Interview with Oliver Lahrem
BIFA 2024 Winner, 1st Place, Non-Professional Architecture, “The Abstract Cityscape of Frankfurt Am Main”
Q: Can you tell us a bit about your background and what inspired you to embark on a career in photography? Was there a specific moment when you realized this was your calling?
I have been taking photographs for a long time, although it was just a hobby at first. I enjoyed reporting on my long journeys and showing people the beauty and cultures of distant countries. At the time I still used an analogue SLR camera, and on long journeys I used slides to show them in lectures. After that I stopped taking photographs for a while because my focus was on other areas. About 10 years ago I started taking photographs again after I was overcome by wanderlust again. From that point on, however, I bought a digital SLR camera. Due to accidents at work and their consequences, I then had to endure a long period of illness and injury. Photography really helped me get out of a difficult time. It offered me a distraction and a way to refocus because I could no longer do my job. During this time I also had the opportunity to delve deeper into photography. My pictures always received a very good response, and so I decided to concentrate more on photography. But I always knew it would be difficult because there are so many good photographers. But nothing ventured, nothing gained.
Q: What was the inspiration behind your winning project? How did the idea come to you, and what message were you aiming to convey through your work?
I happened to see a documentary on the painter Lyonel Feininger on TV and was fascinated by his painting style. I found out that a major retrospective of the painter was taking place in Frankfurt am Main. It was then clear to me that I had to visit this exhibition. Lyonel Feininger’s painting in the prismatic style fascinated and inspired me at the same time, and so I thought about how I could transfer his style of prisma-ism to photography. I had already worked with abstract photography before and was now able to use it effectively.
Q: Every great story comes with its challenges. What were some of the hurdles you faced while capturing your award-winning project, and how did you overcome them?
A big hurdle in realizing the series was the fact that I had significant mobility restrictions due to the skin cancer operations and had to proceed very carefully. So I can say that great deeds sometimes require great sacrifices, because despite all the precautions, walking through the city was very painful.
Q: What motivated you to enter the Budapest International Foto Awards? What does winning 1st place in your category mean to you personally and professionally?
This is my second time taking part in the Budapest Photo Awards, and of course it is important to see how the photos are judged by a jury of experts. But also to compete with other photographers. At the same time, this competition is, of course, an immense platform to present my photographs worldwide.
1st place in the architecture category is my greatest success so far, and I feel very honored. It shows me that I am on the right track with abstract photography and at the same time motivates me to continue working on it.
Q: Could you share some insights into the equipment and techniques you used to create your winning images? Is there a particular tool or method you always rely on?
I photographed this series with a Nikon Z7 II and a Nikon Z 24-120mm F4 lens. For me, this is a sensational combination and has also proven itself in other abstract photographs.
I am self-taught and taught myself photography, always following the motto “learning by doing”. I also learnt the technique for abstract photography, like in this series, myself. The fact that it was very cloudy that day was very helpful for the series. With outdoor photography, you obviously also need a bit of luck with the weather.
My motto is: A camera can do more than just automatic. You can literally create images with a camera. All you need is the camera, the idea, and the imagination.
Q: Looking back on your journey, what has been the highlight of your career so far? How does this award compare to other milestones you’ve achieved?
I have been submitting pictures to major photo competitions for almost three years, so it is still a relatively short career. After numerous awards, this is my greatest success in international photo competitions, so I am extremely pleased about this success. Especially considering that this series was created at a time that was very difficult for me because of the skin cancer. But this success shows that you should not give up and look forward with optimism.
Q: What advice would you offer to emerging photographers hoping to make their mark in the industry? Are there any lessons you’ve learned that you wish you’d known earlier?
Given my current success, I naturally ask myself where I would be today if I had found my way to the big photo competitions earlier. That has definitely taken me further than the time when I was active on various social media. So I can only advise aspiring photographers to submit their pictures to photo competitions. Of course, it is also a question of cost, but it is a good and targeted investment in the future.
Q: Photography is often described as a universal language. How do you approach storytelling in your work, and how do you connect emotionally with your audience?
For me, a good description of the image or storytelling is the be-all and end-all of abstract photography. Of course, the viewer can form an image and think about what the artist wants to express with it.
I like to tell the story that led to the image. In other cases, I describe the emotions that prompted me to create this image and that I want to express with it. At the same time, however, I always do it in a way that is understandable for everyone and not too artistic.
Q: If you could work on any photography project in the world, unrestricted by budget or location, what would it be and why?
I have lots of ideas, but of course health comes first, as I have certain limitations and have to take them into account. Healthy people think it’s completely normal to be able to do what they want. It’s only when this is no longer the case that you realise how important health is.
There are still many countries that I would like to visit. It would be exciting to combine them into a trip around the world. Then to make an illustrated book about it that shows how beautiful our world is, but also to encourage people who suffer from a serious illness not to give up. I have experienced the positive effects of photography myself and would like to pass on this experience to help other people.
Q: What’s next for you after this incredible achievement? Are there any upcoming projects or goals that you’re particularly excited about?
This success naturally provides new inspiration for further projects in the area of abstract photography. There are a few cities that are possible for me, such as New York. But I have just noticed again with a completely new series that the best ideas suddenly develop out of the situation. That’s how it was with this series that brought the win.
I say to myself that everyone needs a goal to work towards, and for me this next big goal would be an exhibition.
