Unusual perspectives with Mika Volkmann

Can you tell us a bit about how you came to photography?

I became a photographer at a young age. My father was a photographer and so I had the opportunity to take test photos for a small local newspaper at the age of 18. My father lent me his camera and accompanied me for the first two weekends. Despite having no previous experience, I thought it would be a great way to earn money relatively easily. Of course, a few things went wrong. For instance, I once set the focus incorrectly, so all the cars in the background of the sports field were sharp, but not the players. Or the pictures were underexposed or overexposed. However, my father, a self-taught photographer himself, encouraged me to 'just do it' and 'learn from your mistakes. Back then, it was all analog, and even with a digital scanner, the work was still a craft. So, I was even prouder of the results. Even back then, my main subject was sports, which I am still passionate about today. When I then moved to Cologne to study sports, I deepened my interest in sports photography and then mainly photographed professional sports.

Photo: Mika Volkmann

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

As a photographer and photojournalist, I try to give my pictures an aesthetic touch in addition to the usual press photos. Many people tell me, 'I like your sports pictures, even though I'm not usually interested in sports photography.' I don't even know what I'm paying attention to. Over time, seeing and photographing becomes so second nature that you can't do much else. With pictures, I'm definitely interested in composition, colors, light, sometimes a certain joke.

Through mainstream sports, I also discovered disability sports, which captivated me. I simply find the sport here interesting and exciting. The people are still approachable, and their stories and achievements inspire me. This led me to delve deeper into sports reporting, whether it's an old fencing school in Paris, a local skater, or women playing rugby. I aim to tell stories that you might not have on your radar. During the COVID-19 pandemic, I had enough time to implement an idea I had been planning for a long time. Namely to take a bird's eye view of football pitches. Even as a child, I was fascinated by the differences that exist here. A drone is the perfect way to showcase their diversity. Color, shape, environment, texture and design become visible, which you can't capture from below.

Photo: Mika Volkmann

Where does this interest come from?

I think the interest comes from the curiosity that you have inside you. I'm drawn to stories and the people who experience them. I always like to dive into new worlds and gain insight.

What inspires you?

It's usually the people who surround me. This automatically creates opportunities for new, exciting stories. Of course, I am also inspired by the works and images of other photographers.

Photo: Mika Volkmann

How do you get inspired? And what inspires you the most? Films, books, or magazines? Or what surrounds you?

Even though it sometimes annoys me, Instagram is a significant source of inspiration. I also draw inspiration from my imagination, nature, art magazines, and art books. I also always love it when I come across printed photos of friends or relatives. I look at printed pictures a little longer than a digital picture.

Photo: Mika Volkmann

What are your plans for the rest of the day? 

I'm going to edit pictures from Germany's last European Championship match and then later attend my son's graduation party.

What else should we know about you?

I'm 42 years old, born in Gießen, and I live in Cologne. I'm a freelance photographer. When I'm not photographing, I like to draw, play sports and recharge in nature.