Klaus Maria Einwanger
1. Can you introduce yourself and talk about how you got into photography?
Hey, I am Klaus. I actually decided to become a photographer at a photo camp at the age of 12. Back then, I was certainly still naive - but that's the way it had to be. Now I've been working in this profession for 40 years and I still have a lot of plans moving forward.
2. Where did you study photography?
My 'university' has always been life itself. Inspiration lies in almost every encounter with people or the circumstances that form the framework. Otherwise, I would describe myself as 'self-educated'.
3. Do you remember your first shot? What was it?
This was probably a holiday snapshot - as a child I had already taken the camera out of my father's hand because I wasn't happy with his pictures. Since then, he has always supported me on my way.
4. What equipment do you use?
Today I work a lot with LEICA SL 2 and the LEICA Q3.
5. What do you hope to achieve?
In my personal life, the continuation of the peace and happiness I have with and for my family. Professionally, every photo shoot is different, it has its own personality and therefore must tell its own story. Finding the story is always my inspiration.
With my book: I wish to inspire the reader to respect and appreciate those around them. Not to take people for granted and not to ignore the everyday things in our lives. As a photographer, I can choose to ignore everyday details or use them to enhance the image I am photographing.
6. What inspires your unique storytelling?
My job allows me to meet so many impressive and great people. Each has their own, unique story, these qualities inspire me, you could call it a key to their individuality, and in doing so inspire me to tell their story, as well as my own.
7. What THREE (3) words describe your photography style?
Reality, observational and uncomplicated.
8. Congratulations! As the winner of the London Photography Awards, what does it mean for you and your team to receive this distinction?
Thank you for the London Photography Awards! Every award is special to someone who is in this profession and industry. An award is always an important moment in one's professional life and CV.
9. Can you explain a bit about the winning work you entered into the 2024 London Photography Awards, and why you chose to enter this project?
I have been fortunate to work in many of the major cities of the world, in each one I always use taxis. I was traveling around in New York and London using different cabs, I always made a point of talking to the driver to ask how business is and how they are, small talk, but you learn that way.
After 3 or 4 conversations it occurred to me that here was an opportunity to tell a story, not just a picture story. I wanted to show the impact of a disruptive business model - UBER.
10. How has winning an award developed your career?
Every award contributes to the future - I consider myself fortunate to have received many awards over the last 25 years for a wide variety of work. An award is always an important moment in one's professional life and CV and is recognised by clients, the media, and colleagues.
11. Name 1-3 photographers who have inspired you.
Albert Watson - I even had the great honour of meeting him in person in Hamburg 2023.
12. What was the best piece of advice you were given starting out, by a mentor or your role model?
I can only put you in the boat - you have to row it yourself.
13. What advice would you give someone who would like to become a photographer today?
Be a special and courageous person.
14. What is your key to success? Any parting words of wisdom?
If you want to be heard, you have to sing and dance - It's about the quality of your work and the quality of your network.
15. How do you stay in that space of being receptive to new information and knowledge?
Childlike openness and curiosity paired with adult pragmatism.
16. Which THREE (3) peers, within the photography industry, would you nominate to be a judge in the next London Photography Awards? (You may include yourself within, and please include the email addresses)
-Klaus Mellenthin / Berlin
-Michael Schnabel / Stuttgart
-Klaus Einwanger (but only if this does not exclude me from further participation in the award)
17. Anything else you would like to add to the interview?
Thank the jury for considering my work and deciding it to be worthy of recognition. I express my gratitude to those I have worked with during my career. I am fortunate to have trained and worked with many wonderful people in the past 40 years. I consider it a real privilege to be a photographer and to have had the opportunity to create contemporary documents with my work.
