Apr., 2024
The German word “Zuversicht” translates to “confidence” in English. It can also convey a sense of optimism, trust, assurance, hope, faith, and reliance. So, when you encounter “Zuversicht,” you can think of it as a positive outlook or belief in something⁴. May you face the future with confidence, strength, and hope!
In January this year, i got in touch with Marwin - themarwinshow - via Instagram as I liked his analogue photography. In our chat he recommended to have a look at https://Drittelregel.com as they offer photography projects to improve your skills in conceptual photography. Marwin is a co-founder of this online photo school.
I signed up and attended the initial session where we got a comprehensive introduction in conceptual photography, how to approach a project and how to work conceptual in photography. At the end the assignment topic was revealed where each participant has been asked to create a photographic series of max. 7 photos dealing with the assignment topic. During fortnightly breakout session, each participant had the opportunity to collaborate with the others, check for advice and get guidance.
What a great challenge - and so i committed myself to this photographic exercise.
The assignment topic was ‘Zuversicht’. It was clear to me, to approach this with portrait photography as this is the genre i like and which gives me joy. It was also a great opportunity to push myself doing more portrait sessions in the next couple of month.
My plan was to identify 7 people, have a portrait session and trying to trigger a genuine and authentic expression of ‘Zuversicht’ by asking What does ‘Zuversicht’ mean to you ? and What makes you ‘zuversichtlich’ in this moment ? . In order to push myself even more, i decided to avoid friends and family, to focus and practice communication while photographing.
The results are incredible - it is not only a very strong portrait series, but also the process and lessons learned for me are priceless. A lot of communication was involved to trigger the moment during the shooting while ensuring it is authentic and not played or posed. It was also great to see the common behavior. All are looking away from the camera when they were thinking about that moment in the future, assuming they truly feeling it.
These 7 portraits are very special to me - they document a very important moment in my photography journey and life !