Spotlight on Dennis Radermacher

A few years ago, he quit his career to pursue photography full-time.

With a personal style that developed alongside the Fujifilm X system, Dennis focuses mainly on architecture and landscape photography.
 

Tell us a little bit about yourself...

I was born and raised in Germany, but a life-changing backpacking trip to New Zealand made me fall in love with the place. I made Christchurch my new home just before the 2010 earthquake. Exciting years for sure!

These days I run a commercial photography business called Lightforge. I specialise in architecture, editorial work, and teach photography with New Zealand landscape photography guru Rob Dickinson.

I love the mountains, science fiction books, and I’m currently trying to get my sugar addiction under control.

What got you into photography?

Even as a child I was fascinated by my dad’s neglected SLR. A photography project was the undisputed highlight of my early years in school. I tried picking up photography in the mid 90s but found the cost of film photography prohibitive on a teenage budget. Travelling in New Zealand rekindled the fire.

Afterglow  |  Lewis Tops near Lewis Pass  |  Fujifilm X-T1 + XF16-55  |  ISO200, 32mm, f8, 5s

How did you develop your style?

My style is something that just happens when I pick up a camera. I wish I could explain it. Contributing factors are certainly my preference for a clear subject, increasingly simpler compositions and intense, yet credible colour.

Why did you choose FUJIFILM cameras?

When the X100 was announced I fell in love right away. It reminded me of the camera I’d started out with. Since I needed an upgrade from my point and shoot camera at the time, it was a decision of the heart.

My photography matured alongside the X system. I’m just about to replace my X-T1 with an X-T2. I wouldn’t want to miss the immediate feedback provided by the electronic viewfinder for anything in the world. The line-up of lenses is great, as are image quality and portability.

What/who inspires your photography?

Studying other photographers’ work does nothing but increase my levels of anxiety. For the most part I just go with what feels right.

I draw a lot of inspiration from watching how the light interacts with New Zealand’s amazing landscapes. There is also a lot to be learned about visual communication from American TV series and movies.

Pink Break  |  Taylors Mistake, Christchurch  |  Fujifilm X-Pro2 + XF50-140

What’s in your camera bag?

That depends entirely on the nature of the job. While I usually just carry an X-T1 and an XF16-55 into the mountains, an architecture job requires a plethora of gear:

Camera: X-T1 with L-bracket and radio triggers

Lenses: XF10-24, XF16, XF23, XF35, XF50-140

On top of that, a wide range of filters, tripods, geared heads, carrying systems, light stands, modifiers, speedlights, a monolight, iPad, the list goes on and on.

Best advice/tip you’ve ever received for photography?

Don’t be an artist and don’t take yourself too seriously. Nothing is less attractive than a snotty attitude.

What’s next for you?

I’m currently working overtime with Rob Dickinson to build our teaching brand Hero Workshops. Our last trip to Mount Cook was amazing, and I can’t wait to grow things further.

Rockin‘ on Ice  |  Hooker Lake, Mount Cook National Park  |  Fujifilm X-T1 + XF10-24  |  ISO200, 12mm, f9, 1/100s