The State of Photography – A Reflection
Recently, I came across an article in Foto News that has stayed with me. It’s not a traditional news piece but rather a collection of interviews from a PHOTONENS salon discussion held via Zoom. The topic: „The Current State and Future of Photography.“ The conversation revolves around the challenges and developments in the field of photography, particularly for young photographers. The participants are Tanja Börner, Jörn Kuhn, Ute Sager, Martin Huttmann, Regina Bormberger, Sandra Parolita, and Werner Pohl, each of whom share their own perspectives.
What stood out to me was the tension they highlighted between commercial work and free, artistically ambitious photography. Commercial projects provide financial stability, but they also consume the time and resources needed for personal work. Yet, it’s clear that the „real“ photography, the kind that is conceptually and aesthetically compelling, remains the core of the discipline.
*Tamara Müller, Jonas Rickert, Sophie Strasser, Konstantin Wendt, Laurin Wüst und Benedikt Walch.
My Perspective as an Emerging Photographer
I’m at the beginning of my journey. As a fourth-semester student at Munich University of Applied Sciences, this tension between economic necessity and artistic ambition is something I think about daily. Coming from a background without significant financial means, I have to carefully consider what is feasible for me and what isn’t. The reality is that many pursue commercial work, but this often limits the freedom to focus on cultural projects.
For me, the goal is to do both. I want to take on commercial work to ensure financial stability while also making time for free projects that allow me to grow artistically and conceptually. Yet, behind this pragmatism lies a lot of thought and a deep respect for the challenges ahead, especially in times of economic uncertainty.
My aim is to create photography that doesn’t just function but also resonates. I’m working on sharpening my design and conceptual skills. The question is: Where and how can I learn this best? How can I put it into practice? The answer will shape my next steps.
