed where sunlight streams into the house ‒ especially during a sunset. When giving a gift, I believe it’s important to choose something useful and enduring that the recipient will appreciate for a long time.

What inspires you? Movies, books, magazines, or what surrounds you?

I certainly find inspiration in movies, books, and social media, but nothing compares to spending time outdoors. Whether or not I end up taking a photo doesn’t really matter. Time spent in the woods and mountains is never wasted. I almost always learn something new, and it’s often a chance to switch off and let my mind wander.

Additionally, I think the courage to be bored is essential. These days, we spend so much time staring at screens and losing ourselves in what others are doing. But boredom fosters creativity, giving rise to entirely new ideas and perspectives.

What else should we know about you?

I was born in the Lower Rhine region, in the town of Moers. While my hometown has its own unique charm, childhood trips to Scandinavia inspired me early on to consider moving abroad. In 2016, about eight years ago, I left Germany with the intention of staying in Norway. Today, I work as a tour guide for tourists, photographers, and filmmakers, as well as in the image and film industry. My work involves video editing for both clients and my own projects. By training, I’m a biologist ‒ a jack-of-all-trades who can do many things a little, though not necessarily masterfully. In a way, that’s exactly what helped me find this line of work.