CAPTION: Flying in a small CESSNA 172 is only sometimes pure relaxation for me. There was a lot of tension in the cockpit on the outward flight to Guernsey due to the weather. Visibility was poor, and there were also heavy rain showers. As the flight progressed, the weather conditions improved, and the routine calm in the cockpit returned, essential for a safe flight. The view from the window to the left of the Norman coast made up for all the tension. I thoroughly enjoyed this flight along the coastline and have anchored it in my memory. The silence, not disturbed by the sound of the engine, is indescribably beautiful and gives me strength for everyday life, which will return after each flight.
Get featured as well
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We would love to hear what motivated you to take this photo and what emotions it triggers in you. You can send us the photo as a JPEG, TIFF, or PSD file. Please make sure that the photo has a minimum resolution of 3000 x 3000 pixels and 300 dpi.
Of course, we must also adhere to the regulations for data protection and the rights of use according to copyright law. Therefore, we ask you to make a short statement in the email regarding the declaration of consent of the person(s) depicted and to allow us to use your photo.
Please use the following email address to send the photo: germany@rps.org
EDITORIAL
DEAR MEMBERS AND FRIENDS OF THE RPS GERMANY CHAPTER
It is a pleasure to welcome you to the latest edition of our magazine. This publication embodies the spirit of exploration, creativity, and camaraderie within the Royal Photographic Society’s German Chapter. This issue brings together a diverse array of works that showcase the skill and unique perspectives of our chapter members and reflect the vibrant and evolving world of contemporary photography.
Our members have again risen to the challenge of capturing the essence of place, emotion, and moment in ways only the camera and the artist’s eye can. We open with a stunning aerial photo story by Eberhard, who takes us on a high-flying adventure above the island of Guernsey. From this elevated viewpoint, we see landscapes transformed into intricate patterns and the island’s coastline shaped by nature’s hand over millennia. Eberhard’s work invites us to consider the artistry of aerial photography and the layers of detail that become visible from a bird’s-eye perspective.
Next, we travel south to Italy with Christopher’s captivating photo essay, “Living Outdoors.” Set in the picturesque Bari and Puglia regions, this series is a testament to the rhythm and beauty of everyday life under the open sky. Christopher’s images capture the vibrant colours and architectural textures of southern Italy and how people live in harmony with their surroundings.
From expansive vistas to the details of nature, Gerald’s “Intimate Landscapes” transports us into a world of close-up, almost meditative imagery. With a focus on the often-overlooked details of natural scenes, Gerald’s images bring the viewer into a calm reflection. His work demonstrates the beauty of simplicity, inviting us to pause and appreciate the natural world’s textures, shapes, and tones up close.
Gerald reminds us that landscapes are not solely grandiose scenes but can also be subtle interactions of light, shadow, and form found in small corners of nature.
In addition to these feature stories, we’re thrilled to present the latest quarterly works from our chapter members. This section of the magazine is an inspiring showcase of the talent within our chapter, reflecting the dedication and diverse viewpoints that make up our creative community. From abstract compositions to documentarystyle captures, these works demonstrate the breadth of styles and subjects our members are exploring.
We are pleased to announce an exciting opportunity to reconnect in person. On 9th November 2024, we will meet at the charming K21 Café Pardos in Düsseldorf for a face-toface chapter meeting. This meeting will offer a chance for members to exchange ideas, share project updates, and discuss the direction of our collective journey in the coming months. For many of us, this meeting will be a muchanticipated return to in-person interaction—a chance to discuss our latest work, find inspiration in each other’s stories, and strengthen the bonds that make this chapter so unique.
As we celebrate the achievements in this issue, I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks to each of you who have contributed your time, effort, and creativity. The images and stories within these pages testify to the passion that drives our work. Above all, this magazine reflects the unique vision and camaraderie that our chapter embodies.
I hope you find joy and inspiration in these stories as I do.
Warm regards,
Chris Renk Chapter Organiser Royal Photographic Society - German Chapter
06
AERIAL PHOTOGRAPHY FLIGHT TO GUERNSEY
Stunning aerial photo story by Eberhard, who takes us on a highflying adventure above the island of Guernsey.
