The eye eats with you
Masterful creations of the Munotblick team put into perspective…
Client
Restaurant Munotblick, Feuerthalen
In the ten years since Daniel Riedener took over the Munotblick restaurant, he has developed the venue enormously. Today, he and his team prepare some of the most amazing dishes in the Schaffhausen area in one of the smallest kitchens in the region. Dani and Jeeva, along with their two apprentices Veronika and Orlando, cook like world champions. Indja, Corinne, and Fina ensure that guests feel at home at the table.
It was a great honor for me to photograph fifteen dishes prepared by Daniel, Veronika, and Orlando, as well as to photograph the team . The portraits are always shot in black and white. Their request was met with open ears.
«Are you sure?» - «Yep, it'll be fine.» ;-).
No more war
Silent memorials in Normandy remind us of the madness of war. Their message is more important than ever.
Client
freelance work
They stand there as silent witnesses against war – bunkers, landing platforms, military cemeteries. On the Normandy coast for around 80 years. They are memorials that remind us of the insanity of war. The most famous of these symbols is probably the bunker at Saint Marguerite-sur-Mer. During the Second World War, it was located above the cliffs. Due to ongoing erosion, there was a danger that it would one day fall from the cliff. In 1994, it was demolished from above the cliff to the beach in a controlled explosion. Gravity rotated it 90 degrees as it fell, and in this position it became embedded in the beach. I was there for two days to photograph it at different times of day and in different lighting conditions. I noticed the rusty metal reinforcements. Like scars, they run through the concrete and tell us in their own way that war always leaves wounds and scars. There are no winners in a war, only losers.
The remains of the landing platforms come from the historic Mullberry Harbor, built by the Allies in Arromanches-les-Bains. This artificial harbor and other identically constructed harbors played a crucial role in supplying troops after the Normandy landings. The structure consisted of huge concrete blocks, called caissons, sunk into the sea to create a protected harbor facility. Floating roads, called whale bridges, connected the ships to land and enabled the transport of vehicles and goods. These whale bridges were prefabricated in Great Britain in utmost secrecy, towed in sections across the English Channel, and assembled on site in Arromanches-les-Bains. Immediately after D-Day, on June 6, 1944, the ships set sail from Great Britain with the whale bridge components, and the first parts were assembled in Normandy as early as June 7, 1944. Within a few days, Mulberry B, the name of the artificial harbor, was operational. However, on June 19, 1944, it was severely damaged by a storm. Nevertheless, it remained in operation until October 1944. Hundreds of thousands of tons of material and many soldiers were brought ashore here.
As we continued driving, we discovered a painted bunker with a dove of peace, a rainbow, and colorful balloons, reminding us that peace is one of the highest goods.
I edited the images in this series – sometimes gently, sometimes intensely. Always with the goal of making these memorials as powerful as possible. Their message to us is more important than ever.
Leica – a look behind the scenes
Leica has given us a look behind the scenes: Some photos from the production of the legendary camera with the red dot
Client
freelance work related to an article for fotointern.ch
Last fall, I had the unique opportunity to create a photo reportage about the production of Leica cameras and lenses. The result was not only the photo series but also an article, which you can read on our blog.
Well
When an actress stands in front of the camera…
Client
Ana Xandry, Zürich
The photo shoot with actress Ana Xandry was really fun. Ana needs stills for her portfolio, and—as she confided in me—there's a big difference between being in front of a film camera and a still camera. For the portfolio, the photos need to be very minimalistic, both in terms of background and clothing, so that the actress's personality can fully shine through.
Angelique
Photoshoot with the co-founder of Turns Fiber Cycle
Client
Angelique Thummerer, Nuremberg
Just for fun, the co-founder of Turns Faserkreislauf agreed to a spontaneous photo shoot during a meeting. We deliberately chose a black dress against the black background to keep the focus entirely on the face. I'm always fascinated by how even small nuances in facial expressions strongly influence the impact of the image. And once again, the age-old question arises with portraits: color or black and white?
Color
Black and white
Crafts in the vineyard
Craftsmanship fascinates me. And wine, too. Therefore, it was a great pleasure and honor to photograph the WeinSTAMM Thayngen grape harvest.
Client
WeinSTAMM, Thayngen
The subject of "craftsmanship" fascinates me, and I also enjoy a good drink. The wines from the Schaffhausen region are known far and wide for their high quality. That's why I'm delighted that we can work with and for winemakers from the canton of Schaffhausen and document their work. This year we were able to photograph the WeinSTAMM grape harvest. Thank you very much for the commission. And by the way: Schaffhausen wine makes a great gift. WeinSTAMM bottles have numbers on them: the higher the number, the heavier the wine. These numbers can be used to put together beautiful gift boxes with the recipient's vintage. More information in the WeinSTAMM online shop .
The aesthetics of steel spring production
Corporate photos where I captured the aesthetics in the production process
Client
Federtechnik Kaltbrunn AG
Photos for all corporate communication.
The fairground
On our stroll through Bukhara, my friend Marco and I discovered a fairground with a somewhat morbid charm – a paradise for photographers…
On our stroll through Bukhara, my friend Marco and I discovered a somewhat dated fairground—a true paradise for photography enthusiasts. Everything exuded a somewhat morbid charm, which I tried to capture with my camera:
More photo galleries of Uzbekistan:
52 pictures from Uzbekistan
A fascinating country with incredibly friendly people: In the fall of 2024, I spent 10 days traveling in Uzbekistan, primarily in Bukhara. From over 3,000 images, I selected 52 "postcard motifs"...
