What i do :
I photograph thru a microscope
As a photographer, I have always felt the need to delve deeper into those areas that remain hidden from the naked eye. I am fascinated by exploring the invisible world and discovering the beauty in the smallest, often overlooked spaces. These microscopic worlds offer a wealth of details and structures that are not perceived in normal everyday life. The challenge and the attraction lie in bringing this hidden beauty to light and depicting it in a way that amazes the viewer and allows them to rediscover the wonders of small things.
Why i do :
To discover endless visual possibilities of natural beauty
My fascination for natural shapes, structures and colors inspires me to discover the uniqueness in the smallest details. Each leaf is recognizable as such at first glance, but a closer look reveals that no two leaves are alike – similar to fingerprints, which always remain individual despite their similarities. The same applies to crystals, which take on a unique shape with each crystallization. The attraction lies in finding these special spots and marveling at the many wonders that nature produces. It is an adventure to sharpen your eye for the subtle differences and explore the hidden stories that are concealed in the complex patterns of nature. These discoveries not only enrich my understanding of the natural world, but also awaken a deep appreciation for the infinite creativity and diversity it offers.
The goal :
Reveal hidden unique visuals
These crystal formations are not visible to the naked eye. They are too tiny, which is why I use a microscope to look at them. Every time I prepare a new slide, I am filled with anticipation and excitement. It is always a great surprise to discover new, fresh creations. Each time the result is different, as unique patterns and structures are formed with each crystallization. The experience is like a journey of discovery into a mysterious, hidden world waiting to be explored. The variety of results shows the impressive creativity of nature and offers me endless room for wonder and admiration.
Materials :
Different chemicals that crystallise.
Crystals as a raw material are colorless and are reminiscent of translucent ice shapes on a window. The central creative act consists of working out the color and structure of these crystals, finding a motif and using the light appropriately. I dissolve chemical substances in liquids or melt them to create the crystals. As you can see in my portfolio, I mostly use very common chemicals. These everyday substances are transformed into fascinating, unique works of art when they crystallize. The process of melting and dissolving is carefully orchestrated to reveal the subtle nuances and amazing variety of shapes and colors that emerge. It is an exciting endeavor that makes each creation unique, even if the source materials appear familiar.
Scala :
Small viewfields from 0.3 mm - 3mm
As I am dependent on the microscope in my work, I use special lenses with a magnification of 5 to 100x. This finely tuned technique enables me to examine objects that are between 0.3 and 3 mm in size. I capture these tiny fragments with the camera and turn them into large-format prints that can be up to several meters in size. It is fascinating how such microscopic details suddenly come into focus and open up a new dimension of observation. Enlargement reveals a world of undiscovered structures and textures that remain invisible in everyday life. Each print becomes an impressive work of art that offers the viewer a new perspective and conveys the wonder of micro-worlds in a breathtaking way. The challenge and creative appeal lies in transforming these tiny, often overlooked details into something monumental.
Equipment :
Custom olympus BX51 microscope.
I use special high quality optical equipment to photograph these small spaces. I have developed this bespoke equipment to enable more creative than scientific work. With a sophisticated setup carefully tailored to my needs, I can capture the hidden beauty and complexity of micro-worlds. This equipment includes advanced lenses and lighting techniques that allow me to visualize the finest details and create unique compositions. My approach goes beyond mere documentation; I strive to highlight the aesthetic qualities of microstructures and transform them into visual works of art. This artistic approach allows me to push the boundaries of traditional photomicrography and explore new dimensions of vision and wonder.
