I am not a professional photographer but rather a photographing professional from the northwest suburbs of Chicago. I say that because photography is not my main source of income. I am dabbling in photography since I was 12 and during the last 3 years I started to take it more serious. I am someone who enjoys photographing people, most of the time. I also do still life and landscapes and things. But only if something really strikes my fancy or someone pays me to do it. I am interested in contemporary classics, Hollywood Glamor, Fine Art Nudes, Grunge & Edgy, Boudoir, and above all storytelling.

Most of my work happens in the studio. I like to have control over the light and the set. More recently I started venturing into the outdoors as well. I am trying not to create the traditional portrait found at the department store near you. My work happens to be a little off the beaten path, somewhat eccentric, avant garde if needed. I try to take the usual a bit out of context, and include ideas popping up in my head during the day while observing every day life. I am inspired by classical motives as well as contemporary artists.

It is important for me to tell a story with my photographs. Not that I always succeed but I find without the story the image ends up having little or no meaning. In my mind the story is what makes a memorable photograph.

By the way, if you ever catch me staring at you I am probably in the process of putting a photograph together in my head. Please don't worry too much about it and let me finish.

Detlef