In the fall of 2024, I spent 10 days traveling in Uzbekistan, spending most of it in Bukhara. A fascinating country with incredibly friendly people, offering a wealth of exciting photo opportunities. From over 3,000 photos, I selected 52 images that I would like to have produced as postcards. Here are my selections:
More photo galleries of Uzbekistan:
Plov
The art of cooking the Uzbek national dish is reserved for the Plov masters. And I had the honor of accompanying a group of them with my camera.
Client
Free work as part of my Magnum photography course in Bukhara, Uzbekistan
I, too, am back in school every now and then. Because – as the old saying goes: You never stop learning. And so I'm taking a photography course in Uzbekistan with the renowned photo agency Magnum to see what I can still learn from the best. I'm sitting in the "schoolroom" (a room in the art museum in Bukhara), when suddenly Abdou, one of the four course instructors, tugs on my sleeve. "Peter, come immediately. Take your camera with you. Do you have a wide-angle lens on it?" Yes, I do. A 21 mm fixed focal length. There's no time to bring a second lens or change it. I dash after Abdou, and after a short walk, we're standing in a backyard where a group of men are preparing two pots of the Uzbek national dish:
Plov
Some background information
Some wisdom from Wikipedia: "Plov, also known as pilaf, pilav, pilau, or palau, is originally an oriental rice dish. It is traditionally made from long-grain rice, onions, broth, and possibly meat, fish, or vegetables. In Central Asia, a stew is first cooked for Plov. At the end of the cooking time, rice is sprinkled over it, and the whole thing is covered with a little water, boiled, and then steamed. The stew contains meat, onions, and carrots, as well as other vegetables and sometimes dried fruit. Plov is traditionally cooked by men and is both an everyday dish and a festive meal. In Uzbekistan, Plov is prepared for weddings by a Plov master in a huge pot."
That's exactly how I saw and photographed it, including tasting the wonderful Plov, along with some high-proof liquids offered by the Plov master himself. After preparation, the two giant pots were wrapped in plastic wrap, loaded onto a small truck, and off they went, the precious cargo to a wedding reception.
A huge thank you to Abdou, who introduced me to the Plov chefs and also took a few making-of pictures:
More photo galleries of Uzbekistan:
Interior design
Interior design: renovated apartment in the canton of Schaffhausen
Client
imestis GmbH, Hemishofen
The imestis team is a master at renovating existing buildings. The results are always impressive. Here's an interior design example of a renovated property in the canton of Schaffhausen.
For me as a photographer, the challenge is to find a special camera position despite the sometimes limited space, to balance the mixed lighting situation so that the warm character of the room is preserved, and to correct converging lines. The latter is no problem with the Leica SL2, as the camera has a built-in function that compensates for perspective directly in the camera.
The four elements: Air
One of the four elements: air
For some time now I have been working on a series about the four elements – fire , earth , water and air.
This creates images in which nothing man-made can be seen.
The saying that we need something "like the air we breathe" shows how important air is to us humans. As one of the four elements, it provides us with the oxygen we need to live. Of course, we also need water, the warmth of fire, and the nourishment that the earth provides us. That's why they are called four elements. As you can see from the pictures, it's sometimes impossible to narrow things down to a single element. For "Air," I chose those photos where, in my opinion, the sky plays the dominant role in the image.
All motifs are available as limited edition fine art prints. You can order some motifs directly from our online shop . If you don't see the image you're looking for, send us an email with a screenshot of the motif you're interested in and the desired size. We'll contact you immediately to discuss details such as framing and paper and send you a quote.
Laura Osburn – Postures of Grief
Photo shoot for a CD cover of a great singer.
Client
Laura Osburn
In her latest album, Laura processes tragic events that she had to go through and still has to endure. For "Postures of Grief," she wanted a picture that somehow expressed this pain. Laura took her time and enjoyed experimenting, and the result was a special series of images. There were no limits in post-production—anything went. Sometimes I worked on a motif in different variations, incorporating Laura's ideas.
You can listen to and download Laura's touching album on Bandcamp .
CD Cover
We didn't design the CD cover, but we had a few ideas...
Table Tennis Club Neuhausen
Nathalia had to flee Ukraine. At the Neuhausen Table Tennis Club, she found a framework that helped her in many ways. Photo report for SAH Schaffhausen
Client
SAH Schaffhausen
Sports clubs are a crucial aid in the integration of people who have been forced to flee their homeland. Unfortunately, not all clubs are willing to open their doors to young people, many of whom still have limited German skills. Notable exceptions include the Schaffhausen Boxing Club , where we also conducted a photo report, and the Neuhausen Table Tennis Club, which has welcomed Nathalia into its training program.
Nathalia is putting in the effort, diligently learning German, and giving it her all in training. Both her German and her mental strength have improved enormously through the training. She's already leading her first training sessions and taking some of the pressure off the coach. Nathalia is already giving a lot back, and her training partners also appreciate her.
The SAH Schaffhausen is doing a lot to help refugees integrate into Switzerland. If we could award a rose like Schweizer Illustrierte does, we would give it to the SAH, but also to the sports clubs that offer such a great opportunity to foreign refugees who have fled to Switzerland. It's certainly a bit more challenging to integrate young women and men with limited language skills into training, but in most cases, the rewards are substantial.
Just like at the boxing club, Elisa Frey from SAH insisted on participating in the training. I was itching to get started, too, as I played a lot of table tennis as a kid (photos of me: Elisa Frey). After a few rallies, my old instincts and movements slowly returned, but of course, I had no chance against the outstanding Nathalia ;-)
Boxing Club Schaffhausen
Photo reportage at the Boxing Club Schaffhausen for the SAH
Client
SAH Schaffhausen
As part of the annual magazine, we photographed the Schaffhausen Boxing Club for SAH Schaffhausen . We followed Nasib with our camera in particular. He fled Afghanistan. Since he had already trained in boxing in Afghanistan, he wanted to train here again. In René Schäppi, he found an understanding trainer who doesn't discriminate against a person's country of origin. He encourages young people and treats them with respect. This attitude has led to more boys starting boxing training. Currently, nine immigrants are in training, and Nasib is already at the stage where he leads certain training sessions.
