photography

Concrete Heights

in ,

As I stand on the rooftop of this towering skyscraper, camera in hand, my gaze shifts from the breathtaking cityscape to the poised model before me. Her presence against this urban backdrop is a canvas waiting to be painted with light and shadow.

ai art, concept, mood, prompts, retouching, grading

There's an exhilarating rush that comes with shooting amidst the dizzying heights of New York. The wind whispers stories of the city as it tousles her hair, adding a touch of untamed beauty to the scene.

She embodies a fusion of elegance and audacity, a muse against the relentless skyline. Every movement she makes seems to echo the rhythm of the city below—the pulse of life in this concrete jungle.

My lens captures her grace and strength, juxtaposing her against the iconic architecture that defines this metropolis. It's a dance between light and form, a symphony of contrasts and harmonies.

In this moment, the world shrinks to the viewfinder of my camera. I seek that perfect angle, that fleeting expression—the essence of this urban goddess against the backdrop of a city that never sleeps.

As I click the shutter, freezing time into a single frame, I know this image will encapsulate not just her beauty, but the spirit of New York itself—a timeless blend of sophistication, resilience, and boundless possibilities.

 

Serene Expanse

in , ,

I stand amidst the vastness of golden sands as the sun begins its descent, painting the horizon in hues of amber and crimson. The serene expanse before me seems to stretch endlessly, a canvas for nature’s grandeur.

ai art, concept, mood, retouching, grading

The desert whispers tales of timelessness, each grain of sand a witness to ages gone by. I find myself immersed in this solitude, feeling both inconsequential and interconnected with the ancient rhythms of this land.

The golden hour casts an ethereal glow, illuminating the stark beauty of this arid landscape. The distant silhouettes of Joshua trees stand as stoic guardians, their twisted forms speaking of resilience amidst adversity.

As the desert breeze whispers secrets of forgotten tales, I pause to reflect on life’s transient nature. Amidst this vast emptiness, there’s a profound sense of peace - an invitation to introspection and a reminder of the impermanence of existence.

The sun’s descent seems to slow time itself, creating a moment where the boundaries between earth and sky blur into a seamless tapestry of colors. It's a silent symphony of nature - a masterpiece that unfolds every evening, a reminder that beauty thrives even in desolation.

In this fleeting moment, I find solace in the desert’s quiet embrace. The golden hues envelop me, filling my spirit with a sense of serenity. As the day bids adieu, I carry with me the memories of this timeless desert—a place where the golden hour whispers tales of eternity and the winds echo with the wisdom of ages.

 

Liquid Worlds.

in ,

As I plunge into the crystal-clear waters of the Mediterranean, an otherworldly tranquility envelops me. The gentle caress of the sea against my skin feels like a cosmic embrace, a moment where time seems to pause, inviting contemplation.

ai art, concept, prompts, mood, retouching, grading

Submerged in this liquid world, weightless and free, the mundane concerns of life are momentarily suspended. Amidst the swaying seaweed and the ballet of fish, my mind embarks on a philosophical journey.

The sunlight filtering through the water creates a mesmerizing dance of shimmering rays, like ethereal pathways illuminating the depths below. It's in this aquatic symphony that thoughts on the essence of existence begin to percolate.a

Life itself is like these undulating currents, unpredictable and ever-flowing. The ebb and flow of moments, the constant evolution of experiences—it all mirrors the fluidity of the ocean enveloping me.

Surrounded by the magnificence of nature's beauty, I'm reminded of the vastness of the universe and my infinitesimal place within it. In this expansive underwater world, the trivialities of everyday life pale in comparison to the grandeur of existence.

Yet, there's a profound interconnectedness that transcends this vastness – an intricate web binding all living beings, pulsating with a universal rhythm. It's a silent dialogue between the cosmos and the soul, a reminder that we are part of something much greater.

As I break the surface, returning to the world above, I carry with me the echoes of these underwater contemplations. The azure sky and the endless horizon beckon, inviting me to cherish the transient moments and find meaning in the transient dance of life.