44
BARI & PUGLIA REGION - LIVING OUTDOORS
Lets travel south to Italy with Christopher’s captivating photo essay, “Living Outdoors.”.
64
PHOTO WORK 3RD QUARTER 2024
In focus contemporary art, minimalism and landscape photography.
IN THIS ISSUE
FACTS ABOUT THE GERMANY CHAPTER
Learn more about the current composition of the Germany Chapter and its members’ locations in Germany.
80
CAPTURING THE UNSEEN INTIMATE LANDSCAPES
Gerald’s story invites us to pause and appreciate the natural world’s textures, shapes, and tones up close.
102
DATES & EVENTS NOV 2024 - JAN 2025
Online Meeting, Release dates eMagazine, Webinars and Online Training of the Chapter.
Eberhard Potempa
AN AERIAL PHOTOGRAPHY JOURNEY
FLIGHT TO GUERNSEY
berhard Potempa
FLIGHT to Guernsey: An Aerial Photography Journey
AN AERIAL PHOTOGRAPHY JOURNEY
FLIGHT TO GUERNSEY
EBERHARD POTEMPA LRPS
In this issue, we bring you an exciting adventure from Eberhard Potempa, a seasoned pilot and passionate amateur photographer.
Having earned his pilot’s license 25 years ago, Eberhard regularly takes to the skies in a CESSNA 172. Since 2020, his grandson Leon has joined him on yearly summer flights to new destinations. This year, the duo embarked on a two-day journey to the beautiful island of Guernsey.
Armed with his Sony ILCE-7M2 and a Sony FE 24-240mm lens, Eberhard captured breathtaking aerial photos despite the challenges of flying with dirty cockpit windows and unpredictable weather conditions. In his article, Eberhard shares the technical aspects of photographing from the air and the thrill of combining two great passions: flying and photography.
Eberhard Potempa
Twenty-five years ago, I passed the flying test, which entitles me to fly single-engine propeller aircraft. As a member of the Arnsberg Air Sports Club near Dortmund, I can book these aircraft, which are CESSNA 172s. Since 2020, I have taken my grandson Leon (18) on a 2-day trip yearly during the summer school vacation, each time to a different country.
This year, we flew to Guernsey (and back) in July. As my grandson was able to support me as a “co-pilot”, as a passionate amateur photographer, I had the opportunity to take lots of photos. Taking photos from the cockpit is challenging due to the constantly dirty windows and a flight that is not always smooth. With my Sony ILCE-7M2 and the Sony FE 24-240mm F3.5-6.3 zoom lens, I was able to take some pretty decent photos from the air, often with exposure times of 1/1,000 to 1/2,000 and an aperture of f/6.3.
The weather forecast for our flight out this year could have been better, at least for the outward flight. After abandoning the flight plan, we took off on July 16, 2024. Our flight route was past Dortmund Airport, then Nijmegen (NL) and the North Sea. From there, we flew past the port of Rotterdam (NL), along the coast past Oostende (B), and finally landed in Calais-Marck (F) with inferior visibility. We continued along the French coast, past Le Havre and Deauville. South of Cherbourg Manche (F), we registered at Guernsey and were cleared to land at the airport on the beautiful Channel Island. We spent the hours until late in the evening sightseeing and enjoying a good dinner. After studying the weather forecast the next day, we decided to fly the same route back to Arnsberg.
Motorway junction A448 city of Bochum/Witten (GER)
City of Dorsten on the Wesel-Datteln Canal
berhard Potempa
Along the route, I had many opportunities to capture impressions from the air with my camera. It’s always an experience to take photos from the cockpit from the air. I have to decide to photograph an object I have my eye on within a few seconds.
Large Dorsten lock on the Wesel-Datteln Canal (GER)
Eberhard Potempa FLIGHT to Guernsey:
The chosen setting is not always optimal; unfortunately, photos are blurred and cannot be used further. However, my photos always serve to remind me of the flight at a later date and to enjoy it again.
