Whisper of the Trees: Starnberg
An experimental photo that shows the essence of calm. It captures the ghostly beauty of trees on Lake Starnberg in Bavaria silhouetted against the still water like shadows. The composition is a play of darkness and light, with the skeletal branches forming a delicate mesh against the gloomy sky. The image evokes a feeling of stillness, a frozen moment in which the silence of nature is almost tangible.
Eternal Quietude: Starnberg
The Haus zum Kapeller in Mühltal, an architectural relic from 1736, stands in silent testimony amidst the forest’s embrace. This experimental photograph captures the haunting beauty of the Haus zum Kapeller, located in Mühltal, a district of Starnberg in Bavaria. Built in 1736, this secluded house on the forest’s edge is a protected architectural monument. The two-storey, round building, crowned with a distinctive helmet-like roof, has served as a hermit’s residence and later as a royal chief hunter’s abode. The image evokes a sense of historical depth and the serene isolation of a bygone era.
One hundred Years of Loneliness: Buchendorf
The forest whispers stories of loneliness through its dense tangle of bare branches and undergrowth. A single building appears on the horizon, breaking through the endless expanse of solitude. This experimental photography captures a calm, almost melancholic atmosphere in a sparse forest. The play of light and shadow creates an ethereal quality, as if the forests themselves were caught in a moment of self-reflection. The trees, stripped of their leaves, stand as silent observers of the passage of time, embodying a sense of isolation that resonates with the loneliness experienced by past and present generations. The focus of this experimental photo shifts subtly from the abandoned trees in the foreground to a single structure on the horizon, providing a stark contrast to the natural elements surrounding it. The building stands alone, its presence echoing the deep silence of the area.
A serene Path: Gauting
Amidst a field of golden grasses, a narrow trail cuts a line towards the treeline, guiding the eye and the wanderer alike. The barren trees stand as silent sentinels to the passage of seasons, their bare branches a stark contrast to the soft grasses that sway in the gentle breeze. This path, less trodden and hushed, offers a moment of reflection and a respite from the world’s bustle, a chance to traverse the quietude of nature’s own corridors.
Elegy to a fallen Giant: Gauting
The picture "My friend, the tree, is dead" - a poignant homage to the austere grandeur of a once majestic tree. This photograph captures the ghostly beauty of a lifeless tree against the backdrop of a living landscape. Its bare branches stretch upwards, complex and still against the dynamic swirl of clouds in the sky. The contrast between the tree's dormant state and the lush greenery that surrounds it serves as a natural memento mori, a reminder of the cycles of life and death in nature. For a long time, the old oak was a prominent landmark south of SC Gauting, branching out like a bolt of lightning turned into wood. Even further south, at the edge of the field on the "Hiesenwiese", there were burial mounds. Over the course of time, constant agriculture has levelled them to the ground. Shortly after the photo was taken, the tree was felled for safety reasons.
13 June 1886: Ludwig's mysterious Death: Berg
“I will remain an eternal mystery to myself and others..." (Ludwig II Otto Friedrich Wilhelm von Wittelsbach)
King Ludwig II of Bavaria died under mysterious circumstances in shallow water near Berg on Lake Starnberg on 13 June 1886. The official version of "suicide by drowning" is disputed by many, especially as His Majesty was an accomplished swimmer. To this day, royal loyalists, also known as Guglmänner, are endeavouring to reconstruct the actual facts. They are certain: it was murder, and the "Kini" was by no means mad. Whatever the case may be. Almost one hundred and fifty years after his death, the fairytale king is widely honoured. His commitment to building palaces, which was heavily criticised at the time, now brings the Free State annual revenues in the double-digit millions. Historically and morphologically, Gauting cannot be separated from Würmsee and the surrounding area. There are many sights to explore on foot or by bike. Many only at second, third or even fourth glance. (Text Bernd Wiedemann)
Heading South: Starnberg
Winter Migration. On the way to the south - Birds braving the winter at Lake Starnberg. This experimental photograph presents a winter scene at Lake Starnberg. The focal point is a solitary tree, bare against the cold season’s touch, juxtaposed with the flight of birds heading south. The lake, a slate gray under the chill, stretches into the horizon while a dusting of snow softens the landscape, lending an ethereal quality to the scene as if caught between two worlds.