 

Late Bird

in ,

in the quiet diner, surrounded by whispering shadows and the gentle hum of the cooling system, I feel like a lost wanderer in the darkness of the night. the neon-lit letters of the sign flicker irregularly, a reflection of my thoughts swaying in turmoil.

ai art, concept, mood, retouching, grading

It's strange how life in the silence of an empty diner evokes a kind of introspective reflection. Time seems to have its own dimension here, stretched and twisted, as if it had been waiting for me to reflect my own inner tumult.

I stare into my coffee cup, now only displaying a sluggish reflection of my weary eyes. A wisp of steam rises, instantly dissipating in the cold night air. Perhaps I am like that steam, visible and then gone in this night.

It's not just the time that brought me here. It's this sense of loneliness that sometimes overwhelms me. In a world that never stops, I feel like a lost puzzle piece that never finds its proper place.

The sounds of the night seem to amplify, as if trying to drown out my thoughts. A distant car traversing the lonely street, a faint clinking of dishes being worked on in the kitchen—they all blend into this melancholic symphony of my existence.

And yet, I am here, in this silent haven of the night, surrounded by the faint yellow light of the diner. Maybe this is exactly what I need—a moment of silence to gather myself before plunging back into life's bustle.

I take a sip of my cold coffee, long robbed of its warmth, and offer a faint smile. Perhaps it's okay to be lost—for at least one night. Maybe I'll find myself again in the dawn of tomorrow.

 

phaeno

in , , , ,

In essence, my reference works with Phaeno Science Center in Wolfsburg reflect my dedication to translating ideas into visually compelling narratives across multiple mediums. Understanding my affection for the people there is not rocket science; otherwise, such an output wouldn't exist.

video productions

image video

show teaser

show teaser

show teaser

shop teaser

graphic design for large advertising areas

photo work

 

3 Miles to Essex - AI Music Video

in , ,

I was downright obsessed - with my work for the band 3 Miles to Essex. It's not every day that I look at the clock at three in the morning and realize that I've lost track of time. That's how engrossed I became in working on these pieces.

Certainly, part of it was due to the intense music of my buddies Volker and Sebastian. I've been photographing and creating artwork for them for several years. But this time, the self-imposed mission was different. It had to be a video. In the end, I came up with almost a handful of them. However, it wasn't just the music itself that made me restless. It was the technology and the astonishingly new way of being creative that came with it. AI is the keyword. Anyone who claims that everything happens automatically and you don't have to do anything at all can certainly do it that way. However, that wasn't my path. It was different: countless prompts, outputs, starting over, more outputs, inspiration - trying a different direction - no, that doesn't work like that - damn, this is truly genius. And then, slicing, editing, adjusting, and adding effects to almost 100 clips per song. Such a fascinating and holistic workflow. It's new and exciting, and it's still me doing the work, not the machine.

Everything about 3 Miles to Essex here.

 
 

AI Mission Statement.

The impact of artificial intelligence on our lifes, including art, has been mind-blowing. As artists, we're also aware of the possibilities that arise when humans team up with machines. AI in creative work introduces a whole new art form that blurs the line between humanity and technology.

AI systems can crunch massive amounts of data, spot patterns, and generate fresh ideas. They serve as a tool for us artists to find inspiration and creative sparks. By collaborating with machines, we expand our artistic vision and create entirely new dimensions.

However, in our view, AI alone isn't sufficient to produce top-notch and truly inspiring artworks. Creative processes and human intervention remain indispensable. We still possess the ability to turn emotions, experiences, and ideas into art, pouring our hearts and souls into it.

The creative process often starts with a deep-rooted idea or inspiration. It's our minds that recognize its potential and bring the vision to life. AI can assist by presenting us with alternative approaches, styles, or ideas that we might have missed. Yet, we artists have the final say in choosing which path to take and which ideas to explore further.

Art is a means of expressing emotions and connecting with the audience. It's about inspiration and interpretation. While AI can recognize patterns and attempt to evoke emotional responses, it's the artist who has the genuine and profound ability to convey those emotions.

Undoubtedly, the use of AI in creative work opens up new horizons and expands artistic potential. Collaborating with machines can yield unique and inspiring outcomes.

Nevertheless, we mustn't forget that creating meaningful art isn't as simple as pushing a button. Human creativity, interpretation, and emotional connection remain vital to unlock the full potential of collaborative human-machine creativity. To make the most of AI in creative work, we must appreciate the strengths and skills of both sides and combine them in a synergistic process.

