Manuela Haeussler

My main photographic subjects today are music, people, and art. One of my goals is to make music visible. I often conduct visual experiments, for example using self-built analog filters. The image that won a Platinum Award this year features Dr. Carsten Brockmann, the keyboard player of the German band Alphaville. He is an incredible musician who performs with remarkable energy and emotion. The music of Alphaville and his artistry inspired me to visualize what I was hearing during the concert. The award tells me that I’m on the right path — to continue learning, experimenting, and sharing my work. It gives me courage and serves as a form of self-directed quality assurance for any photographer.

I usually choose pictures that have meaning for me and a certain kind of magic — it could be light, symmetry, expression, feeling, energy, or something else. These are the images and moments I truly love.

I wanted to take a family picture and was fascinated by the challenge of doing so using old analog technology. Later, I realized that photography can make visible not only what exists in front of us, but also something deeper. It’s not just about showing reality — it’s a language of its own, one that can be powerful, direct, touching, and inspiring.

I like to photograph people — their beauty, which is always present, as well as their deeper thoughts, secrets, and emotions. I’m also drawn to abstract art because it offers immense freedom in creativity and visual expression. Music is one of my main themes. I love capturing stage performances, musicians, portraits, cover artworks, and band photos. Music is something we hear — I strive to make it visible.

At the moment, I’m using a Canon D6. I need to work quickly and prefer not to carry too much equipment. In addition, I use a few self-built filters, which provide many options for visual experimentation. Soon, I plan to upgrade my gear.

I want viewers to hear or at least imagine — the music, and to feel it.

To get permission to take pictures during a concert. Seriously, it was an incredible pleasure to capture that moment — it felt like being in a state of flow.

Some of the artists who inspire me include Salvador Dalí, Hieronymus Bosch, Marina Abramović, Franz Marc, Picasso, and many others — including photographers, of course. I’m also inspired by musicians and bands, both for their music and their visual artistry, such as Alphaville, Victor Wooten, Black, and Lana Del Rey.

Never stop doing what you love. Keep learning, keep going, and never give up. Experiment, focus on your strengths, and don’t try to be perfect in every technique or subject.

Look for people who make you feel comfortable and who value your work. You need supporters — they’ll give you courage, consistency, and energy to carry on. Every journey begins with a single step, so set both small and big goals.

Editing has become a larger part of photography in recent years. It offers many creative possibilities and gives photographers freedom during the shooting process, knowing that changes and adjustments can be made later. However, the subject itself must still be strong, even without editing. Editing enhances — but it doesn’t create.

AI has a significant influence and can be a powerful tool. But I’d like to repeat: AI helps — it doesn’t create. It only creates when I tell it to. The idea, purpose, creativity, and meaning will always come from within me — not from AI.

That’s a difficult question. I’m not focused on one specific thing, but I’d love to be part of visual projects — especially in the music industry. I want to help musicians and bands find the perfect visual identity for their sound. My goal is to support, create, and visualize for as long as possible.