Horst Witthueser LRPS
Question no. 1: How did you get into photography?
I got my first camera a cheap Kodak box when I was 12 years old and was fascinated by taking pictures of the german North-sea. When I got my A-Level my father bought a Fujica ST as a present to me and I was very fond of David Hamiltons soft focus photos.
Question no. 2: Who are your photographic role models?
As I started my more serious photography in the early 70s of the last century in my little darkroom I was mainly influenced by those BW photographers of that time. I was a fan of the Time-Life book series about photography and photographers.
Question no. 3: What do you like to photograph most?
Photography for me means to find my inner self, to be able to express myself in my own way and to find peace within myself.
Question no. 4: Is there anything you don't like to photograph at all?
I am open to all approaches to photography - there is no field that I do not like at all.
Question no. 5: How do you approach a shooting? Do you choose the location/subject in advance, or do you just drive blindly somewhere and start taking pictures?
I usually have an idea of what topic interests me next or in which field I would like to continue working. Accordingly, I choose locations and situations. I have travelled a lot in the world in the past decades - also professionally. One of my early experiences in the early 80s was climbing Mount Kilimanjaro. The associated hiking and climbing through various vegetation zones up to the then still fully snow-covered mountain peak was not only a photographic challenge, but also an ever lasting impression.
Question no. 6: Are there a few dream places you would like to photograph?
I have travelled a lot in the world in the past decades - also professionally. One of my early experiences in the early 80s was climbing Mount Kilimanjaro. The associated hiking and climbing through various vegetation zones up to the then still fully snow-covered mountain peak was not only a photographic challenge, but also an ever lasting impression.
Question no. 7: How necessary is high-quality equipment for you?
In the meantime, I don't like to do without certain options that all newer camera systems offer today anyway, but otherwise, my Sony Alpha 99 with two zoom lenses, a good tripod and a remote shutter release is enough for me. It's easy to carry in a medium-sized photo bag.
Question no. 8: What 3 tips would you give to someone who is just getting interested in photography?
- Photographing from the moment and with the heart is important in my opinion.
- Motifs usually only present themselves once. If you don't have a camera with you, the moment is over and the opportunity may be lost.
- The best equipment is of little use to me if it lies in the cupboard at home.
Thank you, Horst, for giving us an insight into your photographic motivation and inspiration. We hope to see more of your fantastic Portfolio on our Website in near future!
Vita of Horst Witthueser
Horst Witthüser was born in 1954 in Hagen/Westphalia and has been professionally active as a lecturer in Germany, Zimbabwe, Namibia and Saudi Arabia. He has been a member of the Royal Photography Society since 2006 and a founding member of the Royal Photography Society - Germany Chapter in 2009. He obtained the LRPS in June 2017. Horst has decided to focus on Contemporary Photography and Visual Art. His photographic interests lie in the areas of geometric abstraction and street photography. For the LRPS panel, it was especially important to him to present meaningful photos of various origins and suitable formats as well as their clever positioning in the layout of the panel.
Homepage: www.witthuser.de
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