Living & Working on Sylt

in , ,

Are you yearning for change or a completely fresh start? Maybe even a new place to live with a lot of fresh wind? The right moment for this one important step is something you decide and feel for yourself.

Sometimes, the shoe has been pinching for a while, and all it takes is a convincing and compelling argument to get things going. Sylt offers countless reasons for a fresh start, to explore yourself, and to see life from completely different perspectives. Some crave a season filled with variety and beach time, while others fall in love and find it hard to leave.

I would say that was a home game for me! Those who know me know that Sylt means more to me than just a vacation spot. It's actually more like home... Personally, I have experienced most of the important stories of my life here. It was even more wonderful when Moritz Luft from Sylt Marketing asked me to tell stories of islanders who live and work on Sylt.

We ended up with 12 video portraits of absolutely amazing people on the island who have found their own unique paths. What a gift it was to be able to accompany these individuals for a few days.

Everything about this project on sylt.de

"For the love of Wolfsburg"

in ,

Media campaign support for mayor candidate Dennis Weilmann

Sometimes you have to show your colors.

Especially when you are convinced that a very specific person is very well suited to directing the fortunes of your own hometown. And since Dennis is a great guy who has his heart in the right place due to his qualifications and many years of professional experience in the Wolfsburg city administration, I did not hesitate for a moment when the question arose whether I could support. Congratulations on being mayor!

Image Video

Published during the hot phase of the election campaign.

[ idea/concept / video / post production ]

Photo documentation of the election evenings and the inauguration

[ photography / post production ]

Dennis on the evening of the first election day at the moment when the first count.

Dennis on the evening of the first election day at the moment when the first count.

A symbol of its own: the future mayor in front of the Wolfsburg town hall construction site with his smartphone on the evening of the first round of voting.

A symbol of its own: the future mayor in front of the Wolfsburg town hall construction site with his smartphone on the evening of the first round of voting.

One of those special moments: Dennis with his wife Janina in the campaign car right after the vote count on the way to Wolfsburg City Hall.

One of those special moments: Dennis with his wife Janina in the campaign car right after the vote count on the way to Wolfsburg City Hall.

Another of many special moments: Dennis and his family on the way to the auditorium of the Sharoun Theater in Wolfsburg, where all the spectators were already waiting - on the evening of the inauguration.

Another of many special moments: Dennis and his family on the way to the auditorium of the Sharoun Theater in Wolfsburg, where all the spectators were already waiting - on the evening of the inauguration.

Carpool 360° Interview videos

Citizens interview the mayoral candidate while driving through the city.

[ idea / video / post production ]

Personal Stories

Short personal story clips taken from dennis with his own smartphone showing places in the city where he’s grown up with which he associates beautiful memories.

[ post production ]

MONGOLIA

in ,

Wide, jagged, dusty, juicy, colorful, dreary, striking, quite varied and quite impressive: the Republic of Mongolia. 1.500.000 km2, over three million inhabitants, approx. 6.000 kilometers and 11 hours flight time away from Europe, framed by Russia, Kazakhstan and China. An unreal place - as unlikely as dreams can be. And that‘s how it was – my two-week tour of Mongolia – it was like a dream.

 

It may have been because I could not really sleep during my time there - perhaps due to the jet lag - or by the unusual accommodations - but certainly because of the really very incredible impressions I have sucked every second like a sponge the water.

And of course: from the photographer‘s perspective, …

… i can hardly imagine another country that offers so many facets like Mongolia.

Snow-capped mountains, green forests, vast grasslands, the Gobi Desert, the city of Ulan Bator and of course the Mongols: city dwellers, villagers, nomads, hunters, ranchers, traders. There are stories here ... you hardly believe it. 

Therefore, a two-week trip can not be anything but a tasting. A brief moment of looking through a keyhole, meaning you are seeing the world. It is only a very small section. And that pretty much makes me want more.

My Trip as a clip … and commented

Some brief insights to my trip arranged as 3 minute clip with some epic music ;-) and voice-over-comments of mine.

