We had the distinct pleasure to interview award winning designer Martin Hoffmann about their original and creative Photographs design work. Martin Hoffmann is an award-winning communication designer, that makes our world a better place with their original photographs works.
Martin Hoffmann ("MH") answered Design Interview ("DI") questions about their award-winning work Moments of Speed Photographs. Interview questions prepared by Frank Scott.
MH : The idea behind "Moments of Speed" is that in these photos, fleeting time suddenly transforms into a calm moment. The tension of the fast moment is reversed into the relaxation of contemplation. The transience of movement pauses in the picture, suddenly radiating calm.
MH : Speed and movement unfold an almost contradictory effect in the photos. The strength lies in the transformation of fleeting time into a calm moment. The speed seems to stand still, free for relaxed contemplation. Although details, sharpness and blurring resulting from the speed create their own drama, lending the static image permanent dynamism, the interesting feature is the creation of a simultaneously contradictory effect: an image that radiates calm in all the movement.
MH : The pictures will be presented as a new highlight in my customer's racing collection. The images are currently being incorporated into my website. In order to emphasise and promote the quality of my work as an award-winning reference. Furthermore, the work is presented on LinkedIn in my own presentation and can be accessed there. I am also planning publication in other media.
MH : The idea came from my desire to present or rearrange racing situations in a different context. The preliminary considerations arose successively in the run-up to the event days. I depicted situations with other sections or perspectives that could suitably represent my idea. These experiments took place on site within a few days at various other events with suitable framework conditions.
MH : In racing photos, you often see similar depictions that can no longer necessarily capture the viewer's interest. How can the same motifs be presented in a new way? The goal: to find a new, different visualisation. So I developed the idea of depicting the speed that is made visible in these situations in such a way that the viewer suddenly develops a different image through the composition, the surroundings and the colour scheme. An image that radiates calm and relaxation in the driving situation pictured. The pictures were part of a commissioned work.
MH : This point has to be discussed with the client.
MH : Creativity in photography. Presenting things differently and achieving new effects.
MH : My late brother, an excellent photographer and filmmaker, was my role model. Also with the thesis, leave out everything that is not needed so that people see what you want them to see.
MH : Motorsport fans and customers of my client.
MH : A different interpretation of the depiction of speed. The result is an image of calm in all the movement. Details, sharpness and blurring resulting from the speed create their own drama, lending the static image a permanent dynamic. The image detail, elements of the immediate surroundings, lighting and contrast as well as the choice and reduction of colours create a suitable mood.
MH : Moments of Speed? A constant moving situation, which can only be perceived as blurred, shaky or shadowy as it passes by, becomes a frozen, stable image document - a moment.
MH : Live shots at the race track. Camera Canon EOS 7D MkII, lenses Canon EF 24-105 f/4L IS, Canon EF 70-200 f/2.8L IS USM. Gopro Hero 11, post-processing with Adobe Lightroom (corrections, presets) and Photoshop if necessary.
MH : The effect achieved in two stages. Firstly, the foreground depiction of a moving object and, in the second view, the transformation of the depicted speed into a moment of calm.
MH : Together with a technician, the GoPro was positioned and attached to the vehicle. This ensured that the camera could not come loose unintentionally or impair the driving characteristics.
MH : Post-processing in Lightroom with the appropriate presets and fine-tuning the details creates an image effect that makes every picture appear even deeper, more intense and more harmonious.
MH : In post-processing, tests were carried out with various colour options, depths and presets in order to develop exactly the right profile to best bring out the ideal mood of the respective image.
MH : Due to imponderables and unforeseen circumstances, such as changes in the weather situation, the light or the organiser's planning, it is often necessary to react quickly. These moments are sometimes difficult to repeat. Adjusting to new situations immediately and giving 100% commitment, making the right decisions. Be it the choice of camera, lens, camera settings, angle of view, location.
MH : After my client was impressed by the photographs presented, I decided to enter them in the competition. I had already won a bronze award at the A' Design & Competition last year in Graphics Design category and thought I would give these photographs a try.
MH : The approach has actually confirmed my work ethic: It is important to always stay on the ball, to test new ways, to push the boundaries. Even if difficulties arise, to overcome them. To further optimise your own work and only be satisfied with the best result.
MH : Winning an award is a great motivational boost and a sign of appreciation for a creative person. In normal everyday life, you often question your work and take a very critical view of yourself. So it's a really good feeling to receive this award.
