AN INTERVIEW WITH ANDREAS BAUER

Andreas Bauer won 1st Prize in our recent Humans competition with a stunning image taken on the streets of Beijing that judge Amy Toensing praised for it’s multi-layered depiction of realities and emotions.

Keen to know more about the image, Andreas’ work more broadly, and his meandering route into photography, we put some questions to him…

Andreas, congratulations on winning our Humans competition! Please introduce yourself in a few words.

Thanks so much for the kind congratulations! I’m based in Frankfurt, Germany, and back in the day, I spent a lot of time at university exploring cultural anthropology, art history, theatre, film and media studies, and journalism. These days, I’m an editor for the news site of a public broadcaster. And: I’m a proud dad to an amazing seven-year-old girl.

Can you tell us a little bit more about your winning image and the circumstances behind it?

Yes, of course. I’d been wandering through Beijing all day, shooting in the narrow hutong alleys and on Tiananmen Square. I was exhausted and ready to head back to a friend’s place where I was staying. Then I came across this chaotic, noisy bus station. Then, a bus rolled by slowly. I caught the eyes of the people inside, their gazes meeting mine, and noticed the propaganda figures painted on the side of the bus, blending with the faces inside. Instantly, I knew—it was the best photo I’d taken that day.

Complete this sentence – “Photography for me is…”

…. something of a master teacher, demanding that I throw myself into the world with all my senses. Because photography – especially street photography – offers me a unique way to connect with the world, to immerse myself in colors, textures, and fleeting moments in the here and now. It allows me to be fully present, grounded in myself, yet completely open to everything unfolding around me. That feeling of sensing the pulse of a moment – that electrifying connection – is simply mesmerizing.

You’ve had an intriguing career – from cultural anthropologist to journalist, via copyrighting and film, theatre and television studies – and now working as for the news site of a public broadcaster. How does photography fit into this? Is it a respite from the day job, or does one bleed into the other?

It all fits together very well. Ultimately, it has always been about understanding – people, cultures, stories, moments. Photography is another language for me, a way to capture and express the world in ways that words alone cannot convey. It complements my work as a journalist while also allowing me to see things differently – more spontaneously and intuitively, without being bound to words or narratives. All of this influences the other and enriches my perspective on the world.

I suppose – and this is apparent in your work – that really, whether street photography, travel or something else, your fascination is people. Is that fair?

Yes, that’s absolutely true. My fascination really lies with people – their living conditions, the conditio humana, what makes us human. It’s this interplay of possibilities and limitations, emotions and expressions, that constantly captivates me. I want to understand how people live, feel, and act – and how that’s reflected in their daily lives, their faces, and their surroundings.

Do you have a particular favourite shot of your own? Can you talk us through it?

There are a few photos that hold a special place for me. One of them is the shot of people on a bus in Beijing. But many of my favorite pictures were taken in Cuba, where I’ve spent a lot of time over the past few years.

Cuba has a unique atmosphere that constantly inspires me. The light, the colors, and the people make it an exceptional place for street photography. Especially in the streets of Havana, I’ve captured moments that feel deeply meaningful to me. These photos embody what I love about photography: capturing fleeting moments that are both ordinary and extraordinary at the same time.

What has been your best photographic experience to date, and maybe your worst?

As I mentioned, wandering through the streets of Cuba is always a fascinating experience for me. Every corner feels like a new story waiting to be captured, and it’s often those spontaneous, unplanned moments that turn into my favorite shots.

My worst photographic experience? That’s hard to pinpoint, because even challenging situations can teach you something. But the most frustrating moments are probably the ones where the scene is bursting with photographic potential – but your camera is sitting at home.

What, or where would be your dream photography project?

There are so many fascinating places I haven’t been to yet – Kolkata, Tokyo, Lagos, or Rio de Janeiro. I can picture myself wandering the streets for days, no set plan, just following the people, the light, and the shadows. That would be pretty amazing.

What’s the best piece of advice you’d pass on to your younger self if you could? Or maybe one you frequently pass onto workshop participants?

My advice? Well, I speak as a street photographer. Keep it simple: have fun and stay curious. Don`t be shy. Find a camera that feels good in your hands, then hit the streets and see what catches your eye. Don’t overthink it—let the flow guide you. Play around, experiment. Watch how shadows fall, notice where the colors pop. Be patient—it takes a ton of shots to land a handful of great ones. And always be respectful; if someone doesn’t want to be photographed, let it go.

Get inspired by the masters: Henri Cartier-Bresson, Steve McCurry, William Eggleston, Ernst Haas. Learn from their work, but find your own voice. And don’t keep your photos hidden—share them with friends, online, or wherever people can see them.

And finally, what are your plans for the rest of 2024 and into next year?

Honestly, I don’t have any solid plans yet. I’m thinking about heading back to Cuba. For now, I’m keeping it loose and seeing where the inspiration takes me.