The trip as a magazine

In addition to my portfolio on my homepage and my pictures and stories on Instagram, I want to create another stage for my experiences with „SEEN - by Tom Tautz“ and set a focus for each issue. On a topic, a journey, a job. 

I want to show how I see the world and how I preserve it photographically. I want to value and be grateful for what I have been allowed to experience – i want to inspire! And of course I would like to recommend myself. To you, your publisher, your magazine, your company. As a photographer, and multimedia storyteller.

Some general thoughts on traveling

Traveling is essentially a meaning of our existence. I‘m totally convinced of that. For what do we live here on this planet if we are not interested in exploring this little blue nutshell in the midst of the vast ocean of the Universe?

Being on the move means to look further than our noses and to become aware of in which world we are living in and who we are. It does not matter how far we travel – sometimes the oddest stories are right next to you. It is always worth opening the eyes and seeing with the heart.

But such once-in-a-lifetime-trips like mine to Mongolia a few weeks ago are something really special. Particularly within a group like mine and with a guide like Max Muench. It’s so important to surround yourself with inspiring people that you can make yourself let go, be by yourself and to relax. The best requirement to be creative and open hearted - just without any fears or vanities. Just you, fellow friends and the trip.

Therefore i can highly recommend to throw an eye on Max’s new business - followthetracks – a self driving but guided experience through Mongolia to the best spots and the guarantee for an inspiring experience that could be YOUR next once-in-a-lifetime-trip.

THE EAGLE HUNTRESS OF MONGOLIA

in

// PRESS kit / MEDIA OFFER //

point-like summary

[ english ]

In September 2019 i went to Mongolia as a part of Max münch’s project „follow the tracks“. During this time we visited a nomad family in the Umnugol region in the western part of Mongolia and were invited to stay for two nights. It was the family of Barazbay (26) one of the last eagle hunters of Mongolia.

 

The Mongolian Eagle Hunters are looking back on a centuries-old tradition that contains the hunt from the back of horses with trained Eagles to kill Foxes or even Wolves.

Unlike other animals that live in communion with Mongolian nomads - such as goats, sheep or yaks - eagles are not seen as livestock but as "real" family members. Even dogs and cats that are primarily used to protect the herd from wolves or to hunt mice in and around the yurt do not have such a status. They are given neither names nor treated as lovingly pets as we do in europe. The trained eagles, however, get names and are allowed to live in the yurts. They are caught in a few months and trained by their one owner. After several years they will be released again.

Bazarbay lives together with his wife Lamsya (25), his son Dinislam (4), and his three-year-old eagle "Tastulek" in the Umnugol region near the Altai Mountains, amidst lush meadows, rivers, goats, sheep and yaks.

Bazarbay's sister Zamanbol (15), whom I was also allowed to meet, is a real peculiarity. She is one of the few female "Eagle Hunters" in Mongolia at all. A very shy girl on the one hand - on the other hand, but one with the very exclusive status because of her skills with horse, her two-year-old eagle "Tirnek" and the fact that she became present with only another four Mongolian women in the centuries that claim a lasting male domain. A fact that makes more and more school not least because of the documentary "The Eagle Huntress". This documentary is about the story of the 13-year-old Aisholpan, the first female "Eagle Hunter" ever to win the Eagle Festival in 1999 in Ulgii and set a speed record with her eagle. Zamanbol - who began training for the Eagle Hunter at the age of nine, also took part in many such competitions.

( see some more pictures that were taken during this trip here )

  • All photos were taken in medium format and can be made available with a resolution of up to 11649 x 8736 pixels depending on the image section.

  • about the author

[ deutsch ]

September 2019 – eine Reise in die Mongolei – gemeinsam mit Max münch ihm Rahmen seines Projekts „follow the tracks“. Im Laufe dieser Zeit habe ich eine in der Wildnis fernab der Zivilisation lebende Nomaden-Familie in der Region „Umnugol“ besucht (im äußersten Westen der Mongolei nahe der Altai Mountains in der Provinz Bayan-Olgii) und bei ihr zwei Nächte in einer Jurte übernachtet. Es war die Familie von Bazarbay (26) einem der letzten „Eagle Hunter“.

