“Whenever someone asks me to describe my photographic style, my answer is always the same - I try to avoid having one. I believe that the “style” of any given image should not be dictated by my personal predisposition, but only by what’s in front of me and what I see in that moment. Each scene presents its own set of characteristics and opportunities that suggest how I might approach it. The one thing I do consistently look for is ‘intrinsic atmosphere’ - an imbedded spirit, an emotion, a mood, feeling, or other impression that is unique to that particular situation and gives it a chance to become special. If anything describes my style, that would be it.
Sometimes it’s obvious, and a simple click of the shutter captures it.
Other times it's more subtle, barely visible, and requires the application of various camera and post-processing techniques that help bring it to life.
Either way, identifying and pre-visualizing this quality at the outset is critical because it provides the direction that leads to the final image. And each time it can be very different.
Ultimately, the goal is to end up with an image that makes me feel something. But it’s particularly gratifying when it evokes a similar feeling in others.”
Klaus Gensheimer is an award-winning veteran of the advertising world and has served as a senior creative executive at several global agency networks. After many years of collaboration with the industry’s leading visual artists, he now works independently to capture memorable images from around the corner and around the world. His work is available through the purchase of existing images, or commissioned photo assignments.
