Stating that the best elements of being a photographer are uncovering visuals that people often miss in their daily lives, Berlin photographer and IMAGO partner, Harry Koerber, tells us just why he motivates himself over and over to be the best and most honest he can be.
Meet this weeks Contributor.
Let’s kick off, how did you get started in photography and why?
In high school, as a working group with the permanent art teacher. Taking photos together in the afternoon and then doing laboratory work. I think I was looking for a form of expression for myself.
What was your first experience with a camera?
As with everyone, it was the photos of people in my immediate vicinity, such as family, friends and capturing beautiful moments. But I wasn’t happy with the results and wanted to take better photos.
What five words describe your photographic style or captured message?
Neat, clear, clean, distant, well thought out.
What is the best element about being a photographer, and most challenging?
The best elements of being a photographer are probably, the ability to show something, to be able to make it clear that other people cannot see. The most challenging things you face are being able to motivate yourself again and again.
To you, what is the role photography has in the world?
What kind of photography? Documentary photography is supposed to stop time for a while and direct glances. This being worldwide and at the same time in the very small areas around us.
What one important lesson has your work taught you?
To be honest.
"Too much is being manipulated, only photography can show what really was."
What is currently really getting you frustrated or annoyed?
In photography or in general? In photography it is that its unique selling point of “honesty” is not understood. Too much is being manipulated, only photography can show what really was.
Personally, I am frustrated that I currently have too little time to upload more of my photos for IMAGO.
If you could photograph any historical event, what would it be and why?
I was in Berlin when the Wall fell and took photos. I am very happy about that and that would have been my first wish on this question. Events from the past don’t interest me particularly photographically. If so, then I would like to be there in the future when the last war ends or hunger is eradicated in the world.
What does success look like to you?
I don’t want to achieve “success” in photography, I want to take pictures that I’m happy with myself and that mean something to other people.
What’s your go to album to listen to when you’re working right now?
Don’t ask me about music! It just so happens that I don’t stop talking, I make music myself.
I picked out three nice live things:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4ceQ0VypjS8
Visit our IMAGO site for the full collection from Harry Koerber including his latest images from Berlin or contact us for more information.
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Meet our contributor, Jochen Eckel. Documenting people and their stories, the Berlin-based photographer, and IMAGO partner, describes his work as “real, authentic, focused, close, creative.”
Meet our contributor, Jörg Böthling. From merchant shipper to photographer. Discovering and documenting our world in all its diversity, covering continents and local neighbor hoods alike.