Interview: Photographer Dietmar Bougé (Germany)

Modellenland

6 jun 2023

Can you tell us a little about you?

My name is Dietmar Bougé and live in western Germany near Cologne. On the one hand I am very affine with technology and on the other hand I am very interested in culture and art. In both areas I like to create things. I'm usually more concerned with the process of creation than with the finished work.

How and when did you get into photography?

I practically inherited my passion for photography from my father. But it wasn't until the digital photography era began that I got more involved in the subject. First technically and then from around 2005 in the form of portrait shoots and then model shoots.

What does photography mean to you?

The opportunity to express things that concern me. Relaxing from the job, turning off the brain and creating from within. Not being fixated on the result but being able to enjoy the journey. But also, when I see the results of others, I feel how the picture came about, what the mood of the scene is and ultimately the intention of the photographer.

Please briefly describe your photography style for our readers.

My photographic style is more of a fluid style. Starting with dark black-and-white portraits, through colorful, rather unposed-looking scenes, to pictures that tell a little story. For pictures that go in the direction of portraits, I prefer black-and-white, otherwise it can be in color.

Where do you get inspiration from?

On the one hand, I am certainly influenced by the works of well-known photographers such as Peter Lindbergh, Helmut Newton or Elliott Erwitt. On the other hand, ultimately much more important, what I experience has a significant influence on what and how I photograph.

Studio, on location or both?

I clearly prefer “On Location” or Studios that offer an atmospheric background. Bare monochromatic background is not really my cup of tea.

Do you think in advance what you want in the picture?

I very rarely go to a shoot where I know exactly how each picture should look. Either I have an idea beforehand, a plan of what I want to express in the picture, or I let myself be inspired by the scene and also by the dialogue with the model. This dialogue often starts days in advance and we brainstorm our way towards an "ideal" image.

Would you consider yourself a hobbyist or a paid professional?

I see myself as a hobbyist. I try to keep all monetary aspects (where I get paid) out of my photography as much as possible. I like "I can" but not "I have to".

What has been your most memorable session and why?

A shoot in Paris where I wanted to include a landmark from Paris but not so clearly that it should distract from the actual motif, the model. There, at the EiffelTower, we found a couple of skaters who wanted to take part in a fashion shoot. It turned out that one of the skaters was also dancing, so we shot a dance scene with this skater in front of the Eiffel Tower. The result was good (see Instagram) but the fun we had was priceless.

Nikon or Canon? Favorite lens?

I work with the Sony Alpha system. Many of my pictures are taken with the 35mm lens.

What is one piece of advice you would like to offer a new photographer looking to start their own business?

Since I don't work professionally myself, I can't really give tips on how to build a business. It makes sense to develop your own style over time and make use of it.

What do you think of our new magazine?

I stumbled upon the site years ago and I think it's good that you get a platform like this to show your pictures to an interested audience. And of course that you also get an insight into the work of others. From my point of view: Highly recommended!

https://www.facebook.com/dietmar.bouge

https://www.instagram.com/dietmarbouge/

https://strkng.com/de/fotograf/dietmar+bouge/