Every career in photography begins with curiosity—and is shaped by experiences that transform one’s perspective. Robin Dißelkamp takes visitors on a journey through his career as a photographer that is as entertaining as it is honest. With humor, self-deprecating wit, and a healthy dose of sincerity, he recounts early missteps, moments of doubt, and unexpected twists that have shaped him both as a photographer and as a person.

Along the way, the audience encounters extraordinary stories and people: from his first steps with a camera to encounters with models, musicians, athletes, and well-known personalities, all the way to the experiences that have permanently changed his perspective on photography. Time and again, it becomes clear that success rarely follows a straight path and that self-reflection is often the most important companion on the journey toward developing one’s own visual language.

In addition to personal anecdotes, Robin Dißelkamp offers insights into his approach as a portrait photographer. The focus is on creative portrait photography outside the studio. Rather than relying on elaborate technology or artificial lighting, he uses selected examples to demonstrate how existing architecture, natural light, reflections, and unusual perspectives can contribute to expressive images. His approach makes it clear that powerful portraits arise above all from creativity, keen observation, and a conscious engagement with the surroundings.

The talk invites attendees to reexamine their own photographic perspective and to grapple with a question that could hardly be more relevant: Why do we take photographs at all—especially in an age when countless images are created every day? Robin Dißelkamp doesn’t offer simple answers, but rather shares experiences, thoughts, and insights that go far beyond technical aspects and encourage reflection on one’s own photography.

The lecture will take place on Friday, September 4, at 6:30 p.m. at the Ernst Leitz Museum. Admission is 10 euros.

About Robin Dißelkamp

Robin Dißelkamp creates portraits with a special flair for light, architecture, and image composition. His photographic approach demonstrates how creativity and a keen eye for one’s surroundings can transform everyday situations into extraordinary images. In his lectures and workshops, he offers practical guidance on how conscious image composition contributes to authentic and expressive portrait photography.