Bazarbays Schwester Zamanbol (15) die ich ebenfalls treffen durfte stellt eine Besonderheit dar. Denn sie ist eine der wenigen weiblichen „Eagle Hunters“ in der Mongolei überhaupt. Ein ganz schüchternes Mädchen auf der einen Seite - auf der anderen Seite aber eines mit dem ganz exklusiven Status aufgrund ihrer Fertigkeiten mit Pferd, Adler und der Tatsache, dass sie sich dadurch mit gegenwärtig nur vier weiteren mongolischen Frauen in der Jahrhunderte währenden Männerdomäne behaupten kann. Eine Tatsache die nicht zuletzt aufgrund des Dokumentarfilms „The Eagle Huntress“ (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Eagle_Huntress) heutzutage immer mehr Schule macht. Diese Dokumentation handelt von der Geschichte der 13-jährigen Aisholpan die als erste weibliche „Eagle Hunter“ überhaupt das „Eagle Festival“ 1999 in Ulgii gewann und dabei mit ihrem Adler sogar einen Geschwindigkeitsrekord aufgestellt hat. Auch Zamanbol – die im Alter von neun Jahren mit der Ausbildung zum Eagle Hunter begann, nahm bereits an vielen solcher Wettbewerben teil.

Mongolische „Eagle-Hunter“ blicken auf eine Jahrhunderte lange Tradition zurück. Diese beinhaltet das Jagen vom Rücken eines Pferdes aus mit Hilfe von Goldadlern (die Bezeichnung für ausgewachsene Steinadler) die extra für diese Zwecke jahrelang abgerichtet wurden. Hauptsächlich werden so Füchse gejagt. Nicht etwa wegen ihres Fleisches sondern wegen des Fells, das sich gut verkaufen lässt, welches aufgrund dieser speziellen Jagdmethode kaum beeinträchtigt wird. Das Verkaufen von Pelzen besitzt traditionsgemäß einen wichtigen Stellenwert im Leben der mongolischen Nomaden, da so über das Züchten von Vieh hinaus der Lebensunterhalt bestritten wurde. So konnten die Nomaden mit den Fellen Futter für ihre Tiere kaufen, das ihnen über die kargen Wintermonate verhalf.

Anders als andere Tiere die in Gemeinschaft mit mongolischen Nomaden leben – wie zum Beispiel Ziegen, Schafe oder Yaks – werden Adler nicht als Nutztiere sondern als „echte“ Familienmitglieder gesehen. Selbst Hunde und Katzen die vornehmlich zum Schutz der Viehherde vor Wölfen und zum Jagen von Mäusen in und um den Jurten eingesetzt werden besitzen nicht den Status der Adler. Man gibt ihnen weder Namen noch werden sie so liebevoll behandelt wie wir es beispielsweise mit unseren Haustieren tun. Die abgerichteten Adler hingegen besitzen individuelle Namen und dürfen mit in den Jurten leben. Gefangen werden sie mit wenigen Monaten und werden von ihren Besitzern ausgebildet. Nach mehreren Jahren werden sie wieder in die Freiheit entlassen.  

Bazarbay lebt gemeinsam mit seiner Frau Lamsya (25), seinem Sohn Dinislam (4), und seinem dreijährigen Adler „Tastulek“ in der Region Umnugol nähe des Altai Gebirges, inmitten von saftigen Wiesen, Flüssen, Ziegen, Schafen und Yaks.

Eagle Huntress Zamanbol (15) and her two years old Eagle “Tirnek”

the surroundings

The open wide of Umnugol near the Altai Mountains".

Gers - the tradtional housings of the Mongolian nomads.

sister Zamanbol (15)

Zamanbol and “Tirnek”

brother & father Bazarbay (26)

Bazarbay and “Tastulek”

son Dinisam (4)

mother Lamsya (25)

friend Naken (48)

A friend of Bazarbay’s family living nearby.

Naken, Barazbay and his son Dinisam and their Hunting Birds riding on horses through a river.

DETAILS

a few more landscape impressions

Wooden doors of the Gers with some carvings.

Remote roads nearby the Gobi Desert

Soft hills on the way to the Alai Mountains

Grass Land nearby the Alai Mountains.

The Flaming Cliffs nearby the Gobi Desert

The city of Ulgii