As photographers, we are known for being able to freeze time. With a picture, we capture a thousandth of a second from the lives of our fellow human beings and can then study and appreciate this momentary impression. But what happens when time continues to move during the photo shoot?

Architectural photography with long exposure and passers-by

0.1 seconds - Anonymity

According to GDPR, a declaration of consent is required from every identifiable person in a photo, and this is simply impossible in a busy inner city.

In a tenth of a second, a person moving at a normal walking speed travels about 10 centimeters. This movement is enough to turn a clearly recognizable face into a blurred silhouette. This effect has a major influence on the possible uses of architectural images. Especially in urban areas, it is usually not possible to photograph a property without passers-by. Often it is also about the interaction between building and people. For many of my pictures, I wait up to half an hour to photograph a person in exactly the right place in the picture. Recording the movement not only helps to ensure that the images are used in a legally compliant manner, it also brings a lot of dynamism to an otherwise very static field of real estate photography.

5 seconds - Traffic control

Image composition is all about leading lines. If you go beyond the classic rule of thirds and deal with advanced design principles such as major and reciprocal lines, then long exposure is often helpful. Especially at dusk, the dark shadows of a passing car become white or red luminous lines that guide the viewer's eye very well into the picture. The abstract trails of light also give the image a slightly futuristic character and thus set it apart from everyday imagery.

30 seconds - Night to day

Who would have thought that with the right camera settings we could override the galactic laws?! If the camera's shutter opens for half a minute, the full moon suddenly becomes the sun and illuminates the image in its radiant glow. If we now change the bluish night light with the corresponding white balance, we turn it into a realistic daytime shot with stars in the sky.

Sydney, Australia at Cremorne Point Cityscape

1 minute - Smoooth

Like a silky cloth, the water lies over the stones of the pier. The clouds seem to tear themselves apart into a monster. I used to think such pictures were Photoshop tricks. But, like so many things in life, it's a matter of setting. Pictures that are meant to captivate the viewer raise questions. We look at a picture and try to understand what is happening in it. Such architectural photos are therefore particularly suitable for advertising campaigns or website homepages.

Mallorca, Calobra Pass road, long exposure at night with cars

10 minutes - Show connections

"Ahead of you, only the open road. A click. The car is in sports mode. The engine powerfully pulls you up the mountain road. Serpentine after serpentine, you make your way around the majestic rock formations, the wind of the mild evening lift in your hair. The climax is approaching. A 360° curve forms the crowning glory of the adventure. A moment that belongs only to you." - That's what ten minutes of pure driving pleasure on the Sa Calobra in Mallorca looks like. Captured in a long exposure, we can tell this story in one picture.

Learn more about my portfolio as an architectural photographer

Architectural photography for the Arche Nebra Museum in Thuringia at night under the stars

5 hours - Unknown movement

Nothing stands still in nature. It's only a matter of time before something moves. Pixel by pixel, the earth rotates on its axis, causing the stars to wander across the sky. Thus, the Milky Way becomes a meteor shower like no other. Even the slowest movements can be compressed into a single image.

24 hours - A new level

"A day in the life of..." This concept has always moved me. You can see what a day in the life of the new H2 Hotel in Munich looks like in this 24-hour shot. That's 8,640,000x longer than the standard shutter speed of 1/100 second. The concept behind the picture is touching. Each individual line tells a movement, symbolizes a moment in the life of another person. We are encouraged to research, to philosophize about what stories this picture tells us. A motif that, especially as a large-format print, repeatedly encourages us to linger and reflect.

a question of investment

Standing next to a camera is an impressive feeling. You reconsider the value you assign to your lifetime. In the best case, you learn to appreciate life, hour by hour, day by day. With the right recording technology, the exposure time of the camera can be extended to infinity. Months, even years, can be captured in a single image to record even the most lengthy processes. Thus, a photo that combines a vacant lot, a building shell, and a finished property is truly unique. For more information or specific project inquiries regarding long-term exposure, I look forward to speaking with you.