Photographically, the implementation was a challenge. The fast movements required short shutter speeds (or flash) and high frame rates. Ursula and I also brought a black background to create some images where the focus is on the people and the background is completely hidden. Looking through the images, it quickly became clear that the black and white photos, with their analogue nature, are much more powerful than the color ones.
Boxers sometimes have a negative image. They're considered primitive thugs. But a look behind the scenes reveals how demanding the training is. Strength, stamina, and coordination are all equally important. Training is essential in all three areas. SAH editor and JUMA instructor Elisa Frey participated in a training session as part of her report. Her conclusion:
"Boxing pushes you to your physical and cognitive limits – and it's actually fun! I've tried many sports, but I've never been challenged on so many levels. If you're looking for a full-body workout, boxing is the right choice!"
The four elements: Earth
Earth should be the most familiar of the four elements to us. We walk on it every day.
For some time now I have been working on a series about the four elements – fire , earth, water and air .
This creates images in which nothing man-made can be seen.
The earth—and thus also plants and animals—is probably our most familiar element. We move around on it constantly. But the air should also be very familiar to us, because we move in it. The earth images were created on various continents. Of course, the other elements are also represented in some of the pictures. But I have selected images in which, in my opinion, the earthy element dominates.
Some motifs from the Four Elements series are available as limited edition fine art prints, and you can order them directly from our online shop . If you don't see the image you're looking for, send us an email with a screenshot of the motif you're interested in and the desired size. We'll contact you immediately to discuss details such as framing and paper and send you a quote.
Every shoe tells a story
Used shoes, each of which tells a story, realized in beautiful studio light
Client
free long-term project
Why not put used shoes in the beautiful studio light? Because every shoe tells a story. There are the ballet dancer's ballet flats, into which the wearer's countless hours of practice and pain are literally engraved. Or the firefighter's boots, where the ash from the missions has bonded with the leather of the shoes. The jogging shoes that have logged many kilometers on their wearer's feet. And so on. The series has just started. It will be expanded further.
Glass plate
Glass plates from the Hadermann factory in Beringen
Client
Hadermann Glas-Design & Manufaktur, Beringen
Steel spring art
Steel springs as art objects
Client
Egli Federnfabrik AG, Volketswil
The task was to photograph steel springs not in a conventional way, but in an artistic way.
The four elements: water
One of the four elements: water in all states of matter
For some time now I have been working on a series about the four elements – fire , earth , water, air .
This creates images in which nothing man-made can be seen.
Water is one of the most fascinating things in nature. It behaves differently than all other elements because it does not have its highest density at its coldest point, but rather at +4°C. If this were not the case, all living things would die in cold water. In the gaseous state, the boundary between water and air is fluid. As with all elements, my wife Ursula and I seek motifs for "water" that are more abstract and have a certain mystery about them.
All motifs are available as limited edition fine art prints. You can order some motifs directly from our online shop . If you don't see the image you're looking for, send us an email with a screenshot of the motif you're interested in and the desired size. We'll contact you immediately to discuss details such as framing and paper and send you a quote.
The four elements: fire
One of the four elements: fire – captured in Iceland during the volcanic eruption at Litli-Hrutur
For some time now I have been working on a series about the four elements – fire, earth , water and air .
This creates images in which nothing man-made can be seen.
Fire challenged me. Because fire is almost always man-made. In some places on the planet, gases escape and burn. And then there are volcanoes. The images in this series are from the 2023 volcanic eruption near Litli-Hrutur in Iceland. As always, my goal is not to depict something, but to find the artistic interpretation that nature offers us. Together with my wife Ursula, I seek motifs that are more abstract and have a certain mystery about them.
All motifs are available as limited edition fine art prints. You can order some motifs directly from our online shop . If you don't see the image you're looking for, send us an email with a screenshot of the motif you're interested in and the desired size. We'll contact you immediately to discuss details such as framing and paper and send you a quote.
The most famous plane wreck
For 50 years, the silver fuselage of the DC3 has been lying on the black lava sand just west of Vik. Some pictures and information about this now very famous aircraft wreck...
Whenever I'm in Iceland, I'm always drawn to what's probably the most famous aircraft wreck—a transport plane that's been lying just west of Vik for 50 years. Month after month, weather and bargain hunters decimate the remains. From time to time, friends ask me what this wreck is all about. If you're interested in the story of this aircraft, you'll find more information after the photo galleries at the bottom of this page .
The silver fuselage on the black lava sand is predestined for a stark black-and-white rendering. I edited the images in Lightroom to capture the somewhat surreal atmosphere of the scene. I photographed the wreckage three times – in July 2023, January 2019, and July 2014, during our first trip to Iceland. As you can see, over these nine years, bargain hunters have dismantled a significant portion of the aircraft into small pieces and taken home.
July 2023
January 2019
July 2014
History
This airplane wreck has been lying on the beach at Solheimsandur since 1973. It is not, as is often assumed, a DC3, but a converted Douglas C-117 used by American soldiers to transport their supplies.
Iceland has some of the most volatile weather in the world. Navigational aids were still relatively primitive at the time, resulting in more US military aircraft crashes on the tiny Kentucky-sized island than almost anywhere else in the world. According to public military documents from the Air Force and Navy, there were no fewer than 385 accidents involving US military aircraft in Iceland between 1941 and 1973. That's roughly one accident every 31 days for 33 consecutive years.
