Andreas Trnka Photography

Being present in the moment

This involves letting go of distractions and focusing fully on the task at hand – taking photographs. It also means being aware of my surroundings, the light, and the mood of the scene.

Developing patience

Mindful photography involves taking the time to observe and wait for the right moment to capture a photograph. It means being patient and not rushing the process.

Cultivating awareness

This involves developing a sense of curiosity and openness to the world around me. It means noticing the details and nuances of a scene and being fully present to the experience of taking a photograph.

Practicing non-judgment

This involves letting go of preconceptions and expectations about what makes a good photograph. It means being open to new and unexpected experiences and allowing them to guide my photography.

Engaging with my senses

Mindful photography involves using all my senses to engage with the world around me. This means paying attention to the sounds, smells, and textures of a scene, as well as its visual elements.

Wabi-sabi is a Japanese aesthetic philosophy that values imperfection, simplicity, and the beauty of things that are natural and aged.

In my photography, wabi-sabi is about capturing the essence of this philosophy in the images that I create.

Wabi-sabi photography often features subjects that are rustic, worn, or aged, such as old buildings, weathered objects, or people with character lines on their faces. These subjects are often photographed in a way that emphasizes their imperfections, rather than trying to hide them or make them look perfect.

Wabi-sabi photography also often features a simple, minimalistic composition that allows the subject to speak for itself. The focus is on the essence of the subject, rather than on flashy techniques or fancy equipment.

In addition, wabi-sabi photography often incorporates elements of nature, such as the play of light and shadow, the texture of natural materials, or the beauty of natural decay. This is because wabi-sabi is rooted in the appreciation of nature and the natural world.

Overall, wabi-sabi photography is about capturing the beauty and essence of imperfection, simplicity, and the natural world. It values the unique character of each subject, and celebrates the passing of time as something to be appreciated, rather than feared or rejected.

ABOUT ME

I’m Andreas, born in 1967 in Düsseldorf, Germany. Since 1999, I’ve been a self-taught photographer, constantly learning and evolving my craft. While state-of-the-art equipment can be interesting, I believe that the state-of-mind is more important. Over the last decade, I’ve worked to develop my mindfulness, and as it has grown, so has my happiness with my work. I’ve transitioned from simply „taking“ pictures to truly „making“ them.

To me, the difference between philosophy and science in photography is that science asks „how“ a photo was taken, while philosophy asks „why“ it was taken. In art, the „how“ is less important than the „why“. If you can answer the „why“ question with ease, then your photo is truly authentic.

My workspace is wherever inspiration strikes – whether that be in my atelier or out in nature. I have mobile lighting equipment that allows me to work with maximum creativity. I plan my photography projects carefully, train my mindfulness, and keep things simple.

The final step in my photographic process is printing, which I do myself. Seeing my work come to life on a beautiful sheet of fine art paper is truly gratifying.

I’m also an avid photo book collector, as these books serve as a major source of inspiration.
Japanese photography, and Daido Moriyama in particular, have been very influential for me.

While I don’t specialize in any particular area of photography, I do love working with people on projects such as boudoir, beauty, and portrait photography.

I’m equally passionate about being out on the streets, taking in all the sights, sounds, and smells of life.

As the saying goes, „The joy of living dangerously.“

Magnum Education