The river Rhine near city of Emmerich (GER)
berhard Potempa
FLIGHT to Guernsey: An Aerial Photography Journey
City of Nijmegen (NL) on the river Waal
Eberhard Potempa FLIGHT to Guernsey: An Aerial Photography Journey
After about 50 minutes, we flew over the Dutch city of Nijmegen. The cloud cover had increased, and we reduced our altitude to 1,800 feet to fly below the clouds.
Nijmegen, in the province of Geldern, is a city with around 170,000 inhabitants in the east of the Netherlands, located close to the border with the German Lower Rhine region.
berhard Potempa
Potempa
On my flights, I constantly endeavour to find exciting motifs on the ground and photograph them.
Rural regions with fields and meadows, in particular, offer many colourful and graphically striking formations. You can let your gaze wander downwards with a good co-pilot and the autopilot.
Eberhard
Farm 4 minutes by plane west of city of Nijmegen (NL)
berhard Potempa
FLIGHT to Guernsey: An Aerial Photography Journey
Marina on the river Lek south of city of Utrecht (NL)
Eberhard Potempa FLIGHT to Guernsey: An Aerial Photography Journey
Rotterdam World Gateway (RWG) is a cutting-edge container terminal in Rotterdam (NL). It is the largest container port in Europe and still has excellent growth potential.
The dimensions are impressive, and above all, this perspective offers the photographer a wide range of opportunities for interesting shots. It is essential to quickly locate the subjects in view and photograph them with the correct settings.
All this has to be done in just a few seconds. Otherwise, the subject is gone, and it is rarely possible to turn back due to time constraints.
berhard Potempa
Container terminal (RWG) of the city of Rotterdam
Container terminal (RWG) of the city of Rotterdam
Eberhard Potempa FLIGHT to Guernsey: An Aerial Photography
The various terminals offer different services. The largest container ships can dock at the terminals day and night. I would have loved to have flown over this area several times to take many more pictures, but the approaching cloud front demanded our full attention.
berhard Potempa
Eberhard Potempa
After 2:50 hours, we reached our planned stopover destination. Heavy rain in places and a closed, low-lying cloud front forced us to approach Calais-Marck at a low altitude, and visibility was very limited for a short time.
After landing, we recovered a little and then made further plans for the onward flight to Guernsey.
Aerodrome of Calais-Marck (F)
The weather conditions - especially the visibility - improved during our planning period so we could continue flying after 1:15 hours, over land until Le Touquet-Paris-Plage and then always along the coastline.
Housing estate in the greater Le Touquet-Paris-Plage area (F) on the English Channel
berhard Potempa
FLIGHT to Guernsey: An Aerial Photography Journey
As we have travelled further away from the coast, photo opportunities have become rare. So, I was delighted to discover an offshore platform in the English Channel. The remaining flight time to Guernsey was only around 50 minutes.
Eberhard Potempa
Offshore platform in the English Channel
berhard Potempa
FLIGHT to Guernsey: An Aerial Photography Journey
Fort Saint-Marcouf Island (F)
Eberhard Potempa FLIGHT to Guernsey: An Aerial Photography Journey
This uninhabited island (together with a smaller neighbouring island) lies off the French Normandy coast.
It was conquered by the English in the 18th century and returned to France as part of the Peace of Amiens in 1802. Napoleon had it converted into a fortress to prevent it from being stormed.
berhard Potempa FLIGHT
Potempa
We returned home the next day after a lovely afternoon/evening in Guernsey.
The weather forecast was perfect for most of the route, so we decided to fly the same route back. We wanted to make another stopover in Calais-Marck.
Eberhard
FLIGHT to Guernsey: An Aerial Photography Journey
Beach in the north of Guernsey
berhard Potempa
FLIGHT to Guernsey: An Aerial Photography Journey
Eberhard Potempa FLIGHT to Guernsey: An Aerial Photography
Herd of cattle in the agricultural area of Le Pieux (F)
After a 50-minute flight, we reached the chalk cliffs on the Normandy coast. My grandson wanted to see the famous Omaha Beach.
