When and under whose inspiration did you start photography?
I started at a young age to photograph with a point-and-shoot camera. My mom was photographing, and I thought this could be a great hobby.

Where did you take photos, and what subjects were you initially looking for?
Initially for traveling only. Depending on the destination, it was landscapes and cityscapes. When we went to Africa at age 18 for the first time, I started to enjoy photographing wildlife more.

Have you been photographing continuously since you started?
On and off until about five years ago, when I did my first backpacking trip in Yellowstone and bought a better camera and lens. After this, I almost go out every day to photograph—or at least have my equipment in the car with me.

How do you make time for photography?
I go mostly around sunset to local nature preserves and combine this with nature and beach walks. On the weekend, we do road trips to new and/or fascinating places. Other travels are based on where good photography spots or wildlife are.

Are you a member of any photography organizations or groups? Do you discuss professional topics with other photographers? Is this necessary?
I am a member of the Audubon Society (birds) in the USA. When discussing photography with other photographers, it’s more about locations and secret spots than the actual images.

Is there a difference in how much people are interested in photography in Germany and the USA?
I think it all depends on the region, but the amount of opportunities is better in the USA since there are way more species, and the travel within the US is cheaper and easier. Also, there are more areas where wild animals are less elusive and spooked by people in the USA.

What attracts you to photographing animals, birds, and nature?
Just being out in nature and forgetting the busy life. Being active and exploring new places, and definitely learning new facts about behavior or unique features of birds/animals—and just watching them in the wild.

Among landscape photography, wildlife photography, and bird photography, do you have a favorite?
I love wildlife photography, but birds are my favorite. There are just so many species, and every species is unique.

What are the challenges in photographing large wild animals versus birds?
Birds are definitely the toughest, since they move very quickly—and this means you need to adjust your settings all the time.

Do you photograph from a hide, or do you stalk your subjects?
I wouldn't say stalk. I try to study their behavior and flight patterns (depending on the bird) and position myself accordingly to have them come towards me. If it's a nest, I will spend hours there.

Do you have a favorite bird species? This year's special theme for Birdo Extra is: We Love Owls! You have many owl photos as well. What do you like about them?
Probably Eastern Screech Owls. These are the smallest owls in Florida, and we had a nesting pair in my backyard the last two years.

What is the story behind your multiple award-winning photo Open Door?
On my way to work, I always pass a nature area with lots of trees and holes in them and always wondered if someday something will look out of these holes. Finally, in May 2024, I spotted this owl looking very sleepy in the hole. Knowing it is nesting season and the male was sitting in the brush behind, it was certain she took a breather from nesting.

How was Tucked In created?
On a drive to a friend on a busy road, I spotted a sandhill crane in a small pond sitting on the nest. For weeks I checked this nest, when finally two colts appeared. Even newly born, the parents take the little colts on trips to explore the environment and learn about life. But while the babies are tiny, they need to nap pretty often, so Mom will lie down and make a temporary nest. When they made their way back to the nest, one of the babies started to peek out. I was in the mud with both feet to get the right position.

How can someone become a good bird photographer? What is needed for this? What advice would you give to a young birdwatcher?
Know the basics about manual settings on the camera, go to nature preserves or areas with known high wildlife activity (where animals might not be spooked easily), go around dawn and dusk for best lighting (also cloudy days can be good), patience in the field and sometimes just enjoying nature, try to show emotion or unique behavior or unique features (composition is very important), try to get a background other than the sky (watch for distractions and position yourself accordingly).