by Yvette Depaepe 
Published the 14th of June 2021

Erhard Batzdorf  has a diversified portfolio of outstanding images in several categories such as air show photography, dance photography, architecture photography including bridges and more.  Discover some more about the man behind his images through this interview and enjoy !

'View upwards' (Dusseldorf – Germany)

Even as a teenager I was enthusiastic about photography and learned the basic elements of photography. In the beginning I photographed my surroundings, friends and family, later I added sports and special events.
The enthusiasm for sports and big events have remained until today.
Since 2009, I have regularly travelled to the Hanse Sail, one of the largest maritime events, as an accredited photographer.

'Wylde Swan'

I live near the Dutch border and have only a short drive to the great Dutch and Belgian air shows. A small air show photo fan group has already formed.

'Magic Airshow II'

'Perfect show'

As a young man I got to know a ballet group through acquaintances, admired their personal commitment and tried to show the aesthetics of movement and bodies.... until today :)

'danced the movie'

'Body sculpture part 5'

'striped legs'

In 2002 I bought my first digital camera and got to know the incredible possibilities of digital editing. I really learned Photoshop and still use it today. Lately I've been sympathising more and more with Affinity Photo ;-)

From 2007 onwards, a very active period began with numerous participations in art markets, group and small solo exhibitions, activities in photo groups and photo communities, successful participation in numerous photo competitions. 

Outstanding certainly is the BREWERRENT FOR LIFE, a winning creative competition of the Krefeld brewery KÖNIGSHOF. For 11 years I have received a crate of beer every month, if that is not an argument for our beautiful hobby :)

In 2009, I was in Valencia for the first time and was immediately captivated by Calatrava's artful architecture. These snow-white, elegant constructions never let me go and were the start of my intense interest in architecture.
It was quite difficult for me to choose the architectural pictures, after all, I have accumulated 10 TB pictures in the meantime.

'Duch settlement'

'Havenhuis'

 
'Modern lines'

'Great View' (La Defense)

'Philharmonie' (Hall LUX)

'light well' (Bonnefantenmuseum)

'Dynamic view (La Defense)

'A little part' (Bilbao)

Bridges have a special significance for me, here are three examples from my area:

'Uerdingen Bridge (1)'

'Uerdingen Bridge (2)'

'rush hour' (Wesel Rhine Bridge)

So, what remains to be said? I enjoy going on photo tours with photo friends, communication and togetherness are important to me. Photography has enriched my life wonderfully.

Of course, tours are well prepared, which increases the anticipation and the quality of the photos. For longer trips I like to take the lightweight Sony (A7r3) and for day trips and sporting events the very reliable Canon (5Ds R).

The creative and photographic quality of 1x is brilliant. An eternally bubbling pool of great images with endless inspiration, also for your own further development.

A big thank you to Yvette for the invitation to the interview and for the realisation of this article.

Erhard Batzdorf