Fotomarion - New perspectives on everyday subjects

by Yvette Depaepe
Published the 12th of December 2022

Fotomarion or simply Marion is an expert in photographing motifs, patterns and lines. She loves colours, light and especially the symmetry in architectural photography. Marion is constantly in search of new perspectives on everyday subjects that many people don't' even notice any more. She creates her own world and today I would like to take you on a journey through her works.

'red spot'

Dear Marion, to begin, please introduce yourself shortly and tell us more about you, your hobbies or other projects you are involved in.

My name is Marion Liebmann. I was born in 1965 and live in Germany on the Baltic coast.
Professionally, I work in patient management in a hospital and long walks on the seaside give me a good balance. Apart from photography, I really enjoy reading and being in nature.
I have been active in the DVF for several years and have joined a German photo club.

For many of us photography is either a hobby or a way of life. How would you define your relationship with photography?

For me, photography is the best way to switch off. I'm then so focused that I can't think of anything else but my subject and all the possible perspectives.

How do you maintain and grow your passion for photography?

I still have so many photo destinations and as soon as a trip is over, I'm already thinking about where to go next time.

Can you please describe in a few words your photographer philosophy?

There is little to say, but much to discover. Discovering new perspectives in everyday life.

Why are you so drawn by Architecture Photography?

Motifs, patterns, lines can be constantly rediscovered through new, different perspectives. Further developments in image processing always result in new possibilities to revitalize a well-known motif. Colours, light and also symmetry drove me in the architecture photography world. People often walk everyday near to them in the cities and don't see them at all. Through photography it is possible to draw the attention to them. It is also exciting to create abstract architectural images by harmonizing colours and shapes and by using the effects of light.

What is more important to you, the mood,/story behind your images or the technical perfection?

A certain degree of perfection is essential for my architecture pictures. Corner runner, correct image composition so that the symmetry is right. There is less of a story behind the image unless about my staircase photos in which you can discover quite a few stories, because I had to sneak into many of them. But these stories don't have anything to do directly with the photo.

What generally is your relationship to your subject matter beyond being an observer?
Do you prepare carefully the locations where you are intending to photograph?

I like to let myself be carried away by and in a city, but I usually prepare myself well if possible. For example, some buildings require photo permits. I will collect these before my visit. A lot of my favourite motifs are in office buildings, so I have to look at the opening hours.
For example, I tend to go to subway stations early in the morning or late at night so that they are not so full of people. However, I need to find out beforehand when the subway stations will close. So there are a few things to consider in order for a photo excursion to be successful.

What gear do you use (camera, lenses, bag)?

I use a Nikon Z7 and the Nikkor 2.8 lenses with focal length of:
14-24mm
24-70mm
70-200mm
For the ultra-wide-angle range, I bought the 10mm XP F3.5 from Samyang.
I simply have too many photo bags, but for now I prefer fanny packs or a small backpack with a waist belt.

What software do you use to process your images?

For image processing I mainly use Adobe Photoshop and very rarely the NIK filters

Can you tell us something more about your work flow?

Since I shoot in RAW, I first develop my photos in terms of shadows and highlights and white balance, and then align and retouch them in Photoshop. Disturbing elements are removed and elements are incorporated depending on the motif. However, only things or people that I photographed myself.

What is your most important advice to a beginner in Architecture Photography and how do you get started?

I usually search for motifs on the Internet, on social media or on Google Earth. I would always recommend beginners to photograph whatever motifs they like and just try it out. I often think I've photographed a great subject, but when I open it on my PC, I don't like it that much any more. But on the other side, a casually photographed subject can become a real highlight.

What would be your favourite photo from the last years? Please tell us the story behind.

'in the museum'

I was only able to realize this photo because I worked / processed after developing it. The main photo is a view on the ceiling in a German museum and the person is a visitor but (of course) on a completely different location in the museum. This way I could was able to create the illusion that the person was looking through different windows. Plus, white architecture is one of my favourites.

Who are your favourite photographers or mentors whose works have influenced you and your photography?

There are certainly many photos which motivated and inspired me, but I don't have a real mentor.
I also try not to orient myself too much on others, so that I always keep my own point of view on things.

We almost reach the end of this interview and I would kindly ask you to share with us your future plans or photographic projects you would like to be involved in.

I would like to design and publish a book with my architecture photos, especially with my stair photos. There are many people who do not even understand what is interesting about a staircase. You go up and down every day. I want to amaze them with my images.

Is there anything else you wish to add and what do you think about 1X as a home base for your work?

1X is just a wonderful platform to showcase your photos.