Photography

Photography has been a passion of mine starting with the first digital camera of my Dad’s. When I earned my first paycheck after having paid off my student loans  in 2019, I treated myself to a Canon 100D with a humble kit lens—a setup that remained remarkably minimalistic for years. Armed with that modest lens, I ventured outdoors, capturing the world without external lighting. Over time, I upgraded my gear to include a Sigma 105mm F2.8 macro lens, which opened up a whole new dimension of detail and creativity.

Late 2021, I added the Fujifilm X-T3 to my collection—a camera that feels like an old friend every time I pick it up. My go-to lenses remain macro-focused, but I also experiment with a quirky, broken-yet-reassembled 35mm lens from 7Artisans. It’s far from perfect, but it adds character to my work. And let’s be honest: sometimes the best shots happen spontaneously with an iPhone in hand. After all, the best camera is the one you have with you when inspiration strikes.

Photography has a way of captivating me like nothing else. Hours can pass unnoticed when I’m behind the lens. Some say I have an eye for capturing unique moments—and I’d like to think they’re right. I like my pictures as pure as they can be. Maybe that’s my secret.

Below, you’ll find a gallery showcasing some of my favorite shots. Take your time and explore! If you’re hungry for more, head over to my Flickr account, where I regularly share new work.

Happy Shooting - Photography Challenges

The Happy Shooting podcast is one of my favorite creative outlets. They regularly set photography challenges that push participants to capture new, unique images within a short timeframe. These tasks not only demand quick thinking but also nurture a creative and open mindset—something I’ve come to value deeply in my photography journey.

Over the years, I’ve proudly won several of their lotteries and picture discussions, including with the autumn photo featured above, which earned me my very first win in November 2019. Each challenge has been an opportunity to explore new perspectives, experiment with techniques and given seasonal or regional limitations, and grow as a photographer. The thrill of hearing my work discussed and celebrated on the podcast is unmatched.

Participating in these challenges has taught me to embrace spontaneity and trust my creative instincts. Whether it’s brainstorming ideas under tight deadlines or refining details to make a shot stand out, these experiences have been invaluable!

Comment on the winner picture

Im Herbst auf der Alb…

schützen nur mehrere Lagen.
Link to picture

“The whole thing has such an autumn feeling, because it is held a little bit lower by the exposure, I think it fits quite well, it supports the mood.” (Translated)

Chris Marquardt
HappyShooting Podcast (#637 – 1:21:06)

Selected additional comments

Schneewittchen

…wo bist du?
Link to picture

“An apple by Tanja […]. We simply see a large shot of a very dark red apple hanging from a tree […]. Is it hanging or is it sideways or is the picture rotated 90 degrees?
[…] I have no idea. What do we have? A classic red-green contrast, lots of detail on the apple and a nice reflection.
” (Translated)

Chris Marquardt
HappyShooting Podcast (#823 – (51:00))

Stille Nacht

Pro-Tipp: Einfach bei Regen auf den Weihnachtsmarkt. Da ist Platz zum Liegen!
Link to picture

“Maybe it’s at a Christmas market, the atmosphere comes across well. The focus is on the front of the muffin man and the cup behind him is blurred. At the back left, it looks like a raindrop is on the lens and there’s a bluish light – and now I’m in the mood for a muffin.” (Translated)

Chris Marquardt
HappyShooting Podcast (#834 – (36:28))