"You have to understand that the weather in Iceland is a very powerful force. It probably changes faster than anywhere else in the world, except for the poles, and that's why we don't usually fly over the poles," said Lieutenant Gregory Fletcher, the 26-year-old co-pilot in training, after the accident.
Let’s turn back the clock about 50 years:
Dramatic moments on board
It is November 21, 1973, the day before Thanksgiving. Captain James Wicke's C-117 is on a transport flight from Keflavik to the military base near Höfn. During the flight, the weather worsens. The temperature drops rapidly to -10°C, and wind gusts increase to nearly 100 km/h. The carburetor begins to ice over. As the weather worsens, the battle against the elements is lost. Both engines freeze and stop.
Captain Wicke sends out a distress signal and attempts to restart the engines. The distress signal is picked up by another Air Force aircraft, and three planes and two helicopters are immediately airborne. All ships passing Iceland's south coast are alerted, as it is unknown exactly where the aircraft will land after co-pilot Lieutenant Gregory Fletcher, a 26-year-old trainee pilot with only 21 hours of C-117 flight experience, makes a daring decision:
For reasons still unknown to me, Fletcher takes over the piloting from James Wicke. He knows that if he continues inland, the plane will crash into a mountain—which would mean certain death for him, the pilot, and the five passengers. So he chooses the better of two options: He'll attempt a landing on the ocean to give them at least a small chance of survival.
The plane continues to lose altitude and breaks through the clouds. Fletcher spots a coastline ahead—"a damn thing that looked like the moon," he later says. He brings the plane down and slides 27 meters over the sand dune. During the emergency landing, the propellers bend, the engine cowling is crushed, and the fuel tanks burst. The C-117 comes to rest six meters from the waterline. Fletcher saves the lives of all seven passengers.
"That was the softest landing I've ever experienced," Howard Rowley, Air Force Master Sergeant and passenger on board, would later say.
The rescue
A farmer near the crash site hears the noise of the emergency landing. He and his wife rush to their tractor and battle their way through the snowstorm to the beach, unaware of what awaits them there. Other farmers in the area follow suit, and the nearest search and rescue (SAR) team, stationed in Vik, also sets out. From radio data on the aircraft's speed and altitude, they had already calculated that the plane would land on Sólheimasandur, somewhere between Mýrdalssandur and the Atlantic. At 2:00 p.m., just an hour after the emergency landing, the rescue team from Vík arrives at the aircraft – just as the survivors are being airlifted away by an air force search helicopter. At the military base in Keflavík, it turns out that the people survived the crash unharmed, not even a scratch – something that cannot be said for the aircraft.
Dismantling the aircraft
Dismantling of the aircraft began immediately. The 800 liters of fuel the C-117 still had on board were handed over to the SAR. This was enough to power the snowmobiles and rescue vehicles for the next few years. The wings were sawed off, the cockpit dismantled, and the engines removed. Everything that could be salvaged from the C-117 was salvaged. Two days after the crash, the fuselage lay like a skeleton in the black, apocalyptic desert. The US military simply abandoned the 10,000-pound fuselage on the beach and made off.
Why is the C-117 still on Sólheimasandur?
According to Friðþór Eydal, who was in charge of public affairs for the Icelandic Armed Forces under US command from 1983 to 2006, the stationing agreement between the two nations stipulated that if a US aircraft crashed in Iceland, the US would cover 85 percent of the salvage costs, but the Icelandic government would be responsible for removing the wreckage.
"This scenario would only occur if a landowner claimed the right to remove the wreck," says Eydal. "And that has almost never happened in a place like Iceland."
And why? According to Eydal, there are two reasons: First, the island is 80 percent uninhabited, and more than 60 percent of the land is covered by glaciers. Second, due to its harsh climate and limited natural resources, Iceland has to import almost everything. Therefore, Icelanders tend not to waste recyclable materials and creatively repurpose what little they have. When planes crashed, resourceful Icelanders transformed the remains of the aircraft into roofs, fences, and other household items. The military was fine with that—a kind of win-win situation...
Image: Thorir Kjartansson
A rare photo
A member of the Icelandic rescue team at the time, Þórir Kjartansson, took a photo of the aircraft one day after the emergency landing – still with its engines and wings. As can be seen in the photo, the aircraft was positioned somewhat differently then. The current position is the result of the disassembly of the engines and wings.
And she is still there
Today, almost exactly 50 years later, the C-117 still stands on the deserted beach of Solheimansandur, but heavily decimated by bargain hunters who like to take home a souvenir.
We can only imagine the rollercoaster of emotions the seven people experienced on November 21, 1973. The great fear on board when they realized the plane was no longer controllable. Screams? Prayers? We don't know. But we can imagine the silence after the emergency landing: Gregory managed to land the plane. Everyone was uninjured. Deep sighs of relief. Gratitude. Perhaps a prayer of thanks.
We should keep all this in mind when we visit the most famous airplane wreck in the world on the south coast of Iceland.
Photos 22/23 SAH Schaffhausen
The SAH is doing a great job integrating refugees into Switzerland. But that's not all: It also offers a daycare center and other services. Here are some photos we were able to create for the SAH in recent months.
Client
Swiss Workers' Relief Organization SAH, Schaffhausen
Photos for the homepage and the annual magazine 22/23 , which we were also allowed to design.
Nina Burri
Some reportage photos of Nina Burri's impressive show as a contortionist.
