Stuttgart based German photographer Max Heukeshoven captures spontaneous moments, snapshots where the viewer can breath the mood of the instant he experiences, while walking down memory lane of one´s own similar memories. It´s those sort of images that will be looked at with a great sense of nostalgia over time and right now with the longing of living one´s life collecting quality time.
What motivates you to take photos?
To capture moments. I love capturing situations and to depict emotions and moods and to breathe the mood I experience in the moment into the photos. Besides, I love sharing those pictures with people and to make them happy.
Do you believe the phrase ‘A picture is worth a thousand words?
Yes, actually I do. You’re able to create something extraordinary with a picture. It’s a snapshot, not a sequence of images as in a video. The experience often changes its shape in the picture, but I don’t think it matters as you can create something unbelievably beautiful with a picture and stir memories of the time the picture was taken.
Your images transmit a lot of youthful moments, enjoyment of life and nostalgia. What is it that you personally are trying to capture with your images?
Mh, good question. Over the years traveling with the camera, I realised that certain particular moments attract me and make me happy. Here, I try to show my view on things and to connect it to the feeling that I had in that very moment.
“A lot of moments are so wonderful that I don’t need the camera as it might damage the situation. Those moments I just keep close to my heart.”
How do you work? Do you have a final picture in mind while shooting or you just go with the flow?
That mostly varies. But I don’t have a completely “final picture” in mind. Often, I search for inspiration and then, keeping this initial idea in mind, I try to create something. But most of the time, I try to capture the touching moment as such.
You are traveling a lot. Could you imagine to do a trip without your camera at all?
No, not really. I enjoy having it with me, which doesn’t mean that I use it all the time. A lot of moments are so wonderful that I don’t need the camera as it might damage the situation. Those moments I just keep close to my heart.
What is one of your favorite images and why?
I can’t really answer that, there are so many pictures that originated in different circumstances of my life and therefore mean a lot to me and some others I just really like.
What are three things you value most about a person?
Oh, that is a broad question. I’ll try to keep it short…
Surely, things such as loyalty, empathy, interest, self-reflection, optimism, humour and self-confidence.
Those are big words, but certainly things that I admire and appreciate a lot. Sorry, that was more than a three-word answer now. (laughs)
How do you think Instagram has changed the face of photography?
Sure it has! Certainly, something new emerged here, that doesn´t only have positive aspects to it! The huge amount of interspersed advertisement and the product placement did change this formerly pretty liberal and easy-going portal. I am excited to see how this will develop further…
“The experience often changes its shape in the picture, but I don’t think it matters as you can create something unbelievably beautiful with a picture and stir memories of the time the picture was taken.”
What other photographers or artists inspire you?
Oh there are a tons of them!
I am mostly inspired by a handful of French photographers that perfected their style and therefore you can recognise their pictures among hundreds of others. I think that is absolutely remarkable.
Here are a few names: Theo Gosselin and his girlfriend Maud Chalard, Jean-Philippe Lebee, Aurelien Buttin, Guillaume Gaubert and Lucas Cerri.
Your favorite place in Stuttgart?
Ah, there are a lot of places I like. Wandering through the streets at the hillsides of the “pot” of Stuttgart, discovering new places is what I like most about the city. Besides that, I like being outside in nature.
Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
Haha, we’ll see. 10 years is a long time where a lot of stuff can happen. But generally, I can say that I wish to be happy and healthy, and that my family and all my friends are fine as well.
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