US troops landed on this landing zone on 6 June 1944 (D-Day) as part of Operation Neptune, for which the town of Omaha in the USA gave its name.
berhard Potempa FLIGHT
Eberhard Potempa
We returned home the next day after a lovely afternoon/evening in Guernsey.
The weather forecast was perfect for most of the route, so we decided to fly the same route back. We wanted to make another stopover in Calais-Marck.
berhard Potempa
FLIGHT to Guernsey: An Aerial Photography Journey
Beach in the north of Guernsey
Eberhard Potempa
A clear cloud cover awaited us shortly before Le Havre. We adjusted our altitude to avoid getting caught in the clouds.
I love photos with wispy clouds, so my gaze was directed more downward than forwards. But my co-pilot kept an eye on everything and flew the aircraft responsibly from the right-hand position.
berhard Potempa
FLIGHT to Guernsey: An Aerial Photography Journey
Above the clouds in the Le Havre area (F)
Eberhard Potempa FLIGHT to Guernsey: An Aerial Photography Journey
Motorway A16/E402 L’Européenne in Calais (F)
berhard Potempa
FLIGHT to Guernsey: An Aerial Photography Journey
Eberhard Potempa FLIGHT to Guernsey: An Aerial Photography
North Sea beach in the Westkapelle/Domburg area (NL)
We only made a short stop in Calais-Marck and then continued on towards the Netherlands. In fine weather, we could fly over the Rotterdam harbour again and preserve the memories in the form of a few photos.
berhard Potempa
Container terminal (RWG) of the city of Rotterdam
Fertile, green fields in the Netherlands, north-east of City of Woerden (NL)
Eberhard Potempa FLIGHT to Guernsey: An Aerial Photography Journey
The colour Green dominated our flight for a short time. Large fields caught our eye. These landscape formations are also awe-inspiring and make me repeatedly reach for my camera.
berhard Potempa
FLIGHT to Guernsey: An Aerial Photography Journey
Eberhard Potempa
As on the outward flight, we fly over the Dutch city of Woerden again. The views from the cockpit are always different; nothing resembles the day before; on the one hand, due to the weather, on the other hand, you are also looking in a different direction.
There are always new impressions that only last for a short time unless they are captured photographically. I’ve only just become aware of the retirement home in Oer-Erkenschwick. The round building is a real eye-catcher.
It’s still 20 minutes from our home airport in Arnsberg. We continue to fly at 2,000 feet and will only reduce the altitude for the landing approach.
berhard Potempa
Left: Woerden (NL) , Centre: Alt-Oer retirement home, City of Oer-Erkenschwick (GER),
Right: Former Ewald colliery with winding tower of shaft 3.
Eberhard Potempa
After two days of intensive planning and execution of a flight that is carried out according to visual flight rules, you can feel the tension, giving way to a feeling of happiness after a safe landing. Once again, we completed such a long flight with such a small aircraft. Here’s to a new little adventure with a different destination, a different plane and perhaps alone or with other flying friends.
My Sony camera is always with me. I can’t fly without taking photos!!!
berhard Potempa FLIGHT to Guernsey: An Aerial Photography Journey
Dortmund Airport (GER)
LIVING OUTDOORS BARI & PUGLIA REGION
Christopher Wills LRPS Bari & Puglia Region
BARI & PUGLIA REGION
LIVING OUTDOORS
CHRISTOPHER WILLS LRPS
The ancient city of Bari, nestled along Italy’s Adriatic coast, offers an enchanting blend of history, architecture, and vibrant outdoor culture.
In this article, our member Christopher invites you to journey with him through Bari’s narrow streets, where Roman ruins meet limestone cathedrals and where outdoor life flourishes amidst the region’s warm Mediterranean climate. The oldest part of the city, known as Vecchia, is a stunning tapestry of terraced houses, cathedrals, and lively piazzas.
Here, life spills onto the streets, especially during the summer, when temperatures rise and locals and visitors alike seek the more incredible hours of morning and evening to socialise, dine, and celebrate.
Beach at Polignano a Mare, Bari region afternoon
Bari is an ancient Italian city on the Adriatic coast facing Greece. The remaining ruins of the city go back to the Roman Empire with the oldest complete buildings remaining from the 11th Century. Bari is probably best enjoyed walking with many streets and passages only viable by foot, bicycle or scooter.