Client
Clientis, Savings and Loan Bank Thayngen AG, Thayngen
Nina Burri is an actress, model, presenter, and contortionist—or, as the technical term goes, a contortionist. I took some photos of her impressive show as part of the general meeting of Clientis Spar- und Leihkasse Thayngen AG . You can learn more about Nina Burri on her website .
All images © by Peter Schäublin and Nina Burri. Publication without written consent is prohibited (this applies generally, but it's worth mentioning again).
Camera: Leica SL2 with SL 90 – 280 mm
Iceland in black and white
As always, I enjoy creating photo series in black and white. Here are some of my recent Iceland photos in black and white.
Iceland has captivated me for some time now. And as always, I try to incorporate black and white motifs from the photos I take. Here's a selection of black and white photos from my recent trips to Iceland.
The images were taken with the Leica SL, Leica SL2 and the Leica S3.
Ariane
Sometimes photo shoots turn out completely differently than expected. That's what happened with Ariane's photo shoot...
Client
free project in collaboration with Ariane
I actually wanted to create a relatively classic portrait of Ariane for my series "(Extra)ordinary People," and we also planned for me to photograph Ariane in her firefighter uniform. Since Ariane brought along time, a few different outfits, and a desire to experiment, the result was a completely different set of shots. But first things first...
(Extra)ordinary people
The firefighter
Just for fun
The black art
A kind of back to the roots: black and white photography for a black art company…
Client
Schaffhausen printing works
Although a lot has changed in the printing industry, the offset printing process is still based on the same principle: One or more colors - usually the four primary colors cyan, magenta, yellow and black - are applied to the paper. The ink is absorbed by cylindrical printing plates from the inking unit and transferred to a rubber blanket. The rubber blanket transfers the ink to the paper. The colors are translucent. This means that around 16.7 million shades of color can be mixed from the four primary colors. Because the printing process initially only ran in a single color, and the entire environment with the lead type and the black presses was rather dark, the printing process is still called "the black art" today. So it made sense to convert some of the images from the reportage for the Schaffhausen printing plant into black and white images - a bit of a back to the roots, so to speak ;-).
I took digital color photos with the Leica SL2 with the SL Summilux 1.4/50mm and the SL Apo-Summicron 2.0/35mm.
A very nice compliment
After the first photo shoot, the client was so impressed with the black-and-white images that he immediately booked a second shoot. And when I arrived for the second shoot, I saw that the printer had already produced postcards with images from the first shoot. That's a very nice compliment for me as a photographer.
The employees also had a very positive experience with the shoot. 14 days after the second shoot, I received a short message from Urs Wohlgemuth, the owner of Druckwerk Schaffhausen:
"Thank you so much for the fantastic shoots. I noticed how it gave our team a motivational boost. They're still talking about these photos."
Photo reportage with analogue character
Implementation of a photo reportage in analogue style
Client
Condecta AG, Winterthur
There are sometimes photographic subjects that really call for special image processing. This was the case with the photo reportage about MobiToils from the company Condecta: small, portable toilets that are placed on large construction sites in high-rise buildings. Because when a construction worker is working on the 16th floor of a high-rise, there is no toilet in the building, no elevator, and in some cases not even a staircase. Therefore, the company Condecta distributes small, portable toilets across the various floors. When three high-rise buildings are being built at once, that's quite a lot of toilets, which then have to be constantly emptied and cleaned by employees. Everything has to be done quickly, and it's a tough world on the construction site.
That's why I've prepared a small series of images with an analog look – fitting the theme, so to speak: black and white with vignetting and film grain. The good old analog days were beautiful after all ;-).
As always, I shot digitally in color with the Leica SL2. Everything had to be done quickly, so I shot with the two excellent SL zooms—the SL 16-35 and the SL 24-90mm.
Chläggi Living House
Corporate Photography for Casa Viva Chläggi, mostly in connection with the reconstruction and reopening of the two renovated houses
Client
Casa Viva Chläggi, Hallau and Neunkirch
As part of the redesign and ongoing renovation of the two buildings, we supported the Casa Viva Chläggi team with their communications efforts. In addition to designing the logo and website, we created a pool of photos: exterior shots, some with a drone, and various Casa Viva Chläggi activities, including visits from therapy dogs, work in the kitchen, children from the Spatzennescht daycare center visiting the Casa Viva kitchen, activation therapy, and more. As part of the reopening following the renovation of the two buildings, we worked with the Casa Viva team to compile a magazine that was distributed to the households of the "Casa Viva communities."
Camargue salt
Some impressions from a salt production plant in the Camargue, taken during a Leica photography workshop
Client
Images taken during a Leica workshop in the Camargue
Salt doesn't seem to let me go. After the major photo reportage with the Leica SL2 in Brittany, I was drawn back to France and the salt. This time, however, to the Camargue. As part of the photo festival in Arles, I organized a photography workshop for Leica together with my friend Christian Habermeier . In the afternoon, we spent some time with the participants in a salt production facility. The window of time was short, but we managed to get a few shots that I'd like to share here. The images were shot with the Leica S3 – a camera that delivers data of a quality that never ceases to amaze me.
And no – the seagulls are not airbrushed in ;-).
Photos 21/22 SAH Schaffhausen
Photos for the annual magazine 21/22 of SAH Schaffhausen
Client
Swiss Workers' Relief Organization SAH, Schaffhausen
Photos for the annual magazine 21/22, which we were also allowed to design.
Kind of Art
When the boundaries between painting and photography, between reality and fiction, disappear. More of an art are images that appear before my inner eye like dream worlds and develop step by step.
What if painting and photography merge? I don't paint with a brush, but I intervene in my photographs, making them more dream worlds than reality. It's an experiment in which I intuitively manipulate and process my photos. Much of this process is accidental. The result doesn't have to have anything to do with the original image; it should convey vibrations and emotions.
