Questions for Walter Fogel – “Opposites” photo competition

When did you start your photography?

I started taking photos as a hobby when I was 16, and I was soon doing photo reporting for various daily newspapers. After studying sports and German studies, I took on an assistant position with the fashion photographer Rudi Goedtler in Lörrach. That was the launch of my professional photography career.

Is photography your hobby or your profession?

I now work as a professional art and advertising photographer.

How and where was the image you entered to the competition taken? Is there a story about it?

During a photography trip to Prague Castle (Hradcany), I spotted this security guard at the entrance and asked my son Adrian (an experienced breakdancer) to do a headstand. The guard didn’t notice anything about this because he was just looking straight ahead. This headstand then became a trademark of my “upside down” series, which has won numerous prizes.

Who and/or what inspires you the most?

There are several people: Albert Watson, Peter Lindbergh, Wolfgang Tillmanns, Beuys, Banksy

What’s your photographic focus?

It is art photography.

What’s your next photo project, your next challenge?

My “augmented reality” project and of course, my focus is still on sculptural dance photography!

Do you include color management in your photographic workflow?

Color management is important for my images, which will ultimately be shown in exhibitions or catalogs.

What do you do with your photos? Do you print them, post them on your social media accounts or your website or do they simply stay on your hard drive?

I showcase the images in all media that can reach the public, i.e., exhibitions, catalogs, books, social networks or of course in advertising in general.

What’s your photographic goal? What do you dream of?

I dream of being able to continue working as freely and unbound as I do at the moment.

About the author – Walter Fogel

Awards since 2000