19-Jan-2017
Born and raised in Germany, photographer Dennis Radermacher lost his heart in New Zealand.
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