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Busstation Bellinzona
Fascinating bus station in Bellinzona with a reflective roof
Client
allega GmbH Niederglatt
Workshop Liechtblick Schaffhausen
The new bus station in Bellinzona features a fascinating implementation: the undersides of the canopies are all mirrored. The concept placed high demands on the materials and precision during installation.
Photos taken by Peter and Ursula Schäublin.
SAH Schaffhausen
Photos for various communication channels of SAH Schaffhausen
Client
Swiss Workers' Relief Organization SAH, Schaffhausen
Photos for various communication channels, especially for the annual magazine that we are allowed to design for the SAH Schaffhausen.
Nepal
Photos from the projects of Himalayan Life , a Swiss-Canadian NGO that operates in various locations in Nepal and does great work.
Client
Himalayan Life, Switzerland / Canada
In April 2018, I was privileged to photograph the opening of a school in the earthquake-damaged Yangri Valley for Himalayan Life . On another trip, I visited most of Himalayan Life's projects with Ursula and my friends Christian Habermeier and Denise Wiltse. We created film and photo material for this wonderful NGO's communication channels:
In Pokhara
In Pokhara, Himalayan Life has built Nepal's only PET recycling facility. This is done to create jobs for street boys and thus open up future prospects for them. The boys also have the opportunity to complete an apprenticeship. Himalayan Life also offers programs in Pokhara where kids can play together and participate in sports.
Yangri
The entire Yangri Valley was severely affected by the 2015 earthquake in the Kathmandu region. Many people died and countless others were left homeless. In the initial phase, Himalayan Life helped rebuild homes and infrastructure. But education is one of the key factors for making a long-term impact. Therefore, in 2018, Himalayan Life opened a school in the valley's remotest village, where children from Yangri and the surrounding mountain villages receive an education. The entire community supports this project. Tragically, the school was virtually completely destroyed by a spring tide on the night of June 14-15, 2021. Parents begged the teachers to stay. To contribute to the reconstruction, we launched the 750_Yangri project, and we are delighted that the school's reconstruction is almost 100% funded. You can learn more about Yangri and Himalayan Life's commitment to this beautiful valley in our film "Transformation."
Chitwan
Chitwan is located in the very south of Nepal, and with its tropical climate, it doesn't necessarily fit the usual image we have of Nepal. Himalayan Life also offers many sports and social programs here. The floorball game in the jungle on the sandy ground was definitely one of the greatest sporting events of my life.
Ladakh
Many Nepalis live in exile in Ladakh, northern India. Their parents work in difficult construction conditions. They move like nomads from construction site to construction site, often living in tents, even though temperatures often drop into the double-digit minus range in winter. To ensure the children receive an education, Himalayan Life has opened a home where they can be. They not only receive food and a place to sleep, but also experience respect and love.
A day in the hospital
A day at the Cantonal Hospital Frauenfeld - a photo report for the Swiss Professional Association of Nurses SBK-ASI
Client
Swiss Professional Association of Nurses SBK - ASI
On behalf of the SBK (Social Disability Insurance Fund), I was able to photograph a day at the Frauenfeld Cantonal Hospital, naturally respecting the privacy of staff and patients. I edited some of the photos in black and white. Nowhere are life and death as close together as in a hospital. This day was correspondingly emotional for me, and my respect for the nursing staff—already very high—increased even further. They are true heroes and deserve our utmost respect.
If
India is both disturbing and fascinating. On several trips, I have captured images of this fascinating subcontinent and its people.
How fascinating and disturbing this subcontinent and its people are. Countless unforgettable encounters. A big thank you to our friends Ram and Charlotte Bhalla. Without them, we would never have discovered the fascination of this indescribable country.
Color images
Black and white pictures
Pacific Northwest Coast
For me, the Pacific Northwest coast is one of the most beautiful regions on the planet. I've often kayaked there and enjoyed the indescribable power of nature.
The Pacific Northwest coast, with its coastal rainforest, stretches from Vancouver to just above Juneau. This mysterious region with many islands is home to many plants and animals, including the spirit bear, one of the rarest animals on the planet. I have often kayaked in this area and hope to spend many more weeks in this wonderful, wild landscape, which touches the soul in a very special way. From the smallest flowers to the mighty whale, everything here breathes the infinite power of the Creator. And it is not for nothing that the Inuit say:
When you encounter a whale, your soul finds peace.
The Power of the Elements
Powerful images from nature without anything man-made – The Power of the Elements.
Powerful.
Quiet.
Loud.
Tender.
Fragile.
Monumental.
Empty.
Excessive.
In this gallery, I've compiled photographs that visualize the qualities of nature. None of the images contain anything man-made. I also deliberately omitted any animal photos from the selection. Simply pure nature. No postcard-style romanticism, but raw, angular photos with the untamed energy of all the elements: fire, water, air, earth. And plants that belong to the earth. These are transcendent photographs. Beyond the visible, they resonate with something within us. For me, hidden within this lies the pulse of the Creator, with which I can harmonize. This brings peace and strength.
Restaurant Munotblick
Photos for a great restaurant with a view of the Munot
Client
Restaurant Munotblick, Feuerthalen
Photos for various communication channels, especially for the homepage.
24-hour Zurich Airport
Taking photos 24 hours nonstop at Zurich Airport – with just one camera and a fixed focal length. An experiment.
Client
freelance work as part of a Leica lens test
24 hours of nonstop photography at Zurich Airport, with just one camera – the Leica SL – and one fixed lens – the Leica SL 1.4/50 mm. Less equipment, more time. Special thanks to Rémy Brunner. Without him, this project would not have been possible.
