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.

This photo was taken in my favourite Paris garden - Jardin du Luxembourg

ABOUT ME (INSTAGRAM)

Born in 1967 in the vibrant city of Düsseldorf, Germany, I am Andreas—a self-taught photographer embarking on a creative journey since 1999. While my craft has evolved with advancements in technology, I firmly believe that the state-of-mind takes precedence over state-of-the-art equipment.

Over the past decade, my photographic odyssey has been intertwined with a personal quest for mindfulness. As my awareness has deepened, so has my satisfaction with the art I create. I’ve transitioned from merely “taking” pictures to truly “making” them, where every click is a deliberate expression of my innermost thoughts and feelings.

In my philosophy of photography, I distinguish between the “how” and “why.” Science may inquire about the technicalities of capturing an image, but philosophy delves into the purpose—the “why.” In the realm of art, authenticity lies in effortlessly answering the “why” question.

My creative haven is wherever inspiration strikes, be it within the confines of my atelier or amidst the raw beauty of nature. Armed with mobile lighting equipment, I embrace maximum creativity, meticulously planning projects, cultivating mindfulness, and cherishing simplicity.

The culmination of my artistic process unfolds in the act of printing, a hands-on endeavor that I undertake personally. Witnessing my creations come to life on fine art paper brings a profound sense of gratification, completing the artistic cycle.

A fervent collector of photo books, these volumes stand as wellsprings of inspiration, shaping and refining my artistic vision. The influential currents of Japanese photography, with a nod to the masterful Daido Moriyama, have left an indelible mark on my creative sensibilities.

While I resist confining myself to a specific genre, my passion thrives in collaborative projects, especially within the realms of boudoir, beauty, and portrait photography. Yet, my heart equally beats for the unpredictable vibrancy of the streets—capturing life’s myriad sights, sounds, and smells.

In the spirit of “The joy of living dangerously,” I embrace the unpredictability of creativity, finding liberation in the fusion of philosophy and technique. Through my lens, I invite you to explore the intricate dance between the how and why, where each image narrates a story, a moment, a piece of the boundless human experience.

Magnum Education