Dispelling the Ghosts at the Celtic redoubt: Buchendorf
Epiphany shooting on the Buchendorf Celtic redoubt. The Raunächte, the "time between the years", ends on 6 January. According to folklore, the Wild Hunt and other night-time ghosts are up to mischief during this time. They are banished back to their borders on Epiphany with prayers and fireworks. The late Iron Age Celtic redoubt near Buchendorf is one of the best-preserved Celtic square redoubts in Bavaria. The original purpose of the site is not fully understood. Investigations indicate a possible dual use as a profane and sacred area. The route of the Roman road runs eastwards towards Salzburg between the Celtic redoubt and the Buchendorf pond. Neolithic finds and traces of Bronze Age settlements on the Buchendorfer Feld prove that the area was used for a long time. Historians assume that not all Roman roads were new constructions, but that existing older long-distance trade routes were also extended. (Text Bernd Wiedemann)
Family Walk: Gauting
Who doesn't feel reminded of a painting by the Impressionists Monet or Caillebotte when looking at this picture by Michael Nguyen? The comparison is not so far-fetched: after the construction of the Munich-Starnberg railway line in 1854, more and more city dwellers came to the romantic and charming Würmtal valley to take the edge off their nerves and enjoy the enchanting landscape. Industry and businesses also took advantage of the location. The artists came with their daughters and wives and picnics were held on the banks of the Würm, where they painted plein air, drew portraits, taught and indulged in all kinds of culture. The Gründerzeit villa colony thus brought upper-class culture to the village of craftsmen and farmers. Free spirits such as the eccentric Theodor von Hallberg-Broich (the "Hermit of Gauting") or filmmaker Herbert Achternbusch found and still find a home in Gauting, at least temporarily. This explains the sometimes special "Gauting feeling" from the mixture of long-established residents, established cultural organisations and a dash of Bavarian anarchism... (Text Bernd Wiedemann)
The Absence: Gauting
Fußberg Castle was first mentioned in a document in 1347. The Knights of Fuß initially administered it as ministerial officials of the House of Wittelsbach. Remodelled several times by changing owners, the castle and surrounding park are now used for a variety of purposes: the restaurant in the faithfully reconstructed Salettl offers Gauting locals food and drink, while the small Schweizerhäusl on the upper edge of the park is a workshop for artists and goldsmiths. During the summer months, the Remise (pictured here) hosts a varied programme of concerts and art exhibitions. Weddings and christenings were performed under the large weeping willow in the lowlands, and a child was conceived at a summer festival. The castle itself is rented out to a communications agency and is therefore hardly accessible to the citizens of Gauting. The castle pond also fell into private hands, which put an abrupt end to the popular ice skating and curling in winter. The castle does not reveal one secret: a tower is said to have stood in the park, the foundations of which have still not been found. (Text Bernd Wiedemann)
Whispers of the forest: Gauting
A ghostly dance of light and shadow plays out among the trees, captured in this experimental photograph of the forest. In this image, bare trunks stand out sharply against a background of rich, earthy colours. The forest floor is a carpet of fallen leaves and the remnants of autumn splendour, with light filtering through the canopy and lending the scene an otherworldly glow. Experimental in its technique, the photograph utilises texture and contrast to convey the depth and mystery of the natural forest landscape.
Remnants of cheerfulness: Mühltal
On the last day of 2019, an experimental photograph immortalises the beer garden of the Obermühlthal inn in Mühltal, which is deserted and claimed by the surrounding forest. The bright red of a building is a silent beacon amidst the overgrown furniture, all covered in autumn leaves. This image is a ghostly tableau of the passage of time, where once there was laughter and clinking glasses, now only the whisper of the trees remain.
In the darkest Hours Gauting
Spruce protection in the Oberer Taxet forest between Gauting and Buchendorf. Please do not enter such wildlife rest areas and always keep dogs on a lead in the forest. If you walk quietly on forest paths that lead through such forest areas, you can observe deer, hares and birds venturing out of cover at dawn or dusk. We should not put undue strain on the forest recreation area, which we urgently need.