The oldest part of the city called Vecchia is quite beautiful and consists of cathedrals (San Nicola and San Sabino), churches and terraced houses built of limestone (lecce). Having been in a few houses, they are small and cramped by modern standards and generally without heating. The climate ranges from 13C to 30C in summer and we visited in August where temperatures during the day were warmer at around the mid-30s. Catholicism dominates the ceremonial calendar and with the warm temperatures and small size of the houses there is a lot of celebrating, eating, drinking and generally living outdoors.
The coastline is spectacular with the best beaches generally to the south of Bari and magnificent cliffs and caves to the north. The beaches in the towns and quite full from 7:00 am are probably enjoyed very early or very late in the day in the summer. The sunlight in the morning and evening is even, golden and warm and plays on the cream and yellow stone of the buildings.
Beach at Polignano a Mare, Bari region evening
Christopher Wills LRPS
Bari & Puglia Region ‒ Living Outdoors
In Puglia the food is highly regional with fish, salads and local pasta (called orecchiette) at the centre of many meals. Orecchiette or ´small ears´ are quite simply made from semolina flour, water and salt. They may be coloured red, orange or green with beetroot, turmeric and spinach…or left in a natural brownishyellow state. Orecchiette are often sold on the streets by the ladies that make them, and of course are available in supermarkets. Old street shrines to the Virgin Mary and San Nicola are commonplace, as in the past the poor were prohibited from visiting the churches.
Making red orecchiette, Bari old town
Making plain orecchiette, Bari old town
Shrine to the Virgin Mary in a street passage, Bari old town
Christopher Wills LRPS
Bari & Puglia Region ‒ Living Outdoors
The Old Fish Market in the morning, Bari old harbour
Christopher Wills
Pigeons shelter from the afternoon heat under a Vespa, Bari old town
The large and professional fish dealers have a modern fish market within the new harbour, but the old fish market still remains in the old town harbour, mainly for small fish purchases from local fisherman. I am told the old fish market it is the only place in Bari you can buy a beer 24 hours a day. Here, there are local people carrying fish, repairing boats, drinking, smoking, chatting and playing card games.
Christopher Wills LRPS
Bari & Puglia Region
I found the heat demanded being inside between midday and 4pm and so did many of the locals. The city is quite empty during the day, but around 8pm dozens of people begin to emerge on the streets to go for a walk (La Passeggiata), eat, drink and have an ice-cream or granita at the famous Gentile shop.
Racing in the street, Bari old town
La Passeggiata with dogs, Bari old town Christopher
Eating out on the street 1, Bari old town
Eating out on the street 2, Bari old town
Christopher Wills LRPS
Bari & Puglia Region ‒ Living Outdoors
Football by the sea, Bari old town Christopher
The two cathedrals, churches, buildings and streets are lit up beautifully with a warm yellow light which reflects from the lecce. Families move their dining room chairs and tables into the street and large groups are outside socialising and dining until very late. Children play in the streets amongst the roman ruins, and there are games of football fought out next to the sea.
Eating out on the street 3, Bari old town
La Passeggiata by the Cathedral San Nicola, Bari old town
Christopher Wills LRPS
Bari & Puglia Region ‒ Living Outdoors
The ´Colonne Infame´ with the ´Lion of Bari´ is in the large square or Piazza Mercantile which was full of children playing while their parents watch on and discuss the day. Unfortunately, the lion has lost his own ´orecchiette´ through several hundred years (since 1546) of this activity.
Cathedral San Nicola, Bari old town Christopher
Out on the street, Bari old town
Out on the street, Bari old town
Children playing, Bari old town
Christopher Wills LRPS
Bari & Puglia Region ‒ Living Outdoors
Out on the street near Gentile, old town Bari
Bar and street, old town Bari Christopher
The lion is made of white marble and was probably taken from a roman tomb of the first century. It symbolises power and justice and symbolically protected the city.
