Interview with Klaus Maria Einwanger | The Photographer & Founder of KME Studios from Germany

Hey, I am Klaus. I actually decided to become a photographer at a photo camp at the age of 12. Back then, I was certainly still naive - but that's the way it had to be. Now I've been working in this profession for 40 years and I still have a lot of plans moving forward.

My 'university' has always been life itself. Inspiration lies in almost every encounter with people or the circumstances that form the framework. Otherwise, I would describe myself as 'self-educated'.

This was probably a holiday snapshot - as a child I had already taken the camera out of my father's hand because I wasn't happy with his pictures. Since then, he has always supported me on my way.

Today I work a lot with LEICA SL 2 and the LEICA Q3.

In my personal life, the continuation of the peace and happiness I have with and for my family. Professionally, every photo shoot is different, it has its own personality and therefore must tell its own story. Finding the story is always my inspiration.

With my book: I wish to inspire the reader to respect and appreciate those around them. Not to take people for granted and not to ignore the everyday things in our lives. As a photographer, I can choose to ignore everyday details or use them to enhance the image I am photographing.

My job allows me to meet so many impressive and great people. Each has their own, unique story, these qualities inspire me, you could call it a key to their individuality, and in doing so inspire me to tell their story, as well as my own.

Reality, observational and uncomplicated.

Thank you for the London Photography Awards! Every award is special to someone who is in this profession and industry. An award is always an important moment in one's professional life and CV.

I have been fortunate to work in many of the major cities of the world, in each one I always use taxis. I was traveling around in New York and London using different cabs, I always made a point of talking to the driver to ask how business is and how they are, small talk, but you learn that way.

After 3 or 4 conversations it occurred to me that here was an opportunity to tell a story, not just a picture story. I wanted to show the impact of a disruptive business model - UBER.

Every award contributes to the future - I consider myself fortunate to have received many awards over the last 25 years for a wide variety of work. An award is always an important moment in one's professional life and CV and is recognised by clients, the media, and colleagues.

Albert Watson - I even had the great honour of meeting him in person in Hamburg 2023.

I can only put you in the boat - you have to row it yourself.

Be a special and courageous person.

If you want to be heard, you have to sing and dance - It's about the quality of your work and the quality of your network.

Childlike openness and curiosity paired with adult pragmatism.

Thank the jury for considering my work and deciding it to be worthy of recognition. I express my gratitude to those I have worked with during my career. I am fortunate to have trained and worked with many wonderful people in the past 40 years. I consider it a real privilege to be a photographer and to have had the opportunity to create contemporary documents with my work.