After a long hiatus from my blog, I’d like to share five new photographs from the German North Sea island of Norderney with you today. I spent three weeks there this summer and used my ample time for some wonderful photography sessions. This post is the first of a series of new posts from this trip to Norderney, so if you like this, stay tuned for more!

Obsessions

While all the images seem to stand alone, they all have one common denominator. I am obsessed with the subject matter of each shot. Whenever I pass it, I can’t resist photographing it. The wooden fence on the way to the beach, seagulls (alone or in a flock, it doesn’t matter), the beach markers, street lamps, and so forth – I have countless variations here in my library. The following five images you are about to see are just my latest attempts at getting the shot right. And when I will go there again next summer, guess what I’ll do: Yes, indeed! I’ll try again.

Beach fence

In this photo, you can see the fence separating the beach’s footpath from the surrounding dunes, which are off-limits. I like its simple construction and rustic appearance because they add lovely detail to the image. Spice it up with the creamy bokeh of a fast prime lens, and you’ll get a photographic recipe that I find irresistible.

Beach access

This construction marks the entrance to the beach. When I am in Norderney, hardly a day goes by when I don’t pass this place. And almost I have to fight the urge to photograph it. I keep failing on a regular basis.

Seagull on a pole

Ok, I have photographed seagulls so often now that it quite frankly is ridiculous. But I can’t help it; I just love these birds because they are such elegant flyers. This seagull may not be flying, but it was so observant and present as it sat on its pole. It was probably watching out for the next tourist to carelessly eat a fish sandwich without being aware of his/her surroundings. Believe it or not, the gulls are masters at snatching the fish from the sandwich and the tourist’s hand in full flight.

Beach markers

The waters of Norderney can be quite dangerous. So the islanders use beach markers like this one to denote designated swimming zones. Early in the morning, however, they are irresistible subjects for landscape photography.

Street lamps

Regardless of where I am, it’s always the same. Whenever I see a street lamp, I have to photograph it. The street lamps in Norderney look pretty stylish, don’t you agree? However, the soft clouds in the sky are just as crucial for this shot as the street lamp itself.

Having said all this, I have to say that I don’t feel guilty in the least. Actually, it’s quite liberating to just shoot on impulse without giving too much thought to the process. It adds a playful character to the whole process, and to me, it is this playfulness that sparks creativity.