The Würmtal valley is made up of unique glacial terrain formations, biocoenoses worthy of protection and many ground monuments that are often difficult to recognise as such. Consideration in the forest also protects people: Wild boars hide their young in the undergrowth. They normally avoid humans. But if they come between a young boar and a mother sow... (Text by Bernd Wiedemann)
The artwork received several awards in 2020. Including at the Sienna Creative Photo Awards, honoured in the "Nature & Landscape" category. At the MIFA - Moscow International Photo Awards, it took third place and received the bronze medal in the "Nature / Trees" category.
Lights will guide us Home: Buchendorf
Some of the photo paintings in this series were created during the first lockdown in spring 2020, in a special atmosphere on partly empty streets. What will become? was the question. Under special circumstances, the view sometimes opens up, and with it the understanding of what is seen. Everyday things that would otherwise go unnoticed become symbolic and seemingly meaningful. It has always been in front of our eyes and we didn't see it, our heads full of thoughts. The picture shows the road from Buchendorf to Gauting.
Misty Serenity: Starnberg
A tranquil pier stretches into the foggy embrace of Lake Starnberg, Bavaria, as swans glide silently over the glassy water. This experimental photograph depicts a scene of serene beauty on a foggy day at Lake Starnberg in Bavaria. The wooden pier, lined with unlit lamps, extends into the mist, suggesting a pathway to the unknown. The calm waters of the lake reflect the soft, diffused light, while swans float effortlessly, their white forms ghostly shapes against the water’s surface. The tranquility of the scene is palpable, inviting contemplation and a sense of peace.
Twilight: Gauting
Evening clouds amass with a dramatic red hue over Königswiesen, casting an ominous glow on the historic lands of Gauting cultural region in the Starnberg District of Bavaria. This experimental photograph captures a striking scene at Königswiesen, where the sky transforms into a canvas of fiery reds and deep purples at twilight. A country path gently curves beside a freshly plowed field, leading the eye towards the gathering storm clouds. The contrast between the darkened earth and the illuminated sky creates a sense of impending drama, highlighting the natural and historical significance of the Reismühler Feld, an ancient cultural landscape in Bavaria.
Where the Emperor was born: Gauting
... In the Gauting rice mill, according to legend. There is no proof of this. However, individual place and field names in the surrounding area are possibly connected with Charlemagne's origins, such as the Karlsburg castle a few kilometres up the Würm or the deserted site of the historic Königswiesen, of which only the St. Ulrich's Chapel remains today. The Gauting coat of arms, whose mill wheel, imperial mantle and crown on the tower of the rice mill gleam far above the field, should not be taken to indicate the truth of the Charlemagne legend: It was designed in the 1930s with reference to the Charlemagne legend, and the tower was built even later. Whether the name "Reismühle" is a phonetic variation of "Reichsmühle" or simply means "the mill in the middle of the brushwood" is also disputed. In any case, old depictions of the mill show no shortage of bushes and shrubs in the surrounding area. Even without Charlemagne, the Rice Mill remains a charismatic place whose origins are lost in the darkness of history. Situated between prehistoric and Roman burial grounds, directly on the old Roman road, the Reismühle now houses artists' studios, a boat workshop and a fitness studio. Reasons enough for a visit... (Text Bernd Wiedemann)
Enigmatic Würm Valley: Starnberg
The River Würm flows serenely through the mystical landscape of Starnberg District, Bavaria. This experimental photograph captures the haunting beauty of the Würm Valley. The River Würm, a lifeline of the Starnberg District in Bavaria, meanders quietly, flanked by sturdy trees standing guard along its banks. A delicate frost adorns the landscape, enhancing the sense of stillness and enchantment. The subdued light and the cool blue tones evoke a deep tranquility, while the textures of the trees and the motion of the water add to the composition’s ethereal quality.
Trembling Hearts, Gauting
This experimental photograph presents a serene yet dynamic scene within the Würm Valley. The foreground is dominated by frost-covered vegetation, creating a soft carpet that leads the eye towards the mist-veiled forest backdrop. The blurred effect around the leaves, known as “trembling hearts,” adds a sense of movement and a whisper of the fleeting nature of these tranquil moments. The image invites contemplation of the subtle interplay between light, shadow, and the delicate structures of nature.
Nocturnal Movements: Gauting
Bare trees stand resilient against a fabric of nocturnal movement, as if breaking the waves of a grassy sea. Under the cloak of night, the landscape is transformed into a dynamic scene in which the wind acts as an artist, forming waves in the golden grass of the meadow. Two leafless trees, illuminated by an invisible moon, appear as stoic sentinels amidst the undulating grass, reminiscent of the coming and going of an ocean at night. This experimental photograph captures the surreal beauty of nature's movements in the stillness of the night.