My assistant Lea shot some making-of footage, resulting in this behind-the-scenes film:
Defense Paris
Impressions from the Défense, Paris, were taken as part of a camera test.
Client
freelance work as part of a camera test for Panasonic
Some photos of the Défense Paris, taken as part of a camera test with the Panasonic S1H and the two Leica SL 35 mm f/2.0 and 90 mm f/2.0 lenses. Special thanks to Michel Planson for showing us the secret corners. Photos realized by Peter and Ursula Schäublin.
And because the Panasonic S1H can film in 6K, I also created a short, poetic clip with impressions of the city of love. I filmed everything handheld and stabilized it in post-production with Adobe Premiere Pro.
House on Lake Constance
A gem in a dream location, renovated with love and care by Imestis.
Client
imestis GmbH, Hemishofen
A house full of character, situated in a beautiful elevated location overlooking the Untersee, renovated by Imestis GmbH. The carefully and tastefully selected furnishings also convey pure joy of living, balanced and immediately creating a casual, airy impression, inviting you to linger.
Bottinelli House, Ticino
A villa in Ticino on a steep slope that was formerly a vineyard.
Client
Ecolite AG, Wolfhausen
Rust in its most beautiful form. The client requested a uniform roof and facade cladding made of CorTen steel panels with an irregular joint pattern. The CorTen steel panels rust very quickly on the outside but remain corrosion-free on the inside for several decades – some say even over 100 years. The building's location, setting, and architecture are exceptional.
WeinSTAMM
Wine manufacturer at Tonwerkstrasse 4 in Thayngen.
Client
IHT, Rafz
WeinSTAMM, Thayngen
Wine manufacturer located at Tonwerkstrasse 4 in Thayngen. At this location, WeinStamm combines winemaking, sales, and customer experiences centered around wine. The simple, spacious new wooden building impresses with its formal elegance and commitment to quality: local wood and local craftsmen were deliberately used for construction. The engineering work was carried out by IHT Rafz. A light-filled sales area invites you to a shopping experience. The spacious tasting room and the idyllic courtyard can be used for customer events as well as corporate or family celebrations.
Cooking class with Urs
Urs Leu of Leu Event Catering also offers cooking classes. I was able to film one of these classes.
Client
Leu Event Catering GmbH, Thayngen
For Leu Event Catering, I was able to document a cooking class with my camera. Reportage photography, the kind I love. In keeping with the theme, I gave the pictures a special look. What was special about this cooking class: about every 20 minutes, everyone involved, including the photographer, took a sniff...
Guérande salt
Reportage about the salt farmers of Guérande in northwest France.
The salt of the sea
They're all freedom-loving. And a bit anarchistic. The salt farmers of Guérande in northwestern France. Salt used to be white gold. So it's no surprise that the beginnings of salt production in Brittany date back to the Neolithic period. The approximately 2,000-hectare salt marshes of Guérande are the largest of their kind. Around 300 salt farmers, known locally as "paludiers" (from the Latin word "palus," meaning marsh), cultivate the plots. Most of them belong to a cooperative; only a handful market the salt themselves. Pascal and Delphine market the salt themselves (see also their website www.sel2guerande.com ).
With a deft hand, Pascal wields the "las," a wooden scraper with a very long handle. He uses it to pull the salt that crystallizes at the bottom of the basin out of the water. It's all done by hand. No machines. Pascal likes it. This allows him to support himself with minimal overhead. Independent. A little wild and anarchic, in fact. He's his own boss and can organize his working hours himself. The salt harvest itself can only take place in good weather. That's around 40 days a year. In this short period, he and two seasonal workers dredge up to 150 tons of salt from the basins. That's sometimes 4,000 kg per day, which has to be transported by hand from the fields in wheelbarrows. The "normal" salt, the gros sel, has a slightly grayish color because the salt crystals combine with the minerals of the clay in the basins. This makes the white gold somewhat grayish, but even more nutritionally valuable. Each salt miner piles up his salt in a mountain next to his fields. From time to time, the mountain is transported by truck to a storage depot. When it rains, the depot must be covered, otherwise the white gold melts and is lost.
While Pascal and his seasonal workers pull the bulk sel from the basins, Delphine skims the fleur de sel with a deft hand. Unlike regular salt, it crystallizes on the water's surface, has larger crystals, and is somewhat milder. It is the most valuable salt. In upscale restaurants, it is served on the table so that guests can add a special touch to their dishes with the fleur de sel.
Every salt tastes different. Salt can smell clean, musty, or bitter. It can taste mild, sharp, or pungent, like seaweed, clay, or earth. Fleur de Sel de Guérande is highly sought after for its delicate violet scent.
White gold brought wealth to Guérande. This naturally also attracted the attention of the powerful. In 1343, King Philippe VI of Valois secured the salt monopoly by decree and introduced the "gabelle," or salt tax. This, in turn, brought smugglers, the "faux-saunier," into play. They bought salt in Brittany, which was still independent of France at the time, and then resold it in Maine—in France—after "importing" it without paying the salt tax. They risked being sentenced to service on the galleys if they worked unarmed, and the death penalty if they carried weapons. After numerous popular uprisings, the salt tax was finally abolished by the Constituent National Assembly on December 1, 1790.
In the 1960s, the Guérande salt fields declined in importance due to advancing industrialization and the associated rural exodus of young people to larger cities. It was the "babacools," dropouts and hippies, who, in search of a life closer to nature, rediscovered the ancient cultural landscape in the 1970s and revived salt production techniques with the support and knowledge of the elders.
And when you see Pascal with his hat on while packing the salt, he also has a certain "babacool" air about him. With a satisfied smile, he seals bag after bag, knowing that he is his own boss and that the white gold is loyal to him and his family, providing them with everything they need.
