One of the things that I spend a lot of time with is editing/post processing the photographs I’ve taken. There are exceptions, but for the most part it takes days or even weeks until I consider that a photo is ready. And I think this has to do with control. Or better said, the lack of it.

Especially with digital screens, the image will be seen differently from device to device. Darker, brighter, more contrast, less contrast, the list is endless. Also, the light and the environment also massively influences the viewing experience. Yes, there’s monitor calibration, but that’s simply not enough.

This photograph is one of those cases. And to be honest, I’m actually enjoying this ‘issue’. Or, maybe it’s not an issue at all. For example, in music, I enjoy listening to a song over and over so I can appreciate the layers in it. In some cases, an element that was there for the whole time is discovered only after a few listenings. And I love that, makes the whole song fresh again. So why not embracing it with my photography as well? I mean, I can’t just put you in a darkroom when I publish my work, right?

So here you go. This image has a couple of layers, a few details that are shown or hidden depending on how you’re viewing it. Look at it in a bright environment, the contrast is high. Blacks and whites have a very strong separation. Look at it in dark environment, other elements will show up. What’s the right way? Is there any? And let’s make a deal: if you decide to collect this image and you’re the first, I’ll send you a printed version of ‘Berlin V’, as a gift, if you feel like seeing how it looks on paper.

Let me know.

June 14th, 18:37:20, 2021. Berlin, Germany.