Isolation and paranoia: DYSTOPIA by Nils Riedweg
Short profile
Nils ‘Holgersson’ Riedweg, born in 1978, discovered his passion for cinema in his youth. As an operator in Zug cinemas and in the marketing department of a film studio, he developed a passion for the world of film. He later discovered photography and merged cinematic aesthetics with photography.
Nils was awarded ‘Fine Art Photographer of the Year’ at the International Photography Awards in New York in 2022, a testament to his talent and dedication. His works have gained international recognition and show the powerful combination of cinema, photography and everyday stories through his lens. In this interview, he tells us more about his fascination with film and cinema, what inspires him and how he approaches a new subject.
6 QUESTIONS TO NILS RIEDWEG
Swiss photographer Nils Riedweg's passion is visual storytelling - he wants to make people think and be amazed with his pictures. Find out more in the interview. For the exhibition of his award-winning series DYSTOPIA at photoSCHWEIZ, we have produced his motifs exclusively - as a pigment print behind matte acrylic glass and framed in an ArtBox made of black aluminum.
Photo: Nils Riedweg
Can you tell us a little bit about how you became a photographer?
It began everything with movies – during my student years, I worked as a cinema projectionist, not for monetary gain, but to bask in the cinematic experience. It was during this time that my fascination with visual storytelling was born. Subsequently, I ventured into the marketing department of Universal Pictures International in Switzerland, an experience that left an indelible imprint on my photographic style, one that continues to evolve.
My girlfriend introduced me to analog photography, and while I took some courses, the real passion didn't ignite until I switched to digital cameras. Photography soon became a parttime profession after years of contract work for various clients.
A year of van travel brought me back to my roots, and upon returning as a media manager at a startup, I embraced medium format cameras to rediscover the essence of photography.
Photo: Nils Riedweg
Please share something about your images. What is your special interest? How do you choose the colors, composition, themes etc.?
I have three main interests: Storytelling, Street Photography and Portrait. But expressing my ideas through storytelling with all of my creativity is my favourite.
Storytelling/Portraits: Through the images I express my interests, fears, thoughts or just use my imagination for a topic that interests me.
Street Photography is all about timing. You have to be at the right place at the right time. If it happens that you are at the right place at the wrong time, you just have to wait. But in the end it is also storytelling.
Shallow depth of field is a common element in my work, and composition varies with the subject. I aim to isolate subjects within ordinary scenes, giving them a cinematic quality. And I have as would call it a «Nolanesque» (from movie director Christopher Nolan) approach to photography: I create the image in front of the camera and not at the computer.
Photo: Nils Riedweg
Where does this interest come from?
My fascination with movies and aesthetics has been a driving force. I want to express myself through photography. And sharing visual narratives with a wider audience and receiving recognition is immensely gratifying.
How do you get inspired? And what inspires you the most? Films, books, or magazines? Or what surrounds you?
Inspiration, for me, is an intricate interplay of films, books, evocative locations, and music, all of which transport me to distinct emotional and imaginative realms. These stimuli have the remarkable ability to set my creative spirit free.
What are your plans for the rest of the day?
To continue seeking inspiration.
What else should we know about you?
I'm Nils Riedweg, 45 years old, from Zug, Switzerland. I'm a media manager and photographer dedicated to pushing the boundaries of visual storytelling. It's been an incredible journey, and I'm excited for what's next.