Serene Würm Valley: Starnberg
The tranquil flow of the River Würm through the Starnberg District, captured in the stillness of an experimental photograph. In the embrace of the Würm Valley, the River Würm meanders with a gentle hush. This experimental photograph reveals the quiet beauty of Bavaria’s Starnberg District, where time seems to stand still. The sun’s soft light filters through the branches, casting a delicate glow on the water’s surface. Fallen trees and debris create natural dams, and the winter’s cool breath lightly dusts the scene with frost. The landscape is a testament to the enduring serenity of nature, undisturbed and sublime.
Canvas of Nature: Gauting
The landscape image, in which nature and artistry meet, uses experimental photography to show the striking beauty of a resting forest. The picture presents a striking contrast between the rough, dark bark of a tree in the foreground and the serene expanse of a winter forest. The sky is depicted in a weave of textured blue tones that emphasise both the suggest both the coolness of the season and the timeless beauty of a picturesque sky. In the background, the silhouettes of towering pines stand guard over the sleeping undergrowth and evoke a sense of quiet strength and resilience.
Colorful World, Gauting
A hazy depiction of nature’s palette, this experimental photo blurs the lines between dream and reality. In this image, a vibrant tableau unfolds, showcasing the softness of nature’s textures and the richness of its hues. Foregrounded with lush vegetation in various shades of green and purple, the scene transitions to a backdrop of trees basking in the golden light of the setting sun. The image invites the viewer to question the boundary of clarity and invites a contemplative mood, as if the world itself is viewed through a veil of tranquility.
Blood Moon Symphony: Gauting
In the depths of a Gauting night in 2019, the phenomena of a Blood Moon rises, painting the sky with its eerie red luminescence. Below, a meadow comes to life with the shimmer of wildflowers, their delicate forms illuminated amidst the darkness. The Blood Moon oversees this nocturnal symphony, a silent conductor to the natural world’s whispering beauty. The scene, vibrant with an otherworldly light, encapsulates the mesmerizing dance between celestial wonder and the Earth’s quiet moments.
Lonely Leaves, Starnberg
A serene yet haunting tableau by Lake Starnberg, this experimental photo captures the essence of solitude. The image presents a somber scene by the tranquil Lake Starnberg. A solitary hut stands on stilts, embraced by the gentle waters, under a canopy of sparse, leafless branches reaching out like silent whispers against the backdrop of a textured sky. The photo’s experimental nature enhances the mood, creating an ethereal quality that blurs the lines between reality and the otherworldly.
Twilight Murmurs, the Würm Valley in Repose: Starnberg
The image presents a serene yet mystical river valley at twilight. Ancient trees, their roots grasping the earth, stand sentinel along the water’s edge. Fallen timber bridges the gently flowing river, now a mirror to the softening light of day. The landscape, a tableau of nature’s endurance, whispers tales of seasons past, as the river carries the secrets of the forest through the hushed evening air. This scene, captured through experimental photography, is a study in contrasts: the steadfastness of the trees against the relentless flow of water, the interplay of shadow and residual light, and the stillness of the woods juxtaposed with the quiet movement of the river.
Looking into the future: Stockdorf
A solitary figure gazes at the horizon, enveloped in the embrace of a misty dawn.in the stillness of the early morning, a lone observer stands on a bridge and peers into the distance. The world around him is a web of shadow and light, where the austere silhouettes of leafless trees paint the sky and dense fog blurs the line between the present and what lies ahead. This experimental photograph captures the essence of introspection and the human desire to connect with the future, to look beyond the veil of the known into the mysteries that await.
Red Electricity, Starnberg
The vivid hues of a forest energized with the colors of twilight.
This experimental photograph, titled “Red Electricity,” captures the essence of a forest scene as it might be imagined in a dream. The trees are bathed in a surreal, electric red glow, suggesting the vibrant energy that pulses through nature. The forest floor is a tapestry of fallen leaves, creating a soft bed of earthy tones that contrast with the fiery canopy above. The composition conjures a world that is at once familiar yet otherworldly, inviting the viewer to lose themselves in the mystical atmosphere.