Interview with Birthe Piontek

How did photography begin for you? Do you remember what caused you to decide you would take on photography as a profession?

One person who inspired me was certainly my Grandfather, who was an ambitious amateur photographer and who gave me my first SLR camera. I learned at young age that there was more to photography than just taking the occasional snap shots at birthday parties and Christmas. When I attended photography classes instead of the traditional art class in high school I was introduced to black and white photography and printing in the darkroom. I think that’s when I first got the idea of becoming a photographer.

From the series "The Idea of North"

And a little about your background beyond photography?

I grew up in Germany. Before studying photography I made a little detour and studied History and German Language and Literature at the University of Cologne but luckily that lasted just for a year – then I got accepted at Art School. After graduating I decided to go to Canada, just for the experience to live and work in a foreign country. I wanted to stay only for a year… that was 4 years ago and I am now a permanent resident.

From the series "The Idea of North"

Can you talk about the specific things that have influenced your work over time?

In the beginning my approach to photography was rather journalistic. I wanted to work for magazines and be a photo reporter. But during my time at university this changed and I became more and more interested in Fine Art photography as well. Jeff Wall’s images had quite an impact on me. I was fascinated by the fact that they were all staged but still looked liked candid shots. I think that’s when I got really into planning the image instead of finding it. Other big influences: David Lynch (esp. for the “Idea of North“ Series) and Tim Burton. I like dark and surreal moments that move something inside of you and this “something“ is usually hard to put into words. I guess it has to do with dreams and subconsciousness. In terms of books: Jeffrey Eugenides: The Virgin Suicides. It was quite an inspiration for “Sub Rosa“.

From the series "The Idea of North"

How do your series usually come together? Does the idea come before or after the photo’s?

Usually I have an idea, a theme or a topic which I am really interested in and I start to shoot with this idea in my head. That doesn’t mean that the final product looks like the very first idea, it’s more that I am feeling my way through that project along this idea. Then there are also images that are finding me, pictures that I take on the side, just for the fun of it and all of the sudden there is a new series.

From the series "Sub Rosa"

In your artists statement for “The Idea of North” you say that, “Individuation is a recurring theme in my photographic work: the ways people struggle to belong yet be different at the same time.” It seems that all work even in the most abstract is a bit of a self portrait.  Certainly as a viewer of your work it’s something I think many of us can strongly relate to.

A photograph, like a painting, certainly reflects an emotion or an opinion. And of course as an artist I work on subjects and topics that matter to me or that I can relate to. So yes, it tells a bit about me and you could call it a bit of a self portrait.

From the series "Sub Rosa"

How do you go about finding and creating relationships with the subjects in your work?

I started with taking pictures of people I know – family, friends. Now, I cast people which I usually don’t know. This process can be very challenging, as approaching a stranger in the street and asking if you can take a picture of him/her can be a bit awkward. I always meet up with the person before the session, to show my work and to get to know each other. During the portrait session people usually feel relaxed and comfortable, something that is really important for me and for the final image.

From the series "Sub Rosa"

You did an Artist in Residency program in the Yukon where you shot “The Idea of North”.  What was it like as an artist in residency? How did this impact your work?

It was absolutely amazing and very intense – like a boot camp. I don’t know if this was also because I lived pretty much at „the end of the world“ and there was not a lot distraction. I was definitely very focused and absorbed a lot. When I went up North I had no expectations and a very vague idea of what I wanted to do – but in the end everything worked out and it was great to have the opportunity to get to know so many interesting people. I can highly recommend it!

From the series "Zuhause"

Are there specific things you look for when searching for the photo?

Something that stays consistent regardless of the subject or series? I try to create a certain mood or feeling. It has always to do with telling the beginning or the end of a story.

From the series "Terrain Vague"

What do you think about before and as you are framing a photo?

It’s a combination of thoughts and feelings. It’s excitement combined with disappointment and if it’s disappointing I usually think how I could make it look better. If it’s exciting I just try to absorb this feeling.

From the series "The Idea of North"

If you were to recommend other photographers or artist work for others to look at what would that be?

I recently discovered Jocelyn Lee’s work which I really like, especially the portraits. I’m also a big fan of Alessandra Sanguinetti, Rineke Dykstra, Anna Gaskell, Michal Chelbin, Pieter Hugo and I could probably continue with this list forever, there are just too many.

From the series "Solitude"

Thanks to Birthe Piontek for participating in this interview.  Please visit Birthe’s site to see more of her work and the story behind each one of her series.  Her about page also provides not only more information about her background but other places you can find her showcased.