Eating out on the street, old town Bari
Children play on the Lion of Bari/ Colonna Infame, Bari old town
Christopher Wills LRPS Bari & Puglia Region ‒ Living Outdoors
During our time in the region, the religious festival of Santa Maria Assunta or the ascension of the Virgin Mary took place in the nearby town of Giovinazzo. Enormous wooden arches are erected and lit across the Piazza Vittorio Emanuele II and a large painted roundabout for children was constructed.
Procession, Festival of Santa Maria Assunta, Giovinazzo, Bari region
Wooden arches, Festival of Santa Maria Assunta, Giovinazzo, Bari region
Procession, Festival of Santa Maria Assunta, Giovinazzo, Bari region
Christopher Wills LRPS Bari & Puglia Region ‒ Living Outdoors
The festival of the of the Virgin featured a costumed religious procession, music, food, drink and large crowds taking place on the night before we returned from this beautiful corner of Puglia.
Christopher Wills
Children´s roundabout, Piazza Vittorio Emanuele II, Giovinazzo, Bari region
Christopher Wills LRPS
Camera: Fujifilm X Series
Christopher Wills LRPS
Bari & Puglia Region ‒ Living Outdoors
MEMBER’S PHOTO WORK
Every quarter, Members are asked to send in their best photos of the current quarter to provide stimulation for the others.
3rd quarter 2024
The quarterly photography project of the Germany Chapter serves as a vibrant platform for its members to share unique perspectives and creative expertise. With a deep commitment to artistry and innovation, this project facilitates a dynamic exchange of ideas, techniques, and interpretations among talented photographers.
This past quarter, members Horst, Siegfried, Martin, Eberhard, and Chris presented an impressive array of work, each contributing a distinctive approach to the chapter’s chosen theme.
Chris explored the Dolomites’ dramatic landscapes, capturing the mountain range’s raw and captivating atmosphere. An avid traveller, Siegfried brought fresh inspiration from Copenhagen, sparking a new series reflecting the city’s vibrant energy. With his passion for seascapes, Horst once again ventured to the coast, creating images that celebrate the serene beauty of the shoreline. Eberhard’s journey took him to
the streets of Vienna, where he documented the charm and intricacies of urban life. Meanwhile, Martin interpreted “Artists for Peace,” a theme he had explored for a recent exhibition, presenting a thoughtful and expressive contribution to the project.
The diverse collection highlights the rich range of styles within the Germany Chapter, spanning portraiture, landscape, abstract, and street photography. Each piece offers insight into the artist’s vision, creating a compelling, multifaceted gallery that demonstrates technical mastery and stimulates discussions on technique, composition, and intent.
These quarterly gatherings have become a core element of the chapter’s activities, strengthening the mission of the Royal Photographic Society to foster photographic excellence and build community among its members. Through this collaborative project, the Germany Chapter inspires and elevates the photographic craft, celebrating individual creativity and collective growth.
“The whole point of taking pictures is so that you don’t have to explain things with words.”
- Elliott
Erwitt
CHRIS RENK
Photographer
The image captures the striking Sassolungo mountain partially obscured by swirling mist and heavy clouds, evoking a mystical mood.
A vibrant green hillside in the foreground contrasts with the dark pine forest that stretches toward the distant peak. The scene combines tranquillity with the rugged, untamed beauty of the Dolomites.
Image title: Majesty of the Sassolungo
Image subject:
Landscape Photography
Country: Italy
During my last stay in Copenhagen, I had the spontaneous idea for a new series while wandering around the city centre’s backyards. I wanted to show the city’s backyards from a different perspective.
So, I took this photo, along with others, in which I wanted to combine the detail of the building with the trees in the courtyard to create a harmonious composition, as I found the usual upright composition boring and lacking in tension.
Image title:
City centre’s backyards
Image subject: Abstract Photography
Country: Denmark
SIEGFRIED RUBBERT
Photographer
HORST WITTHUESER
Photographer
Having walked along the dutch coast, I did find this rotten piece of wood.
By lowing the angle and using BW in high contrast I tried to make the photo more dramatic. 2nd Quarter
Image title: Wood at the North sea coast
Image subject: Nature Photography
Country: The Netherlands
While strolling through Vienna’s beautiful city center, I discovered this window café in a small side street. I’ve never seen anything like it anywhere before.”
