On the Cover Photo

“For my Berlin Keeper project I headed exclusively to original places: bars with tradition and faithful patrons, also referred to as institutions. The WIENER BLUT is a very good example: it looks back over a history that began at the time when the Wall fell. Leo stands behind the bar counter; she works here to counterbalance her office job. Being a barkeeper is her passion. As with all the other portraits in the series, I came alone to the photo shoot, equipped with just the SL2-S. It was important to me to create a personal and intimate situation, in particular because many of those portrayed had no experience of standing in front of the camera. For Leo it was the first photo shoot of this kind, but you wouldn’t be able to tell. I used the Leica System Flash SF40 for the picture and, because of the lacquered wall and the reflective artificial leather sofa, it really produced a strong effect. I appreciate the flexibility of the handling of the clip-on flash, but I also like it as a stylistic means. In TTL mode, you don’t have to worry about either the exposure or the light settings, so that you can focus 100 percent on the person and the motif in front of you. I consider these the best conditions for producing an expressive portrait.”