Wattenmeer
Leon Düllberg is a photographer based in Northern Germany. With his project, Wattenmeer, Leon explores the Wadden Sea area at its current state to imprint it in the memory of future generations. Wattenmeer is a national park in the Schleswig-Holstein area in Germany that belongs to the UNESCO World Heritage. The area is unique in its flora and fauna and rich in animal, bird, and fish species inhabiting it. Leon decided to accompany scientists and document their work in the Wadden Sea and laboratory. Working with medium format, Leon established a more personal connection with the subjects while emphasizing the breathtaking landscapes throughout the year.
The focus is on the care and attention of scientists to the natural element with the sole goal of preserving nature in a humble attempt to fight the consequences of global warming. Leon says, “My goal was a series that combines portraits and landscape photos from the Wadden Sea to give an insight into the diverse landscapes, lighting moods, and the scientists' current work.” We speak with Leon about his decision to choose this topic and the way he wanted to convey the urgency in the composition of the frames. We discuss the importance of establishing a closer connection with the scientists at work to create more compelling portraits and highlight the theme.
‘Wadden Sea, is primarily concerned with the consequences of global warming on the ecosystems and coastlines in the Schleswig-Holstein Wadden Sea National Park and the resulting challenges for the local people.’
The work, Wadden Sea, is primarily concerned with the consequences of global warming on the ecosystems and coastlines in the Schleswig-Holstein Wadden Sea National Park and the resulting challenges for the local people. For this purpose, I visited various scientific projects and institutes in northern Germany and accompanied scientists in their work in the Wadden Sea area. My goal was a series that combines portraits and landscape photos from the Wadden Sea to give an insight into the diverse landscapes, lighting moods, and the scientists' current work.
‘I chose a square format for my images because I wanted to show both people and landscapes in the individual pictures.’
I chose a square format for my images because I wanted to show both people and landscapes in the individual pictures. It was very important to me that you could see the surroundings in the pictures as well as the people. I also wanted to show the work equipment and take as authentic pictures as possible of the work in the Wadden Sea. The central composition results from the square format. I also tried to accommodate different seasons and lighting moods in the pictures to show the beauty and uniqueness of the place.
‘The medium format camera also allows to make larger prints in the darkroom so that the images are clear enough in the exhibition and invite the viewer to stay and look at the portraits longer.’
I chose an analog medium format camera for the work because I wanted to take photos very carefully and slowly. It also meant I had to concentrate on each individual image. For the portraits, it was also very important that I had established good contact with people. So, while I was taking photos, they were more relaxed and more present, which is very important for good portraits. The medium format camera also allows to make larger prints in the darkroom so that the images are clear enough in the exhibition and invite the viewer to stay and look at the portraits longer.
