Walter Fogel

DOCUMENTARY CATEGORY WINNER

Walter Fogel began his photography career in 1974 as a career changer after completing his sports studies and went on to establish a strong reputation as a fashion and advertising photographer. Motivated by numerous awards and international exhibitions, the photographer, who lives in southern Germany, has increasingly turned his focus over the past ten years toward artistically driven photographic projects. The depiction of human movement plays a central role in his work and has become his trademark.

The story of this image is told through two young men, who engage in traditional Swiss wrestling, observed by a group of people, riding in a cable car. One can sense the joy the two have as they roll around in the grass, merging into a living sculpture.

As the two wrestlers were members of a birthday party in the Swiss Alps, an event to which I was also invited, we all had a great deal of fun during this action. I didn’t need to give many directions; instead, I simply observed and photographed spontaneously.

It is important to me, that my images do not appear staged or stiff. They should tell a story in a powerful yet humorous way. An implied diagonal composition adds tension and strength to the image.

In this composition, one can feel that even though the two men’s bodies are intertwined, the scene does not appear aggressive. The soft grass and the voyeuristically gliding gondola contribute to this overall mood.

I don’t consciously think about these aspects. When I have a camera with me, it becomes a part of me, and photographing happens automatically, like putting on my glasses to see better.

Through simple communication with the protagonists, by talking to the people the mood changes, and better images often emerge. This also allows me, to give small directions that enhance the composition.

This award confirms my work and motivates me to continue an go my way.