Image title: Window
Image subject: Street Photography
Country: Austria
Cafe (Vienna)
EBERHARD POTEMPA
Photographer
MARTIN GERLING
Photographer
For a photo exhibition on “Artists for Peace”, I tried to illustrate the topic with photos of different coloured hands. After being asked whether I had tried the pictures in black and white, I have done so.
Image title: Love
Image subject: Fineart Photography
Country: The Netherlands / Germany
Are you a member of the Germany Chapter and would like to submit pictures for the quarterly project “Members Photo Work” as well?
Here is a list of the deadlines for each quarter:
4TH QUARTER 2024: 31.12.2024
1ST QUARTER 2025: 30.03.2025
2ND QUARTER 2025: 30.06.2025
3RD QUARTER 2025: 30.09.2025
Please send us the photos with a minimum resolution of 3000 x 3000 pixels and 300dpi.
For the naming of the photos please use following naming convention:
Each participant is responsible for compliance with the Data Protection Ordinance and the Copyright Act.
Participants please send the photos to the following email: germany@rps.org
FACTS ABOUT THE GERMANY CHAPTER
Learn more about the current composition of the Germany Chapter, its members’ locations in the federal states, its Distinction Holders, and the Special Interest Groups in which the members participate.
42 Members
3 Countries
Schweden
Denmark
Phillipson
INTIMATE LANDSCAPES CAPTURING THE UNSEEN
Gerald
the Unseen: Intimate Landscapes
Gerald Phillipson
Capturing
Capturing the Unseen: Intimate
A wetland water course
Gerald Phillipson
INTIMATE LANDSCAPE
GERALD PHILLIPSON
In this article, RPS Member Gerald Phillipson showcases a compelling body of work of 22 photographs exploring intimate landscapes. Gerald, known for his attention to detail and subtle compositions, captures the essence of the natural world by focusing on small, often overlooked scenes. His approach moves away from grand, sweeping vistas and instead highlights the delicate beauty of close-up views of nature. Through this series, Gerald invites viewers to engage with the landscapes more personally, offering a fresh perspective on how we perceive and interact with our environment.
An intimate landscape is a photograph of a small part of the broader scene that people would only sometimes notice or pause to look at. It demands its own composition of the more minor details of colour, textures, patterns, lines, and shapes that create its character, mood, and atmosphere. While a group of photographers taking images of the same landscape will produce variations of the same scene, an intimate landscape is unique to the photographer taking it; it’s unlikely that anyone else would even see it, let alone photograph the same intimate landscape.
The term “intimate landscape” has been attributed to the American photographer Eliot Porter, who first exhibited fifty-five colour photographs at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in 1979 titled Intimate Landscapes. Tim Parkin said, “Eliot Porter developed a vision of the landscape that looked closer, caught the natural chaos of the wild but in a way that showed the hidden structures.” John Berger wrote, “When we ‘see’ a landscape, we situate ourselves in it.” While considering an intimate landscape, our situation may feel enclosed by the limitations we set while composing the photograph. The selected intimacy of the subject is the opposite of the grand view in which we are miniscule.
Gerald Phillipson
Gerald Phillipson
The RPS Landscape SIG does not define “intimate landscape.” Still, I’m grateful for having had exciting exchanges with Joe Cornish, Tony Worobiec, and Carol Olerud with members of the Benelux Chapter.
Joe Cornish suggested that the intimacy was a matter of geography, that a close-up of a spider’s web with a fly might fit a nature brief, but if the web was shown on a bush with some background, it might be an intimate landscape.
Judging at what point “intimate” becomes extensive is a matter of judging. Studying Eliot Porter’s photographs makes it apparent that to achieve good, intimate landscapes, the image should concentrate on detailed aspects of the scene, its lines, shapes and colours.
I try to manage this by focusing on the structures and textures of, for example, trees and plants, the movement and reflections of water and, most importantly, the way the scene is lit.
Wetland with woodland
“Intimate photography captures the quiet, unspoken moments that reveal the deepest truths of the human experience.”