All images (except for the drone photos) were taken with the Leica SL2 and the three SL zooms 16–35, 24–90 and 90–280 mm.
Photos for Rahel's Pumpkin Seed Cookbook
Photos for Rahel's pumpkin seed cookbook, which we were also allowed to design.
Client
Brütsch earth-connected GmbH, Schaffhausen
Rahel Brütsch of Brütsch erdverbunden GmbH had the idea of publishing a pumpkin seed cookbook. To make the project as efficient as possible, she cooked all the dishes on the same day (!). A group of invited guests were able to sample the exquisite dishes, and we photographed all the menus, along with atmospheric shots. These images and Rahel's manuscripts formed the basis of the cookbook , which we were also commissioned to design.
BCF Arena
Photos of the BCF Arena façade, which was jointly planned and realized by five companies.
Client
Allega GmbH, Niederglatt
bfik Architectes, Fribourg
Ecolite AG, Wolfhausen
Morand Constructions Métalliques, Fribourg
Werkstätte Liechtblick, Schaffhausen
The outer shell of the BCF Arena was planned, produced, and installed by five companies. For the first time in history, elements were installed with a 50% surface area cutout. Previously, 30% was considered the maximum possible. More information about this extraordinary project can be found in our film "Extend the Limits."
Abbassia Rahmani
Abassia Rahmani is a top athlete and member of the Swiss Paralympic Team. As part of a Sony Alpha 1 test, I was able to accompany her with my camera for two hours during her training in a former factory hall.
Client
freelance work as part of a camera test for Sony
Abassia Rahmani is a top athlete and member of the Swiss Paralympic Team. I saw a report about her last year and was very impressed by her personality. Now, as part of a Sony Alpha 1 test, I had the opportunity to accompany her for two hours during her training in an old factory hall. I wanted to capture some aesthetically pleasing images and a portrait of her. The time frame was tight, and I wanted to disturb her training as little as possible. We managed to capture some great shots, and it was a great privilege to meet such a wonderful person.
Otterealp
Four days on the Otterealp to document the work of an alpine cheese-making couple…
Client
freelance work as part of a test for Fujifilm
To put the new FUJFILM GFX100 through its paces, we spent four days on the Otterealp above Frutigen. We were looking for a setting that offered as many different shooting situations as possible – landscape, reportage, portrait, stills. With Fredy and Lea, passionate mountain farmers and cheesemakers, we found all the photography disciplines. And we met some great people.
other 2020 – 2021
The photos taken over the past 12 months are as diverse as altra. A small selection...
Client
altra schaffhausen, Schaffhausen
The photos taken over the past 12 months are as diverse as altra. Here's a small selection.
1969 Dodge Charger R/T, 440 Magnum
Photo shoot with an automotive rarity from 1969
Rarely does one have the privilege of photographing such a beautiful and rare car – a Dodge Charger R/T 440 Magnum. The car is over 50 years old and still in virtually all its original condition. This car type was built in various versions from 1966 to 1978 as a sports coupe for the American mid-range segment. The name "440 Magnum" derives from its displacement in cubic inches. The Charger's racing successes were meager, but today, when the 7.2-liter engine unleashes its deep rumble onto the eardrums, it's music to the ears of muscle car fans. Further information about the Dodge Charger can be found on Wikipedia.
WBI
Photos for various communication channels of Wüst Bauingenieure AG
Client
WBI, Wüst Civil Engineers AG, Schaffhausen and Regensdorf
WBI realizes demanding projects in the fields of civil engineering, building construction, infrastructure construction, railway construction, municipal engineering, surveying, and consulting. Our clients include companies, private developers, and the public sector. We have developed a core collection of photos that are used for various communication channels.
Medical practice, Neuhausen
Photos of a doctor's office in Neuhausen.
Client
Kreativ Küchen GmbH, Schaffhausen
A doctor's office in the newly renovated SIG complex. I couldn't resist the temptation and took a few photos in the stairwell. Many thanks to the Urology Practice at the Rheinfall, Neuhausen.
Stadler Rail
Great photo shoot with two Stadler Rail employees for the cover of the sustainability brochure.
Client
Stadler Rail Management AG, Bussnang
Great photo shoot with two Stadler Rail employees for the cover of the sustainability brochure
Models: Gertrud Nyikus and Lacle Adjelevi Huguette
Art Direction: Christoph Heini and Gabi Gassner, Stadler Rail
And this is what the finished cover of the brochure, designed by Gabi Gassner, looks like:
kuerbiskern.ch
Photos for the pumpkin pioneers of Schaffhausen
Client
Brütsch earth-connected GmbH, Schaffhausen
The Brütschs are pumpkin pioneers. Their dedication has even been recognized with the Swiss Agricultural Prize. I'm thrilled about that. In addition to photos for communication purposes, we were also able to create Rahel's pumpkin seed cookbook and the website with online shop . And over two years, I documented the various "pumpkin phases," from blossom to finished product. Here's a selection of my favorite photos:
Mustermann
Photo shoot for a fashion label of our employee Gabi Mache
Client
Mustermann, wages
Old Earth
Photos from two visits to the picturesque Ticino village of Terra Vecchia, taken as part of my photography course.
Client
freelance work as part of my photography courses
It's interesting to visit a place several times to take pictures. In June 2017 and September 2018, I visited Terra Vecchia with the participants of my photography course and created a series of images. In 2017, extensive renovation work was still underway.
All images were shot with a Leica SL. Some of the photos have been lightly toned, and some were edited with HDR. Both serve to capture the atmosphere I felt on location.
