Ringo Kliemann - Portrait photography

Born in Lower Lusatia, Germany, in 1970, Ringo Kliemann developed a deep fascination for people as a child - especially those who were different, came from faraway places, or radiated something special. His mother didn't always like it when he stared at strangers or spontaneously engaged them in conversation. But this interest in other people's stories and peculiarities was at the core of his personality from an early age, and eventually led him to portrait photography. Even then, he was trying to capture people with a cardboard camera, a game that would never let him go.

After fleeing to the West in the late 1980s, Ringo borrowed a friend's camera and began taking photographs in earnest. He was particularly drawn to introspective people left alone with their thoughts. Tragically, these early works were stolen along with the negatives, a loss that affected him so deeply that he did not pick up a camera again for over 15 years. But the impressions and experiences of that time remained alive in his mind and heart until 2019, when he saw his mother's old Nikon as a new opportunity to rekindle his love of portrait photography.

Today, in his adopted home of Berlin-Pankow, where he has lived since 2015, Ringo dedicates himself to portrait photography with the same passion and openness as in his youth. Amidst the city's cultural diversity, he finds countless faces and stories, emotions and vibrancy that he captures with his camera. What drives him is what he calls "anima" - the soul of a person. For Ringo, it is universal, regardless of color, religion or background. It is what counts and what he wants to make visible through his photography.

His portraits are clear, precise and full of intensity. He usually works in black and white to focus on the essential: the people themselves. There are no color distractions in his work, as light and shadow take on the task of shaping emotion and enhancing depth of expression. Ringo's empathetic nature and relaxed approach create an atmosphere where models can be authentic and uninhibited. No strict guidelines, no pressure - his portraits are created in the moment, without rigid rules. This allows him to capture the personality of his models in a way that is true to them while still bearing his unmistakable signature.

In the series "ANIMA by Good Soul Pictures", which will be exhibited in the Wolfdietrich Schnurre Library in 2021, Ringo impressively demonstrates how deeply he is able to immerse himself in the essence of his models. The paintings emanate a special calm and intensity that allows the viewer to connect with the emotions depicted. His penchant for subtle contrasts and the play of light and shadow make for powerful yet sensitive depictions of the human condition. Each painting conveys its own mood - sometimes melancholy, sometimes full of joie de vivre - and invites the viewer to pause and reflect.

[ Text 10Photos ]

10Photos says: Ringo Kliemann's portraits are more than just photographs - they capture emotions and tell stories that touch us directly. We feel that we know the people behind the images, that we can feel their feelings and moods. This special blend of authenticity, depth and clear imagery is what makes his work so fascinating and ensures that the viewer not only looks, but is immersed in the world of the people portrayed. This is portrait photography at its finest. We are captivated by the images and more than thrilled.

More pictures of Ringo Kliemann full of joy and emotion can be found on Instagram @good_soul_pictures.

...

FROM THE SAME CATEGORY