Gerald Phillipson
Capturing the Unseen: Intimate Landscapes
Wateway with bridge
the Unseen: Intimate Landscapes
Tree and cliff face
Gerald Phillipson
Capturing
the Unseen: Intimate Landscapes
Gerald Phillipson
Capturing
“Intimate landscape photography is like poetry in nature. It’s about noticing the quiet stories told by rocks, leaves, and light.”
- Guy Tal
Dordogne reflection
Wetland with sedge grasses
Gerald Phillipson
River view
Gerald Phillipson
Capturing the Unseen: Intimate Landscapes
Brimham rocks
Corner of lake in mist
Gerald Phillipson
Capturing
Rock
Ice
Gerald Phillipson
Capturing
Gerald Phillipson
Capturing the Unseen: Intimate
When a photographer chooses to work within the disciplines of specific genres, it tends to make the photographic process slower and more mindful.
I have found this to be true when working on intimate landscapes. The subject needs careful selection, reflection, the usual process of deciding which lens to choose, the best exposure for shooting manually and managing good composition.
The slower deliberation of the process enables the photographer to concentrate on and appreciate the details. To interpret these best, the photographer needs to ask what has drawn his attention to the scene.
The answer draws on a personal connection to the landscape established by visiting the exact location several times: the forest path, the riverbank, the lakeside or the urban area.
Water and fallen tree trunks
“Rather than the sweeping views of the world, the intimate landscape invites you to pause and appreciate the quiet elegance of nature’s smaller, overlooked moments.”
- John Sexton
Pond over Iris leaves
Gerald Phillipson
Capturing the Unseen: Intimate Landscapes
Gerald Phillipson
Pine Forest Winter bracken
the Unseen: Intimate Landscapes
Gerald Phillipson
Capturing
Moss-covered tree
Phillipson
Gerald
Pine forest
Gerald Phillipson
Barn
Gerald Phillipson
Old jetty
Gerald Phillipson
Flowered meadow.
The Dordogne
Gerald Phillipson
Shannon Kalahan wrote, “Intimate landscapes are a wonderful opportunity to practice your photography or flex your creative muscles during almost any light and weather. More importantly, because of its inherent flexibility, you can walk away from those sessions feeling like you’ve accomplished something - which is not always the case for grand landscapes. In that way, the skill of intimate landscape photography is a wonderful tool to have in your photographer’s toolbox. Photographing small, overlooked scenes allows you to be productive and feel accomplished no matter how crappy a sunset is, and what unexpected weather you stumble across.”
Old Tree
Gerald Phillipson
CHAPTER EVENTS 2024 Monthly Zoom Meeting
12.11.2024 10.12.2024
Links will be provided via email. If you arn’t a member of the DEU Chapter and wish to participate as well, please contact us via the following email: germany@rps.org
For upcoming meetings and events, please visit frequently our Chapter Page on RPS.org.
https://rps.org/germany
CHAPTER EXHIBITIONS
Please revisit our exhibition page for the latest updates!
https://rps.org/chapters/germany/ exhibitions/
The Magazine will be published via email as well as on the RPS’s account on ISSUU.
Each participant is responsible for compliance with the Data Protection Ordinance and the Copyright Act.
Participants please send the photos to the following email: germany@rps.org
DEADLINES ENTRIES RPS JOURNAL
After the RPS Journal is published by an external company, the rules for contributions and the recording of events are more restrictive.
As an indication, a lead time of 2 months can be assumed to include articles in the journal.
If events of the German Chapter are published on the Chapter website under the heading Event, they are automatically included in the journal.
Here, the lead time is about one month before the journal’s publication.
Please note this when planning events and articles.
DEADLINES ENTRIES e MAGAZINE
Since the magazine is published by the chapter itself, we are very flexible regarding the time schedule for submitting texts, pictures, and dates for events.
We ask for enough time in advance to avoid complicating the editor’s life.
As a rule, the editor should receive contributions about 30 days before the publication date.
Otherwise, inform us that you need additional time to contribute.
Please take